Profession starch converting operator

Starch converting operators control converters to change starch into glucose or corn syrup. After processing, they test products to verify their purity.

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Personality Type

• Realistic / Conventional

Knowledge

• Enzymatic processing

  Enzymatic processes used in food production as well as in other industrial biotechnological processes.

• Starch production processes

  Processes of starch production from tending cleaners to millers, to separators, washing screens, centrifugal separators to starch.

• Variety of starches

  Variety of starches including acid thinned, oxidised, cationic, succinate, and phosphate starches.

• Extraction process of starch from corn

  Extraction process of starch from kernels of corn. Refining process whereby the extracted corn-starch is treated to create a solid sugar or to make another popular sweetening agent known as corn syrup.

• Food safety principles

  Scientific background of food safety which includes preparation, handling, and storage of food to minimise the risk of foodborne illness and other health hazards.

Skills

• Adhere to organisational guidelines

  Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.

• Secure goods according to work orders

  Fasten bands around stacks or articles, prior to shipment or storage.

• Use filters to dewater starch

  Use filters to wash and dewater starch slurry to prepare it for further processing into starch and dextrins, sweeteners and ethanol.

• Apply GMP

  Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

• Apply HACCP

  Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).

• Keep task records

  Organise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks.

• Measure pH

  Measuring pH which is a measure of acidity or alkalinity.

• Tend corn starch extraction machines

  Operate corn starch extraction machines, following adequate procedure, and gather the extracted elements and glucose from the process.

• Monitor temperature in manufacturing process of food and beverages

  Monitor and control required temperatures in the different phases of production until the product reaches suitable properties according to specifications.

• Apply requirements concerning manufacturing of food and beverages

  Apply and follow national, international, and internal requirements quoted in standards, regulations and other specifications related with manufacturing of food and beverages.

• Process starch slurry

  Operate equipments to produce dextrins, with or without acid or basic catalyst.

• Follow verbal instructions

  Have the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.

• Be at ease in unsafe environments

  Be at ease in unsafe environments like being exposed to dust, rotating equipment, hot surfaces, sub-freezing and cold storage areas, noise, wet floors and moving lift equipment.

• Administer chemicals to starch production

  Administer different chemicals to the production of starch in order to obtain different kinds of starches for a range of purposes.

• Stabilise pH of starches

  Stabilise pH of starches by performing pH tests, adding chemicals for the purpose in adequate quantities.

• Follow written instructions

  Follow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.

• Carry out checks of production plant equipment

  Carry out checks of the machinery and equipment used in the production plant. Ensure that the machinery is working properly, set machines before usage, and assure continuous operability of the equipment.

• Follow production schedule

  Follow production schedule taking into account all requirements, times and needs. This schedule outlines what individual commodities must be produced in each time period and encapsulates various concerns like production, staffing, inventory, etc. It is usually linked to manufacturing where the plan indicates when and how much of each product will be demanded. Utilise all the information in the actual implementation of the plan.

• Collect samples for analysis

  Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.

• Follow hygienic procedures during food processing

  Ensure a clean working space according to hygienic standards in the food processing industry.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB