LNG Plant Outside LNG Operator Duties
The Field / Outside / LNG Operators are responsible for the following:
- Shift Handover: At the beginning of each shift, communicate thoroughly with the LNG Operator being relieved to understand the complete status of LNG Plant conditions, any major operational changes from the previous shift, and any planned operational changes for the upcoming shift.
- Safety and Plant Status Briefing: Attend the Safety Brief and Plant Status meeting at the start of each shift, providing additional information if necessary.
- Review of Previous Shift Logs: Review the Versify Log System entries from the previous shift.
- Operator Round Sheets: Complete Outside Operator Round Sheets each shift within assigned operating areas. Ensure these are scanned and filed accordingly.
- Investigate any discrepancies, abnormal conditions, or changes from normal or design conditions.
- Take the necessary actions to correct underlying issues.
- Operator Rounds: During each operator round, the following tasks must be performed:
- Verify that equipment is running in normal service, or verify that non-running equipment is ready to start.
- Check pressures and temperatures to ensure they are within the required limits.
- Monitor equipment for abnormal noise or vibration.
- Inspect oil levels and top-up if necessary.
- Perform visual inspections of all running equipment for deficiencies.
- Check for leaks on piping, flanges, and valves.
- Ensure that equipment safety guards and systems are intact.
- Verify that equipment indicator lights are functioning.
- Check for damaged or missing insulation.
- Ensure housekeeping is acceptable, with clear walkways.
- Perform visual checks on process-related storage tanks.
- Inspect substations and buildings for any issues.
- Check for local alarms.
- Pay attention to security, reporting any abnormalities directly to the Operations Supervisor or Plant Manager (if Supervisor is unreachable).
- Document and create work order requests for any issues identified.
- Reporting and Communication: Report any safety, environmental concerns, or operational changes that affect plant reliability to the Operations Supervisor (direct call).
- Walk-Through Observations: Conduct additional walk-throughs of all equipment during each shift:
- Ensure no equipment or area is left unobserved for more than three hours, including equipment that is out of service.
- Document and investigate any abnormal conditions.
- Take appropriate actions to resolve identified issues.
- Logging and Documentation: Log entries into the Versify Logging system after each walk-through, detailing the findings within the assigned operating area (e.g., Equipment rounds complete – all satisfactory, or issues such as leaking discharge flange with maintenance request).
- Log any deviations or problems encountered during the shift, ensuring detailed individual entries.
- Sump and Dike Drainage: Pump down all sumps/dike drains each shift if required and make appropriate entries in the Versify Log System.
- Policy and Procedure Compliance: Ensure all policies and procedures are followed for operational activities and work performed during the shift.
- Preventive Maintenance (PM): Complete all assigned PMs as required.
- Alarm Response: As directed by the Control Room Operator, respond to alarms by going to the alarm location, assessing the situation, and taking corrective action. If no action is required, verify and log the event. Create a maintenance work order for any deficiencies found.
- Process Upset Response: Respond to any process upsets as directed by the Control Room Operator.
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Compliance: Use proper lockout and tagging procedures when preparing equipment for maintenance, ensuring all safety procedures are adhered to as requested.
- Work Order Creation: Enter maintenance work orders for any deficiencies discovered during the shift.
- ISO and Rail Car Handling: Load and unload ISOs and Rail Cars as necessary, completing required paperwork (Miami LNG Truck Loading Checklist) and filing it accordingly.
- Drum Drainage: Drain all collection/knockout drums as required.
- Cleanliness and Organization: Maintain an orderly and clean assigned operating area.
- Follow Management Instructions: Follow all operational instructions given by management, whether verbal, written, or communicated through night notes, etc.
- If instructions cannot be followed, communicate this to the Shift Supervisor with a clear explanation, and document the reason.
- If there is any disagreement between multiple instructions, the Shift Supervisor will determine which instruction to follow and consult with plant management if needed.
LNG field operators play a vital role in the production and distribution of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Here's a breakdown of their key skills and requirements:
Skills:
- Technical Expertise: A strong understanding of LNG plant operations, including process control, instrumentation, and equipment maintenance.
- Problem-Solving: The ability to identify and troubleshoot issues in real-time, making critical decisions under pressure.
- Communication: Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and other stakeholders.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail for accurate monitoring and recording of plant data.
- Safety Awareness: A commitment to safety practices and procedures to ensure the well-being of workers and the environment.
- Physical Fitness: The ability to work in physically demanding environments, including climbing stairs, lifting equipment, and working in confined spaces.
Requirements:
- Education: Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional technical training or certifications in process operations, instrumentation, or related fields.
- Experience: 3 years prior experience in the oil and gas industry, particularly in natural gas processing or LNG plants, is preferred.
- Licenses and Certifications: Depending on the specific role and location, certain licenses or certifications may be required, such as those related to hazardous materials handling, first aid, or CPR.
- Physical Fitness: Must be able to pass a physical fitness test and meet specific health requirements.
Additional Considerations:
- Shift Work: LNG field operators often work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends. Current schedule is 7 days on and 7 days off.
- Remote Locations: Some positions may require working in remote or isolated locations.
- Extreme Weather: The ability to work in various weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
By possessing these skills and meeting the necessary requirements, LNG field operators contribute to the safe and efficient operation of LNG facilities, ensuring a reliable supply of natural gas.