Bleach plant operators play an important role in the process that converts wood to paper. They control absorption towers, mixing tanks, rotary drums and other equipment used in the process of bleaching pulp. They are employed by pulp and paper companies.
Your job, as a bleach plant operator, is to operate the equipment that bleaches the brown wood pulp to a brighter white colour. Bleaching is done in several stages, alternating from bleaching to washing processes until the desired consistency and brightness are achieved. You do this by working at a control panel to regulate the flow and consistency of the pulp that goes into the absorption towers and the bleaching and soaking tanks.
You follow the bleaching specifications and operate valves that control the flow of various chemicals, such as liquid and gaseous chlorine, caustic soda and hydrogen peroxide, into the pulp. The flow of chemicals varies with the type of paper that is being produced. You start agitators that mix the pulp and chemicals. When the pulp and chemicals are mixed, you start a pump that controls the flow of pulp into rotary drum washers where water washes out the soluble impurities and excess bleach. Depending on the specifications, this process can take up to twelve stages.
Another part of your job involves carefully observing gauges, dials and charts as well as examining test reports to ensure that the pulp is being bleached according to specifications. You are also required to prepare daily production reports, to test the whiteness of the pulp and to test the strength of the bleaching chemicals being used.
A bleach plant operator's job is not physically demanding. Much of your time is spent monitoring gauges, dials and computer screens. Your job is usually not stressful. However, if there is a power failure or malfunction in the operating system, you must get the process working again as quickly as possible. You may correct the problem yourself or call up a maintenance crew.
Generally, working conditions in a bleach plant are safe. Although you are working with dangerous chemicals, the chances of being harmed by them are minimal when the proper precautions are taken. As in any industrial site, safe working habits and common sense are always part of the job.
Bleach plant operators are usually paid an hourly wage. You should be prepared to do shiftwork since bleach plant operators are required to work nights and weekends as the job demands.
You will do well at this job if you are conscientious and able to work with a minimum of supervision. Although you must spend many hours monitoring gauges and meters, you have to stay alert to any problems or failures in the system.
You must also be a good communicator and be willing to work as part of a team with co-workers and maintenance crews. You must be able to communicate verbal instructions well and also be able to write proper reports.
An interest in and an understanding of chemistry and mathematics will be assets to you in this job. You do calculations to determine the various quantities of chemicals required for each specific batch of pulp.
As the pulp and paper industry becomes more computerized, you should also familiarize yourself with basic computer skills.