Process Plant Technology
Oil refineries
Chemical plants
Electrical power generation facilities
Water and waste water treatment plants
Mineral refining plants
Many other processing plants
Montana has numerous petroleum refineries and chemical processing industries. With the support of the local/regional processing plants the City College developed and currently offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in this area.
Prior to starting the Process Plant core classes, students must prove their math and English skills. This can be done through approved college transfer credits, appropriate scores on the Compass placement exam or completing refresher classes.
- Technical, mechanical and safety systems utilized in oil, chemical and power processing plants. Mechanics of fluids, hydrocarbons, gases, heat, and chemistry as it pertains to processing plants
- Fundamentals necessary
for an in-depth look at the distillation
process
- heat and thermodynamics, as well as the chemical bonds
- organic chemistry
- periodic table
- hydrocarbon concepts
- Understand the equipment necessary for the operation of a process/refining
plant.
- pumps, compressors, valves, heat exchangers, distillation and cooling towers
- Actual refining
processes, taking an in-depth
look at each process
- Fluid Catalytic Cracking, Alkylation, Catalytic Reforming, Desulfurization, Crude/Vacuum Systems, Amine, Coking, and Hydro treating
- History behind certain environmental policies, the creation of OSHA, and key environmental issues
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|
Job Outlook and Pay Info |
|
| Median Wage (MT)* | $59,820.00 |
| Median Wage (US)* | $55,010.00 |
|
|
| Average entry-level wage, COT grads (2006-2010) | $46,059.60 |
|
|
| Expected growth (MT)* (projection through 2016) |
15% |
| Expected growth (US)* (projection through 2018) |
-12% |
|
|
| *Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Employment Projections; MT Dept. of Labor and Industry, Research and Analysis Bureau | |
 COT Graduate Placement Data |
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- Critical thinking, trouble shooting
- mechanical aptitude
- Manual dexterity
- Math and spatial skills
- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
- Reading and communication skills
