Deasphalting
Deasphalting is an important process in oil refining where unwanted heavy, sticky components (called asphalt) are removed from oil to make better quality products. Think of it like separating cream from milk - the process pulls out the heavier parts to leave behind cleaner oil that can be used to make valuable products like lubricants and fuel. This is a key step in many refineries and petrochemical plants, and professionals who understand this process are valuable to employers because it directly affects product quality and plant efficiency.
Examples in Resumes
Supervised Deasphalting unit operations, improving product quality by 25%
Optimized Solvent Deasphalting process resulting in $2M annual savings
Led team of 5 operators in Deasphalting unit maintenance and troubleshooting
Typical job title: "Deasphalting Process Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Deasphalting Process Engineers
Professional Organizations
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you optimize a deasphalting unit's efficiency?
Expected Answer: A senior engineer should discuss solvent-to-oil ratios, temperature control, equipment maintenance scheduling, and ways to reduce operating costs while maintaining product quality. They should mention experience with troubleshooting and process improvements.
Q: What safety considerations are crucial in managing a deasphalting unit?
Expected Answer: Should explain key safety protocols, emergency response procedures, operator training requirements, and experience with safety audits and implementing safety improvements.
Mid Level Questions
Q: Explain the basic principles of the deasphalting process.
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain in simple terms how the process separates heavy and light components, the role of solvents, and basic operating parameters that affect product quality.
Q: What quality control measures do you use in deasphalting operations?
Expected Answer: Should discuss routine testing procedures, quality specifications, sampling methods, and how to adjust process parameters to maintain product quality.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the main products from a deasphalting unit?
Expected Answer: Should be able to identify deasphalted oil (DAO) and asphalt as main products and explain their basic uses in simple terms.
Q: What basic safety equipment is required when working around a deasphalting unit?
Expected Answer: Should know personal protective equipment requirements, basic safety protocols, and emergency procedures for the unit.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of refinery operations
- Reading process flow diagrams
- Following standard operating procedures
- Basic safety protocols
Mid (2-5 years)
- Process optimization
- Troubleshooting equipment issues
- Quality control management
- Team coordination
Senior (5+ years)
- Unit optimization and improvement
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Budget management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic refinery safety procedures
- Lack of experience with process control systems
- Poor understanding of quality control importance
- No experience with team coordination or communication
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Refining Job Descriptions to Expand Applicant Pools: Casting a Wider Talent Net
Digital Apprenticeships: Crafting the Future Workforce Pipeline
Stop Training Like It's 1999: The Unconventional Guide to Upskilling Your Team for the Future
