Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

What separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders do

Set up, operate, or tend continuous flow or vat-type equipment; filter presses; shaker screens; centrifuges; condenser tubes; precipitating, fermenting, or evaporating tanks; scrubbing towers; or batch stills. These machines extract, sort, or separate liquids, gases, or solids from other materials to recover a refined product. Includes dairy processing equipment operators.

Typical tasks

1. 1Monitor material flow or instruments, such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters, to ensure optimal processing conditions.
2. 2Inspect machines or equipment for hazards, operating efficiency, malfunctions, wear, or leaks.
3. 3Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
4. 4Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
5. 5Operate machines to process materials in compliance with applicable safety, energy, or environmental regulations.
6. 6Test samples to determine viscosity, acidity, specific gravity, or degree of concentration, using test equipment such as viscometers, pH meters, or hydrometers.
7. 7Maintain logs of instrument readings, test results, or shift production for entry in computer databases.
8. 8Communicate processing instructions to other workers.
9. 9Clean or sterilize tanks, screens, inflow pipes, production areas, or equipment, using hoses, brushes, scrapers, or chemical solutions.
10. 10Examine samples to verify qualities such as clarity, cleanliness, consistency, dryness, or texture.

Technology used

• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Word
• SAP software

How to become one

Experience

Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Training

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.