TAN
TAN stands for Total Acid Number, which is a key measurement in the oil and petrochemical industry. It tells companies how acidic their oil products are, which is important for quality control and safety. Think of it like a pH test for oil products - it helps determine if the oil is good to use or needs treatment. This measurement is crucial for maintenance teams, quality control specialists, and process engineers who need to ensure that equipment isn't damaged by too-acidic materials and that final products meet industry standards.
Examples in Resumes
Managed quality control processes including daily TAN measurements for crude oil samples
Reduced equipment corrosion by implementing strict TAN monitoring protocols
Led team responsible for TAN analysis in refinery operations
Typical job title: "Quality Control Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Quality Control Specialists
Professional Organizations
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement a TAN monitoring program in a refinery?
Expected Answer: A strong answer should cover setting up testing schedules, establishing acceptable ranges, training staff on proper sampling techniques, and creating response procedures for when TAN values are out of range.
Q: What strategies would you use to reduce high TAN values in crude oil processing?
Expected Answer: The candidate should discuss various treatment methods, monitoring points, cost considerations, and how to balance processing requirements with equipment protection.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the implications of high TAN values in oil products?
Expected Answer: Should explain how high TAN can lead to equipment corrosion, product quality issues, and increased maintenance costs, plus normal ranges for different products.
Q: Describe the proper procedure for TAN testing.
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain sample collection, testing methods, quality control measures, and documentation requirements.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is TAN and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should explain that TAN measures acid content in oil products and why this matters for equipment protection and product quality.
Q: What safety precautions should be taken when conducting TAN analysis?
Expected Answer: Should discuss proper handling of chemicals, required protective equipment, and basic laboratory safety procedures.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic laboratory testing procedures
- Sample collection and handling
- Understanding of safety protocols
- Basic quality control documentation
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced testing methods
- Data analysis and trending
- Problem-solving for out-of-spec results
- Equipment maintenance knowledge
Senior (5+ years)
- Program development and optimization
- Staff training and supervision
- Troubleshooting complex issues
- Process improvement implementation
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic laboratory safety
- Unfamiliarity with quality control documentation
- Lack of attention to detail in testing procedures
- No understanding of industrial chemical handling
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