Gas plant operators oversee the production, storage, and transport of gases, ensuring equipment is functioning properly and maintaining safe levels of temperature and pressure. They rely on troubleshooting guides and personal expertise to diagnose and correct problems, and must have extensive technical training and knowledge of physics, mechanical processes, and chemicals. Licensing exams are required in most countries and states.
A gas plant operator oversees the production, storage and transport of different types of gases. Most operators work for utility and oil companies, where they check gauges and maintain equipment as needed. They monitor and control piping, compressors and distribution tanks to keep gases at proper temperature and pressurization levels. The specific responsibilities of a gas plant operator vary across different sectors and companies, but most professionals are required to obtain extensive training to ensure efficient production and preserve the safety of plant personnel.
Operators are responsible for ensuring that gas plant machines are working properly and that pipelines maintain proper levels, flows, temperature and pressurization. They usually work in control rooms, where they can monitor meters remotely via electronic signals and specialized computer programs. Professionals often perform detailed preventative maintenance work to keep equipment clean and functioning properly. Gauges and other machine parts are frequently tested to ensure they are accurate.
A gas plant operator relies on detailed troubleshooting guides and personal expertise to diagnose and correct problems. If a tube or piece of equipment fails to function properly, the operator will normally shut down the system and make appropriate repairs. Minor adjustments and repairs are often required in most plants, requiring operators to tighten bolts and replace worn gears and valves. Larger problems may require a gas plant operator to dismantle an entire tank or replace sections of damaged pipe along a pipeline.
To perform work safely and effectively, a gas plant operator must have detailed knowledge of physics, mechanical processes and different types of chemicals. He or she needs to be able to make quick decisions when equipment malfunctions in order to recover as quickly as possible. In addition, the operator must fully understand the potential hazards involved when working with flammable and volatile fluids.
Due to the dangerous nature of the job and the amount of responsibility involved, a person who wants to become a gas plant operator is usually required to complete technical training programs and pass extensive licensing exams. Many community colleges, universities, and technical schools offer certification courses in stationary engineering and hazardous materials management. Practical and formal training is provided through internships, where new workers assist experienced operators in the field for up to a year. Most countries and states require new gas plant operators to pass licensing exams that test their knowledge of legal and safety issues, terminology and basic procedures.
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