Gas processing plant supervisor

Description

Gas processing plant supervisors supervise the processing of gas for utility and energy services by controlling compressors and other processing equipment to ensure standard operation. They supervise the maintenance of the equipment, and perform tests to detect problems or deviations, and to ensure quality.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to gas processing plant supervisor:

gas production controller
gas processing safety controller
downstream gas processing controller
gas processing quality controller
gas processing maintenance controller
gas processing performance controller
gas processing controller
gas compressor controller

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Gas processing plant supervisor is a Skill level 3 occupation.

Gas processing plant supervisor career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to gas processing plant supervisor.

gas station operator
gas processing plant operator
biogas technician
gas processing plant control room operator
air separation plant operator

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of gas processing plant supervisor. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of gas processing plant supervisor with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

gas production engineer
gas distribution engineer
fragrance chemist
biochemical engineer
analytical chemist

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of gas processing plant supervisor.

  • Gas dehydration processes: The processes used to remove water from natural gas such as the absorption process using glycol or activated alumina.
  • Gas contaminant removal processes: The processes used to remove contaminants such as mercury, nitrogen and helium from natural gas; the techniques such as activated carbon and molecular sieves and the recovery of the removed material if it is commercially viable.
  • Fuel gas: The various qualities, hazards and applications of gaseous fuels, such as oxy-acetylene, oxy-gasoline, oxy-hydrogen and others.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of gas processing plant supervisor.

  • Optimise production processes parameters: Optimise and maintain the parameters of the production process such as flow, temperature or pressure.
  • Schedule production: Schedule the production aiming maximum profitability while still maintaining the company KPIs in cost, quality, service and innovation.
  • Handle gas cylinders: Grip gas cylinders in a safe manner and ensure they are compliant with safety and health regulations.
  • Test gas purity: Test the purity of the gas using specific testing equipment.
  • Document analysis results: Document on paper or on electronic devices the process and the results of the samples analysis performed.
  • Tend compressor engine: Tend the gas compression engines by starting them, monitoring the process of gas compression and performing small maintenance tasks.
  • Ensure correct gas pressure: Ensure the necessary, usually constant, pressure of gas which is part of a machine or tool, such as torching equipment, used to process metal workpieces during metal fabrication processes.
  • Test chemical samples: Perform the testing procedures on the already prepared chemical samples, by using the necessary equipment and materials. Chemical sample testing involves operations such as pipetting or diluting schemes.
  • Operate gas extraction equipment: Operate the equipment used for oxygen and nitrogen extraction equipment such as compressors, fractionating columns, heat exchangers and purifying towers.
  • Use chemical analysis equipment: Use the laboratory equipment such as Atomic Absorption equimpent, PH and conductivity meters or salt spray chambre.
  • Ensure equipment maintenance: Ensure that the equipment required for operations is regularly checked for faults, that routine maintenance tasks are performed, and that repairs are scheduled and performed in the case of damage or flaws.
  • Monitor valves: Monitor and accordingly adjust the valves in order to allow a specific amount of liquids (such as ammonia sulfuric acid or viscous soap) or steam into the mixer or machine.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of gas processing plant supervisor. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Gas market: The trends and major driving factors in the gas trading market, gas trades methodologies and practice, and the identification of the major stakeholders in the gas sector.
  • Natural gas liquids recovery processes: Be aware of common processes used to separate heavier hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane and butane from the methane, which is the finished product of the gas processing plant. Be aware of oil absorption techniques, cryogenic expansion processes, and other relevant processes.
  • Natural gas: The various facets of natural gas: its extraction, processing, constituents, uses, environmental factors, etc.
  • Gas chromatography: The principles of gas chromatography used to analyse and separate specific compounds which go to vaporisation without decomposition.
  • Natural gas liquids fractionation processes: Have an understanding of the processes used to separate natural gas liquids or NGLs into its constituents, including ethand, propane, butane, and heavier hydrocarbons. Understand the workings of the deethaniser, depropaniser, debutaniser, and butane splitter.
  • Pipeline transport regulations;: Know about pipeline transport regulations and their application in pipeline fields. Apply pipeline transport regulations in the construction of new sites.
  • Types of pipelines: Know various types of pipelines and their different usages. Differentiate between pipelines used to transport goods over short and long distances, and understand their respective feeding systems.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of gas processing plant supervisor. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Ensure compliance with environmental legislation: Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.
  • Inspect pipelines: Walk flow lines to identify damage or leaks; use electronic detection equipment and conduct visual inspections.
  • Operate pumping equipment: Operate pumping equipment; oversee gas and oil transport from wellheads to refineries or storage facilities.
  • Use chromatography software: Use the chromatography data system software which collects and analyses the chromatography detectors results.
  • Resolve equipment malfunctions: Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
  • Agree on repair arrangements: Make an agreement with the customer about product repair and perform appropriate actions to ensure repair.
  • Read gas meter: Read gas measuring meter, recording the relevant information such as the amounts of gas dispensed and received.
  • Monitor environmental parameters: Check the impact of manufacturing machinery on the environment, analysing temperature levels, water quality and air pollution.
  • Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
  • Manage waste: Manage or dispose of significant amounts of waste materials or hazardous materials. Ensure required licenses and permits are in place and reasonable management practices, industry standards, or commonly accepted farming practices followed.
  • Monitor automated machines: Continuously check up on the automated machine’s set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment in order to identify abnormalities.
  • Manage chemical testing procedures: Manage the procedures to be used in chemical testing by designing them and conducting tests accordingly.
  • Apply liquid chromatography: Apply the knowledge of polymer characterization and liquid chromatography in the development of new products.
  • Perform minor repairs to equipment: Conduct routine maintenance on equipment. Recognise and identify minor defects in equipment and make repairs if appropriate.
  • Write batch record documentation: Write reports on the manufactured batches history taking into account the raw data, tests performed and compliance to GMP of each batch of product.
  • Ensure stock storage safety: Ensure that products are stored appropriately. Keep in line with safety procedures.
  • Operate hydrogen extraction equipment: Operate the equipment used in hydrogen extraction and processing.
  • Manage manufacturing documentation: Manage the reports and technical documentation such as Standard Operating Procedures or logbooks, by writing and reviewing them, capturing and eliminating any deviation and ambiguity.
  • Prepare chemical samples: Prepare the specific samples such as gas, liquid or solid samples in order for them to be ready for analysis, labeling and storing samples according to specifications.

ISCO group and title

3133 – Chemical processing plant controllers


References
  1. Gas processing plant supervisor – ESCO
Last updated on March 11, 2023