For decades to come, natural gas will be produced and consumed in the United States, creating an ongoing demand for natural gas plant operators. This online course provides the fundamental technical background you need to get started in this field.
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
- This course must be taken on a PC. Macs are not compatible.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 8 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge is also compatible.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.
Natural gas plant operators monitor and control the systems and equipment that take gas from its natural state and convert it into a usable product. Your job is to ensure that the gas produced is free of impurities. The purified gas is then separated into products such as ethane, propane, butane, and methane. You'll also be responsible for the flow of this processed gas into the pipelines that carry it to the various industries and homes that use it for fuel. In addition, you'll make gas flow changes to the supply system to keep pace with customer demands.
Natural gas plant operators earn above-average wages and enjoy good job security and the potential to advance into supervisory or management positions. This is a user-friendly course, designed for people who have no prior exposure to the technical aspects of hydrocarbons, energy, or industrial processes. No prior science or math education is necessary; the course includes all of the necessary basic science and technology elements.
- Basic Safety
- Basic Hazard Communication
- Basic Lockout-Tagout
- Math 1000: Basic Math 1
- Math 2000: Basic Math 2
- Math2500: Basic Math 3
- Applied Physics 1
- Applied Physics 2
- Applied Physics 3
- Heat Exchangers
- Lubrication and Bearings
- Electrical Safety
- Electricity for Operators and Technicians
- Industrial Valves
- Compressed Air
- How to Read Process Drawings
- Basic Process Instrumentation and Control
- Pump Fundamentals
- Centrifugal Pumps - Operation
- Refining 1000: Introduction to Petroleum Refining
- Refining 2000: Distillation Technology
- Natural Gas 1000: Introduction to Natural Gas
- Natural Gas 2000: Introduction to Drilling
- Natural Gas 3000: Gas Plant Operations 1
- Natural Gas 3500: Gas Plant Operations 2
What you will learn
- Master basic math, physics, and chemistry knowledge necessary for a gas plant operator
- Understand safety as it relates to gas plant production
- Describe basic elements of electricity
- Read technical process drawings
- Describe basic operational elements of lubrication and centrifugal pumps
- Understand how natural gas is found in nature and how gas wells are developed
- Describe how natural gas compression and refrigeration systems work
- Determine various methods used to purify natural gas
How you will benefit
- Develop the knowledge and skills you'll need to begin a career in natural gas plant operations
- Learn what to expect when working at a natural gas plant
- Refine your skills in mathematics and science that will be used on the job
- Set yourself apart from competitors by taking an online course to prove your interest
- Enrolled students are invited to attend our exclusive annual virtual National Apprenticeship Week events, featuring live webinars, workshops, and employer interactions
This is not an instructor facilitated course; however, support will be provided through email, online forms, and phone.
