[Weekly Topic] What is each person’s responsibility in the manufacturing process of chemical equipment? (2011.08.22~8.28)

The drawings are provided jointly by the process package supplier and the design institute; the design institute supplies the schematic diagrams for the user’s review, after which the equipment manufacturer proceeds with production.

So few people have replied; I work on the strength design of pressure vessels. To put it simply, two points (just some complaints): The work related to strength calculations is relatively straightforward; there are specialized personnel responsible for conducting such calculations. At the same level, there are those who work with instruments and equipment, while those below them are involved in the actual production process. Then there’s the manufacturing phase in the workshop. But things often don’t go as planned. First of all, when a project comes in, those of us in the design team work together with the sales department to prepare quotes for the equipment (there are no dedicated staff for this task), and sometimes we also have to help prepare the technical proposals ； Next, wait for the news regarding whether you have won the bid; if you do, it will be your task to carry out the normal calculations and produce the drawings ； If the equipment doesn’t have process calculations (we still need to carry out those calculations – I’m currently learning how to do them*), and if the equipment is to be equipped with instruments, we also need to select the appropriate ones (safety valves, level gauges, pressure gauges, various valves) ； Then comes the production preparation phase; if the production department is busy, we are also responsible for preparing the material lists for the plans ； ---What a well-rounded talent indeed

You’re not just in design; rather, you’re involved in design plus manufacturing processes, and you’re also responsible for preparing the material lists. Is it a private enterprise? However, there is one advantage to this: it helps to train people and enable them to learn more. Back then, we were responsible for things like calculating quotes and producing drawings, carrying out design calculations and creating related drawings, preparing material lists for manufacturing processes, creating process cards for components, as well as welding process cards – in short, we handled all the technical preparation work. At that time we complained a bit about the low salaries, but looking back, it indeed helped us develop our skills, and it’s been very useful for our progress today. :lol

Reply to 4# jia717: Spot on! ! One can tell right away that it’s a person who has weathered many hardships. Everything you say hits the mark. There’s no one to talk to about one’s troubles. So, how are things going for you these days? Give some advice.

In addition, there should also be aspects such as document management, standard management, handling of non-conformities, design of packaging devices, lifting and transportation plans, packing lists, and shipping marks – all of which technical personnel in small enterprises need to handle. If there aren’t many projects and the products are not too complex, this approach is quite efficient, and it also helps the boss save money. However, if there are too many tasks and mistakes keep occurring, it is the boss who suffers the greatest losses. For individuals, if doing things is seen as a process of learning and practicing, then it’s beneficial to have the opportunity to do more. Furthermore, it is necessary to promote what one has done at the appropriate time. When you become well-known and people ask you for help, your value naturally increases.

Generally speaking, for small projects, the quotation engineers in the sales department can handle it easily; for large projects, the sales department needs to prepare a commercial proposal while the technical department has to prepare a technical proposal. Upon receiving the project, a project team should be established and a project manager appointed. Under the leadership of this manager, the technical department will prepare the design drawings, the process department will create the purchase list as well as the manufacturing and welding procedures, the procurement department will formulate the purchase plan, and the finance department will arrange the necessary funds. After the drawing design is completed, it is approved by the Technical Supervision Bureau for Patterns; thereafter production begins. The production department prepares a production plan, and the manufacturing workshops carry out production according to the manufacturing and welding procedures established by the process department. Non-destructive testing specialists develop testing procedures, while inspection staff create inspection protocols. Of course, for products that follow standard processes, some of these preliminary procedures can be omitted. Subsequently, with the assistance of various departments, the product is assembled; a special inspection agency is invited to conduct pressure testing, and once it passes, the product is given final finishing touches, packaged, and stored. Delivery takes place after payment is received. Of course, equipment maintenance staff are responsible for ensuring that the equipment operates properly throughout this process.

Reply to 3# wangjianwei86: I feel the same way. Moderator, you still don’t realize that I’m actually not as good as you are. The design firm where I work focuses mainly on chemical engineering design, and we don’t even have the qualifications needed for designing chemical equipment. We’re constantly busy dealing with all sorts of minor tasks; most of the work involves drawing simple diagrams for equipment that isn’t subject to bidding processes. It’s frustrating, and I’m not sure if continuing like this will ruin my career. A few days ago, my manager even asked if I was interested in process engineering or piping work and suggested that I switch to that field – how fake!

Reply to 7# 68ZCW: Since your company is so legitimate, congratulations – you work for a better company. There are many problems in private enterprises in China at the moment; this is not an isolated case but a common issue throughout China. As a such a reputable company, are there any difficulties you’re facing? Here to share it.

The company is relatively formal, with many rules and regulations, which results in higher management costs. However, it’s clear who to turn to when there are problems, and the efficiency of handling tasks is fairly good.

The problem with large companies is that the division of labor is too detailed, and most people feel like they are always doing repetitive work. Many drawings were made, but it’s unclear what the path is from the drawings to the actual product, which is rather tedious. If one can climb to a leadership position, life might be a bit easier, but it’s not easy at all.