Key Responsibilities
1. VPSA Operation & Monitoring
- Operate and monitor VPSA plant equipment (compressors, blowers, vacuum pumps, adsorbers, control valves, and oxygen storage system).
- Maintain oxygen purity (≥90–93%), flow, and pressure parameters as per Blast Furnace requirements.
- Operate and control systems via PLC/DCS/SCADA for process monitoring and control.
- Regularly check process parameters:
- Feed air pressure and temperature.
- Vacuum pump performance.
- Oxygen delivery pressure and purity levels.
- Adjust adsorption/desorption cycles for consistent gas quality and flow stability.
2. Coordination with Blast Furnace Operations
- Ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply to Blast Furnace tuyeres and hot blast stoves.
- Coordinate with furnace control room for real-time adjustment of oxygen flow during operational fluctuations.
- Monitor oxygen demand variations during tapping, blowing, or shutdown conditions.
- Maintain oxygen line pressure and safety during switching between VPSA and backup systems.
3. Equipment Operation & Troubleshooting
- Monitor and control operation of:
- Air compressors and vacuum pumps for pressure/vacuum stability.
- Adsorber vessels and valves during changeover cycles.
- Molecular sieve beds for efficient adsorption/desorption performance.
- Identify process abnormalities (low purity, high temperature, low vacuum, etc.) and initiate corrective measures.
- Support maintenance teams in equipment isolation, LOTO, and post- maintenance startup.
4. Process Optimization:
- Assist in optimizing VPSA cycle timing, purge flow, and adsorber switching to enhance efficiency.
- Monitor specific energy consumption (kWh/Nm³ O₂) and identify areas for improvement.
- Support process trials to improve oxygen purity, flow rate, and plant reliability.
- Work on energy-saving and air balance initiatives with the utilities team.
5. Coordination & Communication:
- Coordinate with:
- Blast Furnace Control Room: for oxygen flow adjustments.
- Electrical & Instrumentation Teams: for compressor, PLC/DCS, and control panel reliability.
- Mechanical Maintenance: for preventive and corrective maintenance.
- Utility Section: for air, water, and power availability.
- Participate in daily operational meetings and communicate deviations promptly.
6. Safety, Health & Environment (SHE):
- Ensure compliance with VPSA and oxygen handling safety protocols.
- Follow LOTO procedures, PPE norms, and safe gas-handling practices.
- Maintain area cleanliness, signage, and emergency readiness.
- Conduct safety checks for oxygen lines, valves, and fittings.
- Support ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 / ISO 9001 compliance and participate in audits.
7. Documentation & Reporting:
- Maintain daily operation logs for:
- Oxygen purity, pressure, and flow.
- Compressor and pump operation hours.
- Adsorber bed performance and cycle timing.
- Prepare and submit daily and monthly operation reports.
- Record all process deviations, breakdowns, and corrective actions.
- Support KPI analysis and audit documentation.
Qualifications:
- B.E. / B.Tech / Diploma in Mechanical / Electrical / Chemical / Production Engineering from a recognized institution.
- Basic knowledge of gas separation technology (PSA/VPSA) and oxygen systems in iron-making operations.
Experience:
- Engineer: 2–5 years of experience in VPSA / PSA / Cryogenic Oxygen Plant operations in steel or gas industries.
- Sr. Engineer: 5–8 years of experience in oxygen generation, distribution, and control systems supporting Blast Furnace or process industries.
- Experience in PLC/DCS-based operation systems preferred.
- Prior exposure to integrated steel plant or utility section (≥0.5 MTPA Blast Furnace) desirable.
Technical Skills:
- Operation of air compressors, blowers, and vacuum pumps.
- Understanding of adsorption/desorption cycles and gas separation principles.
- Familiarity with PLC/DCS/SCADA systems for process monitoring.
- Basic knowledge of instrumentation (flow, pressure, temperature sensors).
- Capability to analyze process data and maintain system performance.
- Proficiency in MS Office and SAP (PM/MM modules).