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CPO 100 Introduction to Chemical Process Operator Technician

This course introduces the student to the process operations on chemical plants. Topics include process technician duties, responsibilities, and expectations; plant organizations; and plant process and utility systems. In addition, the course exposes the student to an overview of the Chemical Process Operator Technology program, including the physical and mental requirements of the processtechnician career. Field trips to nearby chemical plants are also included.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: None

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

CPO 100 Introduction to Chemical Process Operator Technician

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: None

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course introduces the student to the process operations on chemical plants. Topics include process technician duties, responsibilities, and expectations; plant organizations; and plant process and utility systems. In addition, the course exposes the student to an overview of the Chemical Process Operator Technology program, including the physical and mental requirements of the processtechnician career. Field trips to nearby chemical plants are also included.

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Discuss the roles, responsibilities, and working environment of the chemical process operator. (CCC 3; PGC 3)
  2. Relate basic chemistry and physics concepts to chemical processing situations. (CCC 6; PGC 3)
  3. Communicate at a fundamental level using chemical process industry terminology. (CCC 1; PGC 3)
  4. Identify and describe the purpose of equipment in process, utility, and auxiliary systems. (CCC 6; PGC 3, 6)
  5. Describe basic safety, health, and environmental standards relating to the chemical process industry. (CCC 4; PGC 1)
  6. Discuss effective teamwork skills and quality improvement practices. (CCC 3; PGC 3, 7, 10)
  7. Describe process system drawings.(CCC 2; PGC 3)
  8. Describe the purpose or function of process control instrumentation in the process industry.  (CCC 6, PGC 7)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Discuss the roles, responsibilities, and working environment of the chemical process operator.
    1. Explain the growth and development of the chemical process industry.
    2. Report the impact of the industry on the community, the environment, and the economy.
    3. Identify the industry responses to current issues and trends such as global competition, safety and environmental regulations, and technology advancements.
    4. Describe the responsibilities of the following regulatory agencies: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Health Safety Administration (OSHA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
    5. Describe the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the process technician.
    6. Discuss the impact of shift work on individual and family.
    7. List the factors responsible for future role changes of the process technician.
    8. Describe the difference between work group and teams.
    9. Identify the characteristics of a high performance or effective team.
    10. Describe the stages through which a team evolves.
    11. Identify factors that contribute to the failure of a team.
    12. Discuss workforce diversity and its impact on workplace relations.
  2. Relate basic chemistry and physics concepts to chemical processing situations.
    1. Explain the application of physics principles in the chemical processing situations.
    2. Use physical property characteristics to describe various states of matter.
    3. Describe three methods of heat transfer.
    4. Perform basic calculations to illustrate how the general gas law explains the relationship among the temperature, pressure, and volume of gases.
    5. Explain the application of chemistry principles in the chemical process industry.
    6. Describe the relationship among atoms, protons, neutrons, electrons, and molecules.
    7. Explain the difference between chemical and physical properties.
    8. Describe the difference between an acid and a base.
    9. Explain the difference between inorganic and organic chemistry.
  3. Communicate at a fundamental level using chemical process industry terminology.
    1. List the different types of piping and valves used in the chemical industry, and discuss their applications and hazards.
    2. Identify the symbols used to represent the different types of tanks, drums, and vessels on piping and instrumentation diagrams.
    3. Describe the operations of a typical pump, compressor, and steam turbine.
    4. Identify the primary parts of an electric motor.
    5. Describe the operations and hazards of a typical shell and tube heat exchanger.
    6. Identify the primary parts of a typical shell and tube heat exchanger.
    7. Describe the different applications of a typical shell and tube heat exchanger.
    8. Describe the function of a cooling tower.
    9. Explain the relationship between a fin fan exchanger and a cooling tower.
  4. Identify and describe the purpose of equipment in process, utility, and auxiliary systems.
    1. Describe the types of fuel used in a furnace.
    2. Discuss the operations and purpose of a typical furnace.
    3. Identify the primary parts, draft types, and different designs of a furnace.
    4. Demonstrate the major components of a typical fuel-fired steam boiler.
    5. State the differences in fire tube and water tube steam boilers.
    6. Describe the distillation process.
    7. Explain how the properties of mixed chemicals affect distillation operation.
    8. Identify the major components in a typical tray-type distillation column.
    9. State the different types of packing used in distillation columns.
    10. Describe the types of utilities and auxiliary systems used in a typical chemical plant.
    11. Identify the different types of equipment associated with each of the utility systems found in a chemical plant.
    12. Describe the equipment associated with refrigeration systems.
  5. Describe basic safety, health, and environmental standards relating to the chemical process industry.
    1. Discuss the safety, health, and environmental hazards found in the chemical process industry.
    2. Demonstrate the personal attitudes and behaviors that can help to prevent workplace accidents and incidents.
    3. Identify the consequences of non-compliance with regulations.
    4. Demonstrate the correct use of personal protective equipment.
    5. Describe the application of the International Organization of Standards' ISO-14000 as it relates to the chemical process industry.
    6. Identify the differences between engineering and administrative controls used to minimize hazards.
  6. Discuss effective teamwork skills and quality improvement practices.
    1. Describe the importance of quality issues in the chemical process industry.
    2. Explain the role that W.E. Demin, Joseph Juran, and Philip Crosby played in quality implementation.
    3. List the four components of total quality management (TQM).
    4. Describe the use of statistical process control (SPC) by the chemical process industry.
    5. Describe the roles and responsibilities of the process technician in supporting quality improvement within the workplace.
    6. Describe the difference between work group and teams.
    7. Identify the characteristics of a high performance or effective team.
    8. Describe the stages through which a team evolves.
    9. Identify factors that contribute to the failure of a team.
    10. Discuss workforce diversity and its impact on workplace relations.
  7. Describe process system drawings.
    1. Describe the purpose or function of process system drawings.
    2. Identify the different drawing types and their uses.
    3. Identify the common components and information with process systems drawings.
    4. Identify the symbols used in process system drawings.
  8. Describe the purpose or function of process control instrumentation in the process industry.
    1. Identify four key variables used to control chemical processes.
    2. Describe the major types of process control instrumentation
    3. Identify the differences between process control indicators and control loop inputs.
    4. Identify typical process control instruments, their applications, and functions.
    5. Discuss the purpose of distributive control systems.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Tests (equally weighted) (summative)

70%

Safety Minute (summative)

10%

Homework (formative)

10%

Class Participation (formative)

10%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Maintain safety, health, and environmental standards during simulation exercises or in a chemical plant.
  2. Handle, store, and transport chemical materials according to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
  3. Apply chemical process and quality systems in a chemical process environment or a chemical plant.
  4. Operate, monitor, control, and troubleshoot batch and continuous chemical processes.
  5. Analyze samples of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products in a simulated chemical process environment or a chemical plant.
  6. Perform routine, predictive, and preventive maintenance and service to process equipment and instrumentation.
  7. Use computers and computerized equipment for communications and chemical process control.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

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Cell phone/Electronic Device

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Tuition Adjustment Policy

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