Nitroglycerin separator operator

Nitroglycerin separator operators maintain the gravity separator, used in explosives processing, controlling the temperature and liquid flow, in order to separate nitroglycerin from spent acids.

The following job titles also refer to nitroglycerin separator operator:

nitro-separator operator
nitroglycerin separator tender
nitroglycerin separator operative
gravity separator operator
nitroglycerin-separator tender
chemical equipment operative
nitroglycerin- separator operative
nitroglycerin-separator worker
nitro-separator operative
nitroglycerin gravity separator
chemical equipment worker
nitroglycerin-separator operator
nitroglycerin separator worker
chemical equipment operator

A high school diploma is generally the minimum required to work as a nitroglycerin separator operator.

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.

Nitroglycerin separator operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to nitroglycerin separator operator.

nitroglycerin neutraliser
nitrator operator
dry house attendant
tracer powder blender
soap maker

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

chemical processing plant controller
gas station operator
chemical plant control room operator
air separation plant operator
gas processing plant supervisor

These skills are necessary for the role of nitroglycerin separator operator.

• Monitor tank thermometer: Monitor the tank in order to prevent explosion or decomposition due to an accumulation of heat.
• Optimise production processes parameters: Optimise and maintain the parameters of the production process such as flow, temperature or pressure.
• Monitor nitroglycerin flow: Monitor the flow of nitroglycerin so that when the colour changes the product will be discharged in the tanks according to specifications.
• Store spent acids: Store spent acids, transferring them from batch nitrator to separator using the petcock.
• Separate nitroglycerin from acids: Separate nitroglycerin and acids prior to processing using the gravity separator.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of nitroglycerin separator operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Explosives: Behaviour of explosives, pyrotechnics and blasting techniques. Associated risks and legal requirements.
• Hazardous waste storage: The regulations and procedures surrounding the safekeeping of materials and substances which pose health and safety risks.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of nitroglycerin separator operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Draw off wash water: Draw off the washing water by opening the drain cock after making sure the mixture has settled.
• Transfer chemicals: Transfer the chemical mixture from the mixing tank to the storage tank by turning on the valves.
• Tend vats following a nitration process: Tend the vats by neutralising the remaining acids of the nitration process using warm water.
• Fill the vat with specific ingredients: Fill the vat with the necessary ingredients for acid neutralisation starting with warm water and steam of air and finishing with soda ash.
• Dump contents into vat: Dump the content into vat filled with water in order to avoid explosion when the heat accumulation is too high.
• Use chemical analysis equipment: Use the laboratory equipment such as Atomic Absorption equipment, PH and conductivity meters or salt spray chambre.
• Operate explosives production equipment: Operate equipment used for mixing of chemical ingredients having as their end product explosives such as TNT, tetryl or nitroglycerin.

8131 – Chemical products plant and machine operators

References

1. Nitroglycerin separator operator – ESCO