Regarding internal operations/

Whether you can handle the internal operations depends on how well you have learned. Generally, after more than a year, if one has mastered the external operations well, they can move on to learning the internal operations*. To be able to carry out these internal operations independently, however, requires further study for a long time. Only once you are able to skillfully adjust the parameters during normal operations can you take on secondary internal roles, and only when you can handle emergencies independently can you assume primary internal responsibilities. As an operator, one needs to learn knowledge in various areas such as processes, instrumentation, and machinery, as well as develop psychological resilience. Often, when inexperienced operators encounter problems, they don’t know what to do and are at a loss. As the team leader, one needs to learn more content and at a greater depth than for routine operations; not only must they understand the entire process, but they also do not interfere in the daily execution of those operations. They usually only offer suggestions, stepping in to take charge only in case of emergencies. Here, as long as it’s the team leader who deals with things like instrumentation and mechanics and other supporting roles, it’s impossible to get a good deal from them. As an operator on site, the job is not merely about turning valves on and off; it also includes identifying abnormalities and addressing potential risks, all of which are part of the operator’s responsibilities. Even when operating a switch or valve, some people do so smoothly while others experience large fluctuations. As for testing, even the determination of the boiling range is done automatically by machines. In other words, testing will not take the risk of causing quality issues just for you; what’s important is to improve your own skill level – there are no shortcuts.

If it’s a recent college graduate who has received training for over a year but has (very little practical experience), can they perform internal operations? As long as the procedures are clear and one knows how to carry out the tasks, why shouldn’t it work? At Takahashi Petrochemical, there was someone who became a team leader at the age of 20 and did a pretty good job. As a team leader, is it necessary to understand the entire process and be familiar with all the equipment? That’s the case; otherwise, how can the leader be at ease? Is working outdoors simply about turning switches and valves, and following the instructions of the indoor operator and the team leader? No, one still needs to work hard to learn the knowledge of device operation, improve their ability to control the devices, and identify potential problems within them in a timely manner. Only by doing so can stable, efficient, and optimal production be ensured, which is also beneficial for personal growth. The plant operator needs to maintain a good relationship with the lab staff, right? Yes, device operators not only need to maintain good relationships with those in charge of testing and keep an eye on the operating conditions, but also need to build good relations with team leaders, operators on site and off site, as well as those responsible for maintaining electrical and mechanical equipment. By constantly communicating with them and learning from them, they can improve their own operational skills and realize their own value.

It takes time to build a solid foundation; learning requires a process.

Don’t be impatient. Recent college graduates who have received training for over a year but have very little practical experience – would you be able to handle internal operations? As an operator, one needs to know a lot (about processes, instruments, machinery, etc.), as well as have sufficient experience to handle problems promptly when failures occur in the equipment. As a team leader, one needs to know more than just the internal operations; one must be familiar with the entire process as well as all the equipment involved, and possess strong management and coordination skills. Working outdoors isn’t just about turning valves on and off or following the instructions of the indoor operator and team leader. Field personnel must be able to identify potential problems promptly during equipment inspections. Even closing valves requires certain skills. Laboratory technicians won’t give favorable test results just because they are on good terms with you; they have responsibilities to fulfill. But building good relationships with your colleagues around you is beneficial for your personal growth. Just graduated? Be patient, don’t rush; build a solid foundation and gain more practical experience.

The key lies in skills: proficiency in plant operations, the ability to handle emergencies, and experience in oil refining are also extremely important. It has only been a little over a year, so they may not have experienced start-ups and shutdowns yet; there is still much that is lacking. From aspects such as processes (parameters, procedures, etc.) to the operation and proficiency with various equipment, including critical ones, as well as matters related to safety, instrumentation, testing, and mechanical maintenance, there is a great deal that needs to be learned. Therefore, it is important to build a solid foundation in theory and practice, and to gain more practical experience. Capabilities naturally improve over time--

It shouldn’t be possible, as it affects the safety of the equipment. There are no problems under normal circumstances, but in emergencies such as sudden shutdowns, if one cannot operate the equipment skillfully, it can easily lead to additional accidents.

One must regard oneself as someone who handles internal affairs, rather than just a learner; issues should be considered from the perspective of one’s own position, and success will surely come with the accumulation of experience

There’s no rush; it depends on your own abilities. As the people from the Central Plains said, someone can become a team leader at the age of 20, which shows that it’s not about age. Keep it up!