Job Description

: Di-Octyl Phthalate (DOP) Production Operator - Manual Batch Process

Position: Di-Octyl Phthalate (DOP) Production Operator

Department: Production / Manufacturing

Location: Petrochemical Manufacturing Facility

Reports to: Production Manager / Shift Supervisor

Qualification: Chemical Engineering Degree or Equivalent Technical Qualification in Chemical Engineering

Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years in a chemical manufacturing or petrochemical industry

Job Overview:

The Di-Octyl Phthalate (DOP) Production Operator will be responsible for the operation and monitoring of manual batch processes for the production of DOP, a key plasticizer used in the manufacturing of flexible PVC products. The role requires a solid understanding of chemical engineering principles, batch process control, and safety protocols within a petrochemical environment. This position involves direct handling of chemical operations, troubleshooting, and ensuring adherence to industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Batch Process Operation:

Operate and control the manual batch production of Di-Octyl Phthalate (DOP) as per established procedures and production schedules.

Monitor and adjust chemical reactor parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates to ensure optimal reaction conditions for the synthesis of DOP.

Control the feeding of raw materials (e.g., phthalic anhydride, 2-ethylhexanol, and catalysts) into the batch reactor, ensuring proper quantities, mixing, and sequence as per the batch recipe.

Follow chemical reaction kinetics and thermodynamic principles to maintain efficient process conditions.

Process Monitoring and Troubleshooting:

Continuously monitor and record critical process variables (temperature, pressure, pH, and flow rates) during production, adjusting as needed to maintain optimal reaction conditions.

Identify and resolve any deviations from standard operating conditions and troubleshoot equipment malfunctions (e.g., pumps, heat exchangers, and valves) affecting production.

Perform routine sampling and quality checks on intermediate products to ensure the consistency and quality of the DOP being produced.

Safety and Environmental Compliance:

Adhere to safety procedures and regulatory guidelines, including hazard communication (HAZCOM), process safety management (PSM), and environmental protection standards.

Ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety devices are worn and functioning at all times during batch operations.

Monitor chemical reaction and separation stages to prevent unsafe conditions such as overheating, overpressure, or chemical spills.

Record and report any unsafe conditions, leaks, spills, or emissions to the relevant safety personnel.

Maintenance and Equipment Handling:

Coordinate with maintenance teams for routine calibration, maintenance, and repair of production equipment including reactors, distillation columns, filtration units, and pumps.

Ensure that equipment is cleaned and maintained according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and in compliance with safety standards.

Conduct basic preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of minor equipment failures.

Quality Control and Documentation:

Conduct in-process sampling and testing to confirm that the DOP produced meets specifications for purity, color, and other quality parameters.

Maintain accurate production logs, including batch records, equipment maintenance logs, and safety checklists.

Communicate any deviations or issues during production to the quality assurance (QA) team and ensure corrective actions are taken.

Team Collaboration and Training:

Work closely with other operators, technicians, engineers, and supervisors to ensure smooth operation and efficient use of resources.

Train new operators on batch process techniques, safety procedures, and equipment handling.

Participate in regular safety briefings and training sessions to stay updated on process improvements, safety protocols, and new technologies.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Educational Background:

A Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution.

Knowledge of petrochemical processes, batch production, chemical reaction engineering, and process control is essential.

Technical Expertise:

In-depth understanding of batch processing techniques, heat transfer, mass transfer, reaction kinetics, and separation processes (e.g., distillation, filtration).

Experience in manual and semi-automated process controls, using instrumentation like thermocouples, pressure gauges, and flow meters.

Familiarity with the properties of raw materials used in DOP production (e.g., phthalic anhydride, 2-ethylhexanol), and the chemical reaction mechanisms involved in esterification.

Safety and Regulatory Knowledge:

Strong knowledge of industrial safety protocols, including hazard identification, risk assessments, and emergency response plans.

Familiarity with environmental regulations governing chemical processes, waste management, and air emissions.

Awareness of OSHA regulations, process safety management (PSM), and HAZOP (Hazard and Operability) studies.

Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting:

Ability to diagnose process anomalies and perform troubleshooting on the production line to resolve issues efficiently.

Experience in making real-time decisions to adjust process parameters to maintain production continuity and product quality.

Communication and Documentation:

Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting, documenting, and communicating with team members and supervisors.

Ability to maintain accurate production records and handle batch documentation in compliance with quality standards.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including standing, walking, and handling equipment.

Strong attention to detail and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

Work Environment:

The position is based in a manufacturing facility where operators are required to work in a controlled environment, following all safety protocols.

Operators may be required to work in shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as per production schedules.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring that the production of Di-Octyl Phthalate is conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality and regulatory standards. The DOP production operator should have a combination of technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and a commitment to safety in the chemical manufacturing environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Application Deadline: 01/12/2024