Decanter Operator

Job Summary

The Decanter Operator ensures the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of decanter centrifuges and sludge dewatering systems. This role focuses on optimizing cake dryness, maximizing solids capture, maintaining equipment health, and meeting production or disposal targets.

Core Roles & Responsibilities

Equipment Operation & Process Optimization

• Operate decanter centrifuges and auxiliary systems including feed pumps, polymer dosing units, and conveyors.
• Optimize process parameters by adjusting bowl speed, differential speed, pond depth, and feed rates for maximum separation.
• Manage polymer conditioning by monitoring chemical dilution and dosage rates to achieve optimal flocculation.
• Monitor cake dryness and centrate clarity continuously to ensure separation efficiency meets plant specifications.

Routine Monitoring & Testing

• Conduct regular sampling of raw feed, discharged sludge cake, and separated liquid effluent (centrate).
• Perform field tests for total suspended solids (TSS), moisture content, and chemical dosing efficiency.
• Analyze operational logs to spot trends, track performance metrics, and predict system bottlenecks.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Execute clean-in-place (CIP) protocols regularly to prevent product buildup, rotor imbalance, and vibration issues.
• Troubleshoot mechanical faults such as high vibrations, torque overloads, bearing overheating, and feed blockages.
• Perform preventative maintenance including greasing bearings, inspecting drive belts, and checking oil lubrication systems.
• Assist maintenance technicians with major overhauls, scroll wear tiles inspection, and gearbox servicing.

Safety, Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain precise logs of running hours, chemical usage, cake volume tonnage, and equipment parameters.
• Enforce lockout-tagout (LOTO) safety procedures strictly before conducting any mechanical inspection or cleaning.
• Report safety hazards and equipment abnormalities immediately to the operations supervisor.
• Ensure housekeeping standards are met around the dewatering pad, chemical mixing areas, and discharge bays.

Key Professional Skills

• Mechanical Aptitude: Deep understanding of centrifugal force, torque control, and rotating equipment dynamics.
• Control Systems: Proficiency operating PLC touchscreens, SCADA interfaces, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Physical Capability: Ability to work in noisy environments, climb platforms, and safely handle heavy tools or chemical barrels.