Description
Operate and monitor filtration systems to separate solids from liquids, clarify process streams, and remove impurities in industrial or consumer product manufacturing. Equipment includes plate-and-frame and pressure leaf filters, membrane skids (UF/RO), bag and cartridge housings, and associated pumps and valves.
- • Adjust controls to regulate differential pressure, flow, temperature, and cycle times for filtration and backwash/CIP per SOPs.
- • Follow safety procedures for chemical handling, confined space, pressure systems, and lockout/tagout.
- • Monitor gauges, DP transmitters, turbidity meters, flowmeters, and SCADA trends to maintain specified conditions.
- • Start up, operate, and shut down filters, membranes, and dewatering equipment to achieve target clarity and throughput.
- • Measure, weigh, and prepare filter aids, coagulants, pH adjusters, and cleaning chemicals as specified.
- • Inspect filter housings, seals, hoses, and lines for leaks or malfunctions; shut down and isolate equipment if needed.
- • Patrol the area to detect leaks, abnormal noises, or odors and verify operating conditions.
- • Test samples for turbidity, total suspended solids, pH, conductivity, and other quality parameters or submit to lab.
- • Collect in-process samples at defined stages for analysis.
- • Record operating data such as pressures, DP, flows, temperatures, chemical additions, cycle counts, and test results.
- • Report equipment issues and assist maintenance with troubleshooting.
- • Add filter aid, precoat media, or neutralizing agents, and pump products through filters or centrifuges to remove impurities.
- • Open/close valves and start/stop pumps, blowers, agitators, and automatic feed systems.
- • Review batch records, SOPs, and specifications to set up filtration parameters and procedures.
- • Drain, isolate, and flush systems; perform backwash or clean-in-place (CIP) to clean filters and piping.
- • Perform minor repairs, change out cartridges or bags, replace gaskets, and lubricate equipment using hand tools.
- • Clean equipment using steam, hot water, or approved chemicals per CIP/SIP procedures.
- • Visually verify product clarity and color and compare with instrument readings and lab standards.
- • Respond to spills, leaks, pressure excursions, or other emergencies per site procedures.
- • Load, stage, or dispose of spent media, cakes, or solids per instructions.
- • Estimate and request filter media, cartridges, membranes, and chemicals required for production.
- • Track inventory of consumables and received supplies.
- • Lead or assist helpers in filter change-outs, media handling, and material unloading.
- • Assemble and configure filter presses, membranes, housings, plates, cloths, and seals per job requirements.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
