Is it better to work with instruments or to be involved in process operations?
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I graduated from a junior college with a degree in instrumentation; I worked in an instrumentation workshop for one year, and after that I was assigned to a process operation position at my current company. What do you guys think – is it better to work in instrumentation or in process operations?
It is preferable to be a process operator who understands instruments. In manufacturing companies, process knowledge is of primary importance. If you understand how to use process guidance to save energy and how to carry out operations carefully in order to improve quality, you have a chance for promotion if the opportunity arises. Additionally, it’s important to be familiar with instruments; you can point out any issues with them, and in case of disputes, if someone blames you for incorrect operation of the instruments, you have something to say as well. But it’s not so good when it comes to working with instruments; it’s not the main specialty, and it’s always meant to \"serve\" production.
Instrument maintenance is less demanding, carries relatively lower risks, and results in less pressure in terms of safety; moreover, the earnings for those in the instrumentation field are slightly lower.
Instrument technicians earn little and have few opportunities for advancement. The dry process expertise in the instrumentation field is definitely superior to that of those with a background in process engineering.
I think one has to learn everything*; actually they’re all similar. When working on instrument calibration, you end up understanding the entire process flow. When dealing with the actual production processes, it’s useful to pay more attention to how the on-site instruments correspond with those used for remote monitoring; by asking questions as well, one can learn how to use instruments
The instrumentation field covers a wide range of tasks, while process operations are relatively limited; however, process-related positions generally offer higher salaries.
Working in the process area of a chemical plant is better than working in the instrumentation department – the salary is higher, and it’s easier to get noticed by management. In contrast, instrumentation is considered a supporting role with lower compensation.
No way, those in electrical and instrumentation fields are a hundred times better than operators; they aren’t restricted by industry boundaries and can immediately become team leaders, with the same salary
I personally think that working with instruments has more prospects, as it requires more technical skills rather than just operational abilities, making it easier to change jobs or find employment
Working with instrumentation is relatively easier; the salary is lower, but instrumentation is easy to learn but difficult to master. Working in process engineering is more demanding – production can be unstable, leaving one without the chance to go home for several days. However, in all chemical companies, the career advancement path is: process engineering > equipment > electrical engineering > instrumentation. Instrumentation is considered simpler because process engineering is the core in chemical companies, while electrical and instrumentation engineering are auxiliary fields. Those working in process engineering should strive to obtain certifications as registered chemical engineers and registered safety engineers, as this is beneficial for expanding their knowledge base and advancing in their careers