51-9012.00 · Task explorer
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
Set up, operate, or tend continuous flow or vat-type equipment; filter presses; shaker screens; centrifuges; condenser tubes; precipitating, fermenting, or evaporating tanks; scrubbing towers; or batch stills. These machines extract, sort, or separate liquids, gases, or solids from other materials to recover a refined product. Includes dairy processing equipment operators.
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Read the task inventory
This source lists 20 tasks, including 19 marked Core and 1 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.
Task source dates: 08/2026.
20 tasks shown
Core · Task 12357 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Monitor material flow or instruments, such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters, to ensure optimal processing conditions.
Core · Task 12365 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Inspect machines or equipment for hazards, operating efficiency, malfunctions, wear, or leaks.
Core · Task 12356 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
Core · Task 12360 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
Core · Task 19918 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Operate machines to process materials in compliance with applicable safety, energy, or environmental regulations.
Core · Task 12362 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Test samples to determine viscosity, acidity, specific gravity, or degree of concentration, using test equipment such as viscometers, pH meters, or hydrometers.
Core · Task 20827 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Maintain logs of instrument readings, test results, or shift production for entry in computer databases.
Core · Task 12368 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Communicate processing instructions to other workers.
Core · Task 12364 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Clean or sterilize tanks, screens, inflow pipes, production areas, or equipment, using hoses, brushes, scrapers, or chemical solutions.
Core · Task 20825 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Examine samples to verify qualities such as clarity, cleanliness, consistency, dryness, or texture.
Core · Task 12363 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Measure or weigh materials to be refined, mixed, transferred, stored, or otherwise processed.
Core · Task 12366 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Dump, pour, or load specified amounts of refined or unrefined materials into equipment or containers for further processing or storage.
Core · Task 20828 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Assemble fittings, valves, bowls, plates, disks, impeller shafts, or other parts to prepare equipment for operation.
Core · Task 12372 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Turn valves to pump sterilizing solutions or rinse water through pipes or equipment or to spray vats with atomizers.
Core · Task 20824 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Turn valves or move controls to admit, drain, separate, filter, clarify, mix, or transfer materials.
Core · Task 12369 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Remove clogs, defects, or impurities from machines, tanks, conveyors, screens, or other processing equipment.
Core · Task 20826 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Start agitators, shakers, conveyors, pumps, or centrifuge machines.
Core · Task 12371 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Install, maintain, or repair hoses, pumps, filters, or screens to maintain processing equipment, using hand tools.
Core · Task 12367 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Connect pipes between vats and processing equipment.
Supplemental · Task 12373 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Remove full containers from discharge outlets and replace them with empty containers.
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Source and practice material
Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.
Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.