Hydration Operator (Acrylamide Production)

Position Title: Hydration Operator (Acrylamide Production)

Department: Monomer Production Department

Direct Supervisor: Supervisor / Foreman

About ZL Chemicals

ZL Chemicals is an international manufacturing company with operations across Oman, Kuwait, Canada, and the United States. We specialize in advanced chemical and polymer manufacturing, serving global industrial markets with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and innovation. We are currently developing a state-of-the-art polymer manufacturing plant in Sohar, designed to be one of the largest and most technologically advanced facilities in the region. We are looking for motivated and reliable candidates to join our growing team and support the safe and efficient operation of this new facility.

Position Summary

The Hydration Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring the acrylamide hydration process, including fermentation liquid handling, microfiltration/ultrafiltration, acrylonitrile addition, and product transfer. The role ensures product quality meets required technical standards, equipment operates safely and efficiently, and all shift, sampling, and cleaning procedures are performed in compliance with operational guidelines.

Main Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with upper-floor and lower-floor operators to produce qualified acrylamide water solution (AM 30%, AN 0.01%, conductivity 1000 μS/cm).
• Maintain proper control of fermentation liquid and filtrate tank levels and temperatures.
• Schedule microfiltration based on hydration feed volume to ensure continuous and stable production.
• Ensure the hydration reaction proceeds within the required temperature range (19–23°C) and meets the residual acrylonitrile requirement (0.1%).
• Perform acrylonitrile withdrawal and feeding according to tank-level requirements.
• Submit production samples for laboratory analysis on time and maintain accurate, complete operation records; submit samples again after ultrafiltration.
• Coordinate transfer of finished product with the refining section; after transfer, use compressed air to blow out the pipeline and document the transfer.
• Clean microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes regularly; if flux drops below 5 m³/h, arrange alkaline cleaning/regeneration; clean or replace filter screens as required.
• Conduct routine inspections of equipment, pipelines, and valves; promptly resolve issues or report them to supervisors.
• Ensure proper shift handover:
• Abnormalities identified before handover are the responsibility of the outgoing shift.
• Issues discovered after handover are the responsibility of the current shift.
• Maintain cleanliness and 6S compliance in the assigned production area.
• Perform other duties assigned by supervisors or department leadership.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Previous experience operating industrial or utility equipment is an asset
• Ability to follow operating procedures with accuracy and attention to detail
• Basic knowledge of mechanical or utility systems is preferred
• Strong sense of safety, discipline, and operational responsibility
• Reliable, attentive, and able to work with minimal supervision
• Effective communication skills and strong teamwork mindset

Training Requirements

• Safety training
• Equipment operation training
• Factory rules and regulations

Language Requirement

English Level: A2 (Basic Operational English)

• Ability to understand and use everyday expressions related to work tasks.
• Ability to communicate operational issues using simple words and phrases.
• Ability to read basic work instructions with the support of diagrams or visual aids.

Other Information

Work Environment: Indoor, equipment-operation setting
Work Schedule: Rotating shifts (3/2 system)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Safety compliance
• 6S area management
• Accurate and timely operation records
• Proper and complete shift handovers