What do process engineers in chemical plants do? What work should be done?
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Recently, I was working on a project at a chemical plant. After talking with their process engineers, I learned that their daily work mainly consists of several tasks: one is to develop renovation plans and coordinate with the project management team regarding those renovations； The second is to be responsible for production operations, including coordination in areas such as technology, safety, equipment, and processes ； Third is technical training, such as training the operators once a new project is launched. It seems they’re always busy, but they hardly look at DCS data, rarely take the initiative to analyze operational abnormalities and come up with solutions, nor do they consider ways to control batch times or anything like that. I wonder what process engineers do in the chemical plants where everyone works, and what else they should be doing
For a process technician, it is still necessary to look at DCS data, but it isn’t always required to do so directly on the DCS; in most cases, the operation records can be used instead. Process technicians are responsible for maintaining process technology records, monthly reports, and conducting technical analyses. By keeping records, it is also possible to identify abnormalities in production in a timely manner, analyze them, determine the causes, and seek solutions. But it takes many years of effort to reach a relatively high level. ——Optimizing the operating parameters and management of equipment is something that process engineers should do, and it requires proactive effort. But for most younger process technicians, they often don’t understand this; especially, their opinions may not be taken into account. They are usually busy dealing with various tasks, addressing problems as they arise, and are satisfied as long as nothing goes wrong. When they’re not busy, they don’t know what to do.
There are two aspects: technology and production. These include technical improvement plans, operating procedures, emergency response plans, as well as various technical guidance documents. Training, production operation management, accident prevention and handling, and process optimization are also part of this. In some factories, different departments are responsible for technology and production, but I believe that process engineers should be involved in both areas in order to achieve improvements
What the original poster said about sofas and benches is correct; these are indeed part of the responsibilities of process engineers. However, people’s energy is limited, and it takes time for process engineers to build up their expertise. They need to keep track of basic data and prepare monthly reports, carry out training, work on production optimization, as well as implement technical improvements. It then depends on how individuals and organizations handle these tasks. We process engineers all have clear divisions of labor
This post was last edited by rendu110 on 2015-7-3 at 11:17. Take a look at the main responsibilities of a full-time process engineer in one of our petrochemical companies: 1. Participate in the technical upgrades of the facility, provide suggestions for improvement, optimize processes, work on technical challenges, carry out calibration tasks, conduct industrial experiments, and be involved in the development of new products, new processes, the use of new chemicals, as well as the preparation of technical summaries. 2 Is responsible for preparing technical documents such as monthly reports on the process technology of production units, energy balance statements for these units, plans for technical upgrades and improvements, process optimization efforts, technical research projects, calibration reports for units, plans for starting up and shutting down units, process technology regulations, operating procedures for specific positions, and process cards. 3 Is responsible for checking the compliance with process discipline and operating procedures for this equipment, as well as managing the basic process technical documents. 4. Supervise the proper implementation of process technical specifications, job operation procedures, and process cards; have the authority to refuse to carry out any instructions that do not comply with these process technical specifications and job operation procedures. In abnormal situations, emergency measures can be taken to reduce the occurrence of accidents and limit their scope. 5 Is responsible for organizing technical training and performance assessments for operators in the equipment operation positions. 6 Is responsible for organizing the analysis of process accidents related to this device and formulating preventive measures. 7 Is responsible for overseeing the implementation of analysis plans for raw materials, intermediate products, and finished products. 8 Is responsible for analyzing, investigating, and summarizing the usage of the “three agents” in this device. 9 Is responsible for analyzing the material and energy consumption of this device, and formulating measures to save energy and reduce consumption. 10 Is responsible for organizing efforts to ensure that the equipment in question meets the required standards, as well as organizing competitions among similar devices. This person also conducts research on industry trends, keeps track of the production status of similar devices both domestically and internationally, collects relevant technical information, compares it with the actual production conditions of the equipment in question, identifies any gaps, and proposes solutions for improvement. 11 Is responsible for supervising and checking the compliance of the operators of this equipment with process and operational rules; a comprehensive process inspection is carried out at least once per week, with the results recorded and archived. 12 is responsible for conducting statistical analysis on data related to device operation and quality, identifying patterns, and researching solutions to existing problems.
The answers from everyone upstairs are really great. I am looking at the issue from the perspective of an engineer who has come here to work on a project. Because it is necessary to address the issues in their production process, DCS data needs to be accessed; however, it was found that they never consult this data, and they are extremely busy every day, making it difficult to find them. Looking at these job responsibilities now, there is indeed a lot to do. If more work could be done on archiving and analyzing electronic data, as well as preventing potential technical issues, it would surely be much better than dealing with emergencies on the fly.
1. Under the leadership of the Chief Engineer, responsible for the company’s overall process technology work and process management tasks, and committed to implementing the **technical work guidelines, policies, and relevant company regulations. Organize the formulation of short-term and long-term development plans for process technology work, as well as technical and organizational measures. 2. Prepare the process documents for the product, and establish standard specifications for material consumption ； Design process equipment as required by the manufacturing process, and be responsible for the verification and improvement of such equipment ； Design company and workshop process layout plans. 3. Process engineers must go to the production site to understand the quality situation ； Guide and supervise frontline production in the workshop to promptly resolve technical issues that arise during production, and ensure the proper provision of process technology services. 4. Responsible for the joint review of new product drawings and the design of process tools for mass production of new products, improving trial production reports and related process documents, and participating in the evaluation of new products. 5. Responsible for drafting and revising process technology management systems, organizing relevant personnel to carry out process management, and supervising the enforcement of process discipline. 6. Organize the experimental research on new processes and technologies, ensure proper summarization and evaluation of the results from such experiments, and facilitate their adoption and dissemination. Do a good job in compiling and archiving process technical documents. 7. Assist the Human Resources Department in providing technical education and training for employees. 8. Actively carry out technical research and improvement efforts; be responsible for providing opinions on technical improvement plans and measures, in order to continuously raise the level of process technology. 9. Responsible for the implementation, inspection, diagnosis, and enforcement of the department’s policies and objectives. 10. Complete all temporary tasks assigned by the chief engineer.
Process technology and production are inseparable, as are processes and equipment; only by improving overall management can the operation of the facility be optimized, thereby leading to improvements in both individuals and equipment.
This phenomenon is quite normal in state-owned enterprises; I used to be an engineer as well, and my daily routine consisted of attending meetings and writing reports! At my busiest, I would write 14 reports per week, all of which were quite long; sometimes I had to work until 11 or 12 o’clock! The tubes seem extremely short during production; they even come off the device!