ETP Operator (Effluent Treatment Plant Operator)

ETP Operator means Effluent Treatment Plant Operator. In an ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) steel pipe manufacturing plant, the ETP operator is responsible for treating industrial wastewater before it is reused or discharged according to environmental standards.

Main responsibilities of an ETP Operator

• Plant operation: Operate pumps, agitators, dosing pumps, filters and other ETP equipment.
• Wastewater treatment: Treat wastewater generated from pipe manufacturing, pickling, chemical cleaning, cooling and other processes, depending on the plant's operations.
• Chemical dosing: Prepare and add treatment chemicals such as lime, caustic soda, PAC, alum, polyelectrolyte and other chemicals as required by the treatment process.
• pH monitoring: Check and maintain the required pH at different treatment stages.
• Sludge handling: Monitor sludge formation, operate filter presses and arrange sludge collection and disposal as per procedure.
• Water quality testing: Check pH, TSS, TDS, oil and grease, and other parameters as required.
• Equipment maintenance: Inspect pumps, pipelines, valves, tanks and dosing systems for leaks or malfunctions.
• Record keeping: Maintain daily operating logs, chemical consumption records and water quality reports.
• Safety and compliance: Follow PPE requirements, chemical-handling procedures and environmental regulations.

Before starting the shift

• Check tank levels, pump condition and chemical stock.
• Inspect pipelines, valves and dosing systems.
• Check the previous shift's operating log.

During the shift

• Operate the ETP according to the SOP.
• Test pH and other required parameters.
• Adjust chemical dosing only as authorized.
• Monitor settling, filtration and sludge removal.
• Report abnormal readings, leaks or equipment failures.

At the end of the shift

• Record readings and chemical consumption.
• Clean the work area and secure chemicals.
• Hand over plant status and pending problems to the next shift.

5. Skills required

• Basic knowledge of industrial wastewater treatment.
• Understanding of pH measurement and chemical dosing.
• Ability to operate pumps, valves and filter presses.
• Knowledge of chemical safety and PPE.
• Basic logbook maintenance and troubleshooting.