MISSION:

• To chemically clean casting prior to inspection and reworking using alkaline baths, cold etch baths, and/or hot water washes; to accurately prepare, operate and maintain tanks used for chemical cleaning; to clean castings before routing to shipping.
• To complete all steps necessary for the application of fluorescent penetrant on castings in order to prepare castings for the fluorescent penetrant inspection process; to prepare castings for evaluation by the fluorescent penetrant system.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Etch Line Preparation:
  • Objective: to test chemical baths, make corrections and assure conformance to process control specifications.

• • • Typical Activities:
      • Takes alkaline bath samples to determine concentration.
      • Takes acid bath samples to lab; checks lab analysis to determine if bath chemistry within specification ranges; determines what additions are required.
      • Calculates etch rate using standard formula.
      • Adds acids to bath in order to bring chemistry up to specifications, using standard formulas; adds water to alkaline baths if out of compliance; adjusts surface tension as needed.
      • Checks operation of and primes circulation pumps; checks for leaks; troubleshoots and reviews pumping diagrams if needed.
      • Monitors and maintains chemistry of cold etch baths.
      • Changes all filters/screens as required by schedule.
      • Wears protective gear when working with chemicals.

• Chemical Cleaning and Rinsing.
  • Objective: to submerge parts in chemical tanks to clean according to specified procedures for further inspection and/or processing.

• • • Typical Activities:
      • Places fixtures on castings; submerges in alkaline and/or acid baths using hoists or tumblers.
      • Removes castings, rinses and transfers to drying ovens; loads and unloads ovens.
      • Completes hot water rinses as specified.
      • Pumps spent tank solutions into drums and prepares them for transfer to neutralization facility; cleans and rinses tanks.
      • Hand etches small parts as needed.
      • Hand cleans castings of all markings prior to shipping.

• Penetrant Line Operation
  • Objective: to complete all steps in the preparation and application of penetrant to castings.

• • • Typical Activities:
      • Visually inspects castings for surface dirt; cleans and degreases as necessary.
      • Chemically etches specific castings by local or swab etching, which removes a small amount of metal; neutralizes parts with water and dries; neutralizes holding tank.
      • Places clean castings on penetrant line and applies fluorescent penetrant liquid using hand-held, electro-static sprayer; allows penetrant to be absorbed.
      • Washes castings to remove penetrant after specified time; pre-dries with fans and places castings in drying cabinets.
      • Places castings in developing cabinet for automatic application of powdered developer.
      • Visually inspects castings; cleans and degreases as needed.
      • Wears protective gear during line operation.

• Process Documentation:
  • Completes logs and records, including alkaline concentration, bath etch rates, chemical additions, and part lots.

• Maintenance and Housecleaning.
  • Objective: to maintain penetrant line equipment and work area in good working order.

• • • Typical Activities:
      • Performs maintenance and minor repairs on equipment.
      • Keeps work area and materials clean and orderly.

• Safety
  • Objective: to take responsibility for and demonstrate safe work practices.

• • • Typical Activities:
      • Adheres to plant and department safety rules.
      • Safely operates all equipment and tools.
      • Identifies and reports safety problems.
      • May be required to handle hazardous waste.

• Performs other tasks as directed.

TRAINING:

• Training is provided on the job.
• PCC&39;s Hazardous Chemical Safety Training.
• May be required to complete hazardous waste management training.
• Level 1 Penetrant Inspection Courses.
• Level 1 Penetrant Inspection Certification.

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Graduation or GED (necessary for NDT certification).
• Three to six months experience as a Cold Etch Operator B or prior chemical etching operations experience.

OR

• An equivalent combination of classroom training and work experience.
• Completion of PCC basic chemistry training for Cold Etch Operations or other basic chemistry courses.
• Completion of training in math calculations necessary for Cold Etch Operations, e.g. volumes, etch rates.
• Ability to read, write, interpret and follow instructions and Tech Cards.
• Ability to perform a variety of arithmetic calculations.
• Ability to lift and/or maneuver objects weighing thirty to fifty pounds and occasionally up to one hundred pounds.
• Ability to work in difficult working conditions which may include exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, temperature extremes and other elements for extended periods of time.

NOTE: for job positions that require respiratory protection (more than a filtering face piece – dust mask):

In compliance with the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Personal Protective Equipment standard for Respiratory Protection, OAR 437, Div. 2/I 1910.134 and Oregon Health Division Rules for the Control of Radiation, OAR 333. Div. 120 (333-120-300 through 330), certain tasks within this job position require/may require the use of a NIOSH-approved respirator. An individual will not be assigned to these tasks if the person is not able to work under these conditions. Respirator selection will be based on the work performed, exposure information, duration of use and any other relevant factors. If a tight-fitting respirator is required, facial hair, temple pieces on glasses or other items that interferes with the face-to-face piece seal of the respirator are not permitted.