Description
Operate and tend devulcanizers to control thermal and chemical reactions that convert rubber scrap to reclaim. Equipment includes steam-jacketed kettles, pressure reactors, feeders, and auxiliary pumps.
- • Adjust steam, temperature, pressure, feed rates, and cycle time on devulcanizers per run sheets.
- • Follow lockout/tagout and steam and pressure safety procedures to prevent fires, releases, or explosions.
- • Monitor gauges, recorders, PLC/HMI screens, and flowmeters to maintain specified devulcanization conditions.
- • Weigh and charge rubber scrap, oils, reclaiming agents, and softeners per formulas.
- • Inspect vessels, piping, seals, and safety reliefs for leaks or malfunctions; stop equipment if needed.
- • Patrol the area to detect leaks, steam releases, odors, or abnormal vibration and verify operating conditions.
- • Test in-process and final samples for Mooney viscosity, plasticity, gel/sol content, or specific gravity; send to lab as required.
- • Draw samples at specified stages of the cycle for analysis and quality checks.
- • Record batch data, including temperatures, pressures, ingredients, residence times, and sample results.
- • Report equipment problems and create maintenance work orders.
- • Add neutralizers, antioxidants, or filtering aids and route product through strainers, filters, or centrifuges to remove impurities.
- • Open valves and start pumps, agitators, conveyors, and feeders to load, circulate, and discharge materials.
- • Review batch sheets and SOPs for product specs, formulations, and process adjustments.
- • Drain reactors and flush lines; circulate water or cleaning solutions to clean vessels and equipment.
- • Perform minor repairs, lubrication, gasket changes, and routine maintenance using hand tools.
- • Steam-clean, scrape, or mechanically ream equipment to remove residue and prevent contamination.
- • Compare color, odor, and consistency of reclaim to instrument readings and lab standards; adjust process as needed.
- • Follow plant emergency and spill response procedures, including shutdown and evacuation steps.
- • Load and dump bales, crumb, or powdered additives into hoppers or charge ports safely.
- • Estimate batch material needs and coordinate staging of rubber feed and chemicals.
- • Track and inventory incoming scrap rubber, additives, and consumables.
- • Lead or assist crew members in charging, sampling, and unloading operations.
- • Start up, operate, and shut down devulcanizers, kettles, mixers, and reactors for rubber reclaim processing.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
