The responsibilities of a field operator in a plant include:
Monitoring and inspection:
- Checking rotating equipment for abnormalities such as abnormal sound, lube oil levels, motor load, suction and discharge pressures, and suction strainer differential pressure.
- Inspecting instruments and control valves for hunting, gland leaks, and instrument air leaks.
- Comparing local gauge readings with respective transmitters to detect deviations or abnormalities.
- Informing the panel operator of any issues found to raise a work order.
Sample collection and analysis:
- Collecting samples from the plant for laboratory analysis.
- Adjusting various parameters based on analysis results, such as chemical dosing, to maintain optimal plant conditions.
- Providing hose connections for purging or draining.
- Topping up lubricating oils for pumps.
- Maintaining housekeeping standards.
- Monitoring chemical inventory levels and adding dosing chemicals as required.
- Responding to emergency situations and following emergency procedures.
Minor troubleshooting tasks:
- Stabilizing the flame by adjusting air to burners.
- Back flushing strainers if required.
- De-chocking sample points.
- Taking control valves on hand jack if they are hunting.
- If a control valve does not have a hand jack, slowly opening the control valve bypass, isolating the control valve upstream and downstream valves, and handing it over to maintenance.
Coordination with maintenance departments:
- Collaborating with mechanical, instruments, and electrical maintenance departments to carry out maintenance activities.
- Participating in planned plant shutdown procedures, including preparing isolation lists, blind lists, and equipment handover procedures.
- Ensuring smooth shutdown and startup of the plant.
These responsibilities require the field operator to be attentive, knowledgeable about equipment and processes, and able to communicate effectively with other team members and departments to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the plant.
