Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Flow Technician

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

EngineeringTechnicianOil & GasManufacturingField ServiceInstrumentation

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a meticulous and highly skilled Flow Technician to join our dynamic team. In this critical role, you will be the expert on fluid dynamics and measurement, responsible for the installation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of sophisticated flow measurement systems. You will ensure the accuracy and reliability of data essential for process control, custody transfer, and operational efficiency across our facilities. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a strong mechanical and electronic aptitude, dedicated to upholding the highest standards of safety and precision.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Instrumentation Technician Trainee
  • Maintenance Technician
  • Electronics Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Flow Technician / Measurement Specialist
  • Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Supervisor
  • Field Service Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • SCADA Technician
  • Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform routine and specialized calibration, verification, and certification of various flow meters, including Coriolis, ultrasonic, turbine, magnetic, and differential pressure types, ensuring compliance with API, AGA, and company standards.
  • Install, commission, and configure new flow measurement and instrumentation equipment, ensuring proper integration with existing SCADA, PLC, and DCS systems.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot complex malfunctions in flow measurement systems, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools, schematics, and P&IDs to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
  • Conduct regular preventative and predictive maintenance on all flow-related instrumentation, control valves, and associated electronic components to minimize downtime and maximize operational reliability.
  • Generate and maintain meticulous documentation for all calibration activities, maintenance work, and service reports, ensuring a complete and auditable history for each asset.
  • Respond to emergency call-outs to resolve critical flow measurement failures, working efficiently under pressure to restore normal operations safely and quickly.
  • Execute custody transfer measurement and proving operations, ensuring the highest level of accuracy for financial and regulatory reporting.
  • Interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), loop diagrams, and electrical schematics to facilitate installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities.
  • Interface with flow computers and data acquisition systems to configure parameters, retrieve historical data, and diagnose communication issues.
  • Conduct regular site inspections and system audits to ensure all measurement equipment is functioning correctly and is free from environmental or mechanical damage.
  • Manage and witness third-party meter proving and calibrations, verifying that procedures and results meet contractual and regulatory requirements.
  • Analyze flow data trends to identify potential system inaccuracies, anomalies, or developing equipment issues before they become critical failures.
  • Safely remove, service, and reinstall flow meters and related components, following all lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) and company-specific safety protocols.
  • Provide technical expertise and support during the planning and execution of facility turnarounds, upgrades, and new construction projects.
  • Utilize HART communicators, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and other diagnostic equipment to test and configure smart instrumentation.
  • Perform calculations related to flow rates, fluid properties, and measurement uncertainty to validate meter performance and system accuracy.
  • Maintain a comprehensive inventory of spare parts, calibration gases, and specialized tools required for flow measurement maintenance.
  • Collaborate with engineers and operations personnel to optimize flow control processes and improve overall system efficiency.
  • Prepare detailed technical reports and summaries on system performance, measurement discrepancies, and recommended improvements for management review.
  • Stay current with advancements in flow measurement technology, industry standards (e.g., API, ISO, GPA), and best practices through continuous training and professional development.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to process flow and measurement.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy by ensuring the integrity and reliability of source measurement data.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate operational data needs into specific instrumentation engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies for projects involving instrumentation upgrades or data system integrations.
  • Provide technical support and basic training to operations personnel on the proper use and monitoring of flow measurement equipment.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Flow Meter Calibration: Expertise with Coriolis, Ultrasonic, Turbine, Magnetic, and Differential Pressure (DP) meters.
  • Instrumentation & Controls (I&C): Strong understanding of sensors, transmitters, control loops, and final control elements.
  • SCADA, HMI & PLC Systems: Ability to interface with and troubleshoot issues on these platforms.
  • Diagram Interpretation: Proficient in reading P&IDs, electrical schematics, and loop diagrams.
  • Diagnostic Tools: Skilled in using HART communicators, multimeters, and other calibration/test equipment.
  • Custody Transfer Measurement: Knowledge of API, AGA, and GPA standards for hydrocarbon measurement.
  • Flow Computers & Data Acquisition (DAQ): Experience configuring and extracting data from flow computers and RTUs.
  • Valve & Actuator Maintenance: Hands-on ability to service and troubleshoot control valves and actuators.
  • Network & Communication Protocols: Familiarity with Modbus, HART, and Fieldbus protocols.
  • Gas/Liquid Analysis: Basic knowledge of gas chromatographs and other analytical instruments.
  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Systematic approach to identifying the source of equipment failures.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail & Precision: A meticulous approach is critical for accurate calibration and documentation.
  • Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking: Ability to logically diagnose complex technical issues.
  • Safety-First Mindset: Unwavering commitment to safe work practices and procedures (e.g., LOTO).
  • Independent Work & Self-Motivation: Capable of managing tasks and schedules effectively with minimal supervision.
  • Technical Communication: Clearly conveying technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Documentation & Reporting: Diligent in maintaining accurate and thorough records.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree in a technical field or equivalent military training/trade school certification.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant engineering technology field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Instrumentation Technology
  • Electronics Engineering Technology
  • Process Control Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of hands-on experience in industrial instrumentation, flow measurement, or a closely related field.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience with custody transfer measurement in the oil & gas, pipeline, or chemical processing industry is highly desirable.
  • Certification from a recognized body like ISA (e.g., Certified Control Systems Technician - CCST) is a significant plus.
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