Granulator machine operator

The granulation operator works to a formula. Ingredients are weighed, the batch size is set, and blending operations run in a mixer, after which the mass is granulated: wetted with a binder solution, broken down and dried until the powder becomes a free-flowing granule of repeatable particle size. The quality of the granule decides whether a tablet can be compressed and whether it holds a constant content of active substance.

The operator keeps a record of the tasks performed, notes the parameters of every stage, and keeps stock records of raw materials, because a batch has to be reconstructable later from the documentation. Mathematics comes in when a charge is calculated, and communication techniques at shift handover.

The operator looks after the production rooms, dismantles equipment for cleaning after every batch and reassembles it once cleanliness has been checked, so that no cross-contamination occurs between products. Heavy containers of raw material are lifted as well. Plants operate under a manufacturing authorisation and apply good manufacturing practice.