Post on 17-Dec-2015
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The Process TechnicianThe Process Technician
Introduction to Process TechnologyPTAC 1302
WCJC – Fall 2014
TopicsTopics
• Where Do They Work?• Job Outlook• What They Do (Roles)• Responsibilities• Qualifications – knowledge and skills, interpersonal
skills, education• Physical Capabilities Needed• Mental Capabilities Needed• The Shiftwork Life• Workforce Organization• Future Trends
Where Do They Work?Where Do They Work?
Process Industry
Pharmaceuticals
Pipeline
Chemical Refining Food/Bev Pulp/Paper
OilfieldEnergy
Traditional Nuclear
Alternative
Job OutlookJob Outlook
• Over 500,000 operators and 250,000 lab techs in U S
• Although sub-sectors of the process industry can be very cyclical – meaning business can boom, then crash the forecast for jobs into the future is bright– Baby Boomers Retiring– Alternative/Green industries emerging– Careers beyond control room – research,
sales, support jobs
Job OulookJob Oulook
• Wages some of the highest – “Gold” Collar– Petrochem – finishing entry $12.00– Petrochem – manuf entry $22.00 -
$28.00– Nuclear – entry $31.00 - $50.00
• Benefits
Job OutlookJob Outlook
• There is the threat of companies continuing to move operations and JOBS out of the U.S. due to– Rising labor costs– Oppressive federal and state
regulation– Raw material needs– Transportation costs as global
markets shift
Job OutlookJob Outlook
• To learn more check out web sites such as:– www.workintexas.com– www.careerbuilder.com– Or the myriad of recruiting sites like
www.monster.com
What they doWhat they do
The Process Technician starts, stops, monitors, maintains, controls, troubleshoots, problem-solves, improves, evaluates, analyzes, gas frees, air frees, communicates about, trains others on, and writes procedures………….
…………………….for.for
Furnaces, turbines, pumps, compressors, exchangers, crystallizers, flakers, dryers, desalters, boilers, reactors, dehydrators, distillation columns, extruders, pelletizers, blowers, evacuators……...
…………..How..How
• Safely• Efficiently• Environmentally compliant• While working as a member of a
team• With a focus on the business goals• In all types of weather………...
Summary of Summary of ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities
• Monitor and control process (more)• Minor maintenance, troubleshoot and
problem solve (more)• Administrative activities• Perform with a focus on Safety, Health,
Environment and Production• Practice quality• Training/certification and continually
learning
Monitor and Control Monitor and Control ProcessProcess
• Sample and process streams• Inspect equipment• Start, stop, and regulate equipment• Respond to changes• Respond to emergencies or abnormal
operations• Document activities, issues, and
changes
Perform MaintenancePerform Maintenance
• Change or clean filters and strainers
• Prepare equipment for repair• Lubricate equipment• Monitor equipment performance• Vibration and temperature
analysis
Troubleshoot and Problem Troubleshoot and Problem SolveSolve
• Apply root cause analysis• Participate in corrective action teams• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
QualificationsQualifications
1. Basic Skills2. Technical knowledge and skills3. Interpersonal skills4. Physical capabilities5. Mental capabilities6. Education
Basic SkillsBasic Skills
• Reading• Writing• Listening• Interpersonal Skills &
Communication• Computer Technology• Math• Science
Basic SkillsBasic Skills
• Punctuality• Multitasking• Problem Solving• Safety Awareness and Action• Quality Awareneess and Action• Environmental Awareness and
Action
Technical Knowledge, Skills,Technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and Abilities
• Math. Science, Computers• Operation, maintenance, and
troubleshooting of process equipment• Key regulatory standards and laws• Communications skills: reading and
writing, industry-related materials
Qualifications:Qualifications:Interpersonal SkillsInterpersonal Skills
• Communicate effectively - reading, writing, listening
• Positive attitude towards job, others, self• Respect for safety of self and others• Maintain composure in high stress situations• Responsible• Reliable – punctual and good attendance• Appreciation for diversity• Provide and respond to feedback positively
Physical CapabilitiesPhysical Capabilities
Ability to• Work in high noise level areas [above 85 dB]• Lift, climb stand for long periods of time• Work at elevated heights• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE ]• Perform in all types of weather - heat, cold,
rain• Handle demands of shift work• Perform under pressure / high stress situations• Perform physically demanding tasks
Mental CapabilitiesMental Capabilities
• Analytical• Can process technical information
correctly and quickly if needed• Critical thinking• Problem solving• Can tolerate longs hours and
flexing work hours (nights)
EducationEducation
• Some areas – HS diploma or even GED– High school courses, college credit options
• Two-year Associates Degree in Process Technology preferred - REQUIRED by MANY AREA EMPLOYERS
• Math, Science, English• Computer skills: spreadsheets, word
processing, database applications• Continuing Education – be a lifelong learner
Work EnvironmentWork Environment
• Get to work and work regardless of weather
• Usually start outside• Work outside during turnarounds
and upsets• Inside – control room, lab
The Shiftwork LifeThe Shiftwork Life
• Not usually your “8 to 5” job• Most plants are on rotating 12 hr
shifts• Even longer days during
turnarounds, new unit/equipment start-ups
Impact on Shift WorkersImpact on Shift Workers
• Fatigue - Biological time clock is like permanent jetlag
• Reduced attention span• Reaction time slowed• Body clock and work schedule
conflict• Non-traditional life outside of
work
Potential Impacts of Shift Potential Impacts of Shift WorkWork
• Physical Health • Emotional Health• Family Problems
Taking Care of YourselfTaking Care of Yourself
• Establish as regular a schedule as possible
• Create a day-sleeping environment • Take naps when possible• Compensate for lower awareness• Only light snacks in the 2-6 am/pm
period• Avoid stimulants, alcohol, caffeine
Future TrendsFuture Trends
• Continued emphasis on preventive maintenance of equipment
• Broader span of duties – example distribution functions, lab analysis
• More involvement in process control and business decisions
• More computerization and automation• Continuous upgrading of skills and
knowledge