50+ Hikal Interview Questions and Answers

I have worked with various processes and equipment in my previous roles.

• I have experience with process optimization and improvement.

• I have worked with equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.

• I have used software tools for data analysis and reporting.

• I have trained team members on process and equipment usage.

• I have implemented safety protocols and procedures.

• Examples: Lean Six Sigma methodologies, CNC machines, data analysis software, safety protocols.

ETP is a wastewater treatment process that removes pollutants from industrial effluent. COD is a measure of organic pollutants, BOD is a measure of biodegradable organic pollutants.

• ETP stands for Effluent Treatment Plant

• COD is Chemical Oxygen Demand, a measure of organic pollutants in water

• BOD is Biological Oxygen Demand, a measure of biodegradable organic pollutants in water

• pH level of acid is below 7

• pH range of base is above 7

• pH range of neutral is 7

• MLSS stands for Mixed Li...read more

To apply heating, cooling, chilling, and brine to reactor, I will use appropriate equipment and control systems.

• Select appropriate equipment for heating, cooling, chilling, and brine application

• Install and connect the equipment to the reactor

• Set up control systems to regulate the temperature and flow rate of the heating, cooling, chilling, and brine

• Monitor the process to ensure the desired temperature and flow rate is maintained

• Adjust the control systems as necessary to maint...read more

The equations I use for charging lot into the reactor depend on the type of lot and the reactor design.

• Equations vary based on lot type and reactor design

• Factors such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate must be considered

• Examples of equations include mass balance equations and energy balance equations

I have handled various solvents including acetone, ethanol, and methanol. I am familiar with their boiling points and densities.

• Acetone - boiling point: 56.05°C, density: 0.789 g/cm³

• Ethanol - boiling point: 78.37°C, density: 0.789 g/cm³

• Methanol - boiling point: 64.7°C, density: 0.7918 g/cm³

I have experience working with pressurized water reactors (PWR) and boiling water reactors (BWR).

• Pressurized water reactors (PWR)

• Boiling water reactors (BWR)

QbD Development in API process development refers to Quality by Design approach for optimizing the development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients.

• QbD Development focuses on understanding the impact of various parameters on the quality of the API.

• It involves systematic identification and control of critical process parameters.

• QbD Development aims to enhance product quality, reduce variability, and improve process efficiency.

• Examples of QbD tools include design of experiments...read more

Fire and solvent flash point are important safety concerns in production. Prevention measures include proper storage and handling.

• Fire is a chemical reaction that requires heat, fuel, and oxygen. Solvents have a flash point, which is the temperature at which they can ignite.

• Prevention measures include proper storage and handling of flammable materials, regular maintenance of equipment, and having fire extinguishers and alarms readily available.

• Examples of prevention measures ...read more

The process of store involves managing inventory, sales, customer service, and overall operations.

• Inventory management: Ensuring sufficient stock levels, tracking product movement, and conducting regular audits.

• Sales management: Setting sales targets, monitoring performance, and analyzing sales data.

• Customer service: Providing assistance, resolving complaints, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

• Operations management: Overseeing store layout, staff scheduling, and implementing...read more

Elements in MIS include data, information, systems, and processes. Variances can be caused by errors, changes in assumptions, or external factors.

• Elements in MIS: data, information, systems, processes

• Reasons for variance: errors, changes in assumptions, external factors

• Example: Variance in budgeted vs. actual expenses due to unexpected increase in costs

LHR stands for Liquidity-Asset Ratio, it is calculated to determine a company's ability to meet short-term obligations.

• LHR is calculated by dividing liquid assets by current liabilities.

• It helps assess a company's liquidity and ability to pay off short-term debts.

• A higher LHR indicates better liquidity and financial health.

• For example, if a company has liquid assets of $100,000 and current liabilities of $50,000, the LHR would be 2.

Electrical safety in Transformers and HT installations is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure smooth operation.

• Regular maintenance and inspection of transformers and HT installations is essential to identify and address any potential safety hazards.

• Proper grounding and insulation of equipment is necessary to prevent electrical shocks and fires.

• Implementing safety protocols and procedures, such as lockout/tagout, can help prevent accidents during maintenance or repair work...read more

Types of heat exchangers include shell and tube, plate, and finned tube.

• Shell and tube heat exchangers have a shell with tubes inside for fluid exchange.

• Plate heat exchangers use plates to transfer heat between fluids.

• Finned tube heat exchangers have tubes with fins attached to increase surface area for heat transfer.

Form 27 is a report of accidents, dangerous occurrences, and occupational diseases in the workplace.

• Form 27 is a legal requirement under the Factories Act, 1948.

• It must be submitted to the Chief Inspector of Factories within 30 days of the end of each quarter.

• It includes details of any accidents, dangerous occurrences, or occupational diseases that have occurred in the workplace.

• The purpose of Form 27 is to help identify and prevent workplace hazards and improve safety and he...read more

Selective boiling and subsequent condensation is a process used to separate a specific component from a liquid mixture.

• Selective boiling involves heating the liquid mixture to a temperature at which the desired component vaporizes while other components remain in liquid form.

• The vapor is then condensed by cooling it down, resulting in the separation of the desired component from the mixture.

• This process is commonly used in distillation techniques to obtain pure substances fro...read more

The set point of PSV on the reactor is determined by the process requirements and safety regulations.

• The set point is typically determined by the process engineer and reviewed by the safety team.

• It is important to ensure that the PSV is set at a pressure that will prevent overpressure in the reactor.

• The set point may need to be adjusted based on changes in the process or equipment.

• Examples of set points for PSVs on reactors may range from 5-10% above the maximum operating pre...read more

The basic cost for making an RCC tank of 200KL can vary depending on various factors such as materials used, labor costs, location, etc.

• Cost of materials such as cement, steel, aggregates, etc.

• Cost of labor for construction

• Cost of equipment and machinery used

• Cost of transportation of materials to the site

• Cost of permits and approvals

• Cost of any additional features or customization

• Example: The basic cost for making an RCC tank of 200KL in a rural area may be lower compared to ...read more

PLC/DCS system stands for Programmable Logic Controller/Distributed Control System. It is a computerized control system used in industrial automation.

• PLC is a type of industrial digital computer used for controlling manufacturing processes.

• DCS is a control system used to control complex, large-scale processes in industries such as power plants and oil refineries.

• PLC is more suitable for discrete control applications, while DCS is more suitable for continuous control applicati...read more

MHR stands for Maximum Heart Rate. It is the highest heart rate an individual can achieve during exercise.

• MHR can be calculated using the formula: 220 - age

• For example, for a 30-year-old individual, the MHR would be 220 - 30 = 190 beats per minute

• MHR is used to determine target heart rate zones for exercise intensity

Fire elements refer to the components necessary for a fire to occur, including fuel, heat, oxygen, and a chemical chain reaction.

• Fuel: Any material that can burn, such as wood, paper, or gasoline.

• Heat: The energy needed to raise the temperature of the fuel to its ignition point.

• Oxygen: The presence of oxygen in the air allows the fire to burn.

• Chemical chain reaction: The process by which the fuel is broken down and releases energy in the form of heat and light.

Instant decisions require quick analysis of available information and prioritizing based on urgency.

• Gather all available information quickly

• Prioritize based on urgency

• Consider potential consequences

• Trust your instincts

• Be confident in your decision

• Practice decision-making skills regularly

The fire Tetrahedron is a model that illustrates the four elements necessary for a fire to occur: fuel, heat, oxygen, and a chemical chain reaction.

• Fuel: any material that can burn, such as wood, paper, or gasoline

• Heat: the energy needed to raise the temperature of the fuel to its ignition point

• Oxygen: the presence of oxygen in the air that supports combustion

• Chemical chain reaction: a process where the heat produced by the fire sustains the reaction and allows it to continue

Safety is the practice of preventing accidents, injuries, and other potential hazards in order to protect individuals and property.

• Safety involves identifying and assessing risks in order to implement measures to mitigate them.

• It includes providing proper training and equipment to ensure the well-being of individuals.

• Safety protocols should be regularly reviewed and updated to address new risks and challenges.

• Examples of safety measures include wearing personal protective equ...read more

Standard operating procedures are detailed instructions on how to perform a specific task or process in a consistent and efficient manner.

• Standard operating procedures outline the steps to be followed for a particular task or process.

• They help ensure consistency and quality in operations.

• Examples include SOPs for customer service, inventory management, and safety protocols.

• SOPs should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes in processes or best practices.

Troubleshooting panels involves identifying and resolving issues with electrical control panels.

• Check for loose connections or faulty wiring

• Inspect for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers

• Use a multimeter to test for voltage and continuity

• Look for any signs of overheating or burning components

• Consult wiring diagrams or manuals for guidance

Yes, I am familiar with Oracle software.

• I have experience using Oracle databases for storing and managing data

• I am proficient in writing SQL queries to retrieve and manipulate data in Oracle databases

• I have worked on projects where Oracle software was used for data analysis and reporting

A tetrahedron is a polyhedron with four triangular faces, six straight edges, and four vertex corners.

• A tetrahedron is a three-dimensional shape.

• It is made up of four equilateral triangles.

• It has a total of six edges and four vertices.

• Examples of tetrahedrons include pyramids and certain molecular structures.

Types of classification include hierarchical, binary, and multi-class.

• Hierarchical classification involves organizing categories into a tree-like structure.

• Binary classification involves categorizing data into two classes.

• Multi-class classification involves categorizing data into more than two classes.

Types of extinguishers include water, foam, CO2, dry powder, and wet chemical.

• Water extinguishers are suitable for Class A fires involving solid materials like wood or paper.

• Foam extinguishers are effective on Class A and B fires, involving flammable liquids.

• CO2 extinguishers are used for electrical fires (Class C) and flammable liquids (Class B).

• Dry powder extinguishers are versatile and can be used on Class A, B, and C fires.

• Wet chemical extinguishers are designed for Class...read more

Data integrity refers to the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data throughout its lifecycle.

• Data integrity ensures that data remains unchanged and reliable.

• It involves maintaining the accuracy and consistency of data over time.

• Data integrity can be achieved through various methods such as validation, encryption, and backup.

• Examples of data integrity measures include checksums, error detection codes, and data redundancy.

• Ensuring data integrity is crucial in industries...read more

Centrifugal CF and centrifugal pump work by using centrifugal force to move fluid through the pump.

• Centrifugal CF uses centrifugal force to separate particles from a fluid, such as in a centrifuge machine.

• Centrifugal pump uses centrifugal force to move fluid through the pump, increasing the fluid's velocity and pressure.

• Both rely on the principle of using rotating impellers to create centrifugal force.

Guidelines for handling chlorine gas in the workplace.

• Chlorine gas is a toxic and corrosive substance that can cause severe respiratory problems.

• Workers should be trained on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators and gloves.

• Chlorine gas should be stored in a well-ventilated area away from other chemicals.

• In case of a leak or spill, workers should evacuate the area immediately and contact emergency services.

• Regular maintenance and inspection ...read more

Site execution and installation guidelines ensure successful project completion.

• Develop a detailed plan for site execution and installation

• Ensure all necessary permits and approvals are obtained

• Conduct regular inspections and quality checks

• Maintain clear communication with all stakeholders

• Provide adequate training and support for installation teams

Fires are classified based on the type of fuel involved, such as Class A, B, C, D, and K fires.

• Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles like wood and paper

• Class B fires involve flammable liquids like gasoline and oil

• Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment

• Class D fires involve combustible metals like magnesium and titanium

• Class K fires involve cooking oils and fats

Quality Assurance is a process that ensures products or services meet specified requirements and standards.

• Quality Assurance involves creating and implementing quality control processes.

• It focuses on preventing defects and errors rather than detecting them after production.

• QA includes activities like planning, designing, and executing tests to ensure product quality.

• It also involves monitoring and analyzing data to identify areas for improvement.

• Examples of QA techniques incl...read more

Heat transfer is the movement of heat from one place to another due to a temperature difference.

• Three types of heat transfer: conduction, convection, radiation

• Conduction is the transfer of heat through a material without any movement of the material itself

• Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases)

• Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves

• Examples: Conduction - touching a hot stove, Convection - boiling water, Radi...read more

There are various types of heat exchangers including shell and tube, plate, and finned tube.

• Shell and tube heat exchangers are commonly used in industrial applications due to their high heat transfer efficiency.

• Plate heat exchangers are compact and efficient, often used in HVAC systems and refrigeration.

• Finned tube heat exchangers are used when space is limited and increased surface area is needed for heat transfer.

• Other types include double pipe, spiral, and air-cooled heat ...read more

Guidelines for chromatography

• Choose appropriate stationary and mobile phases

• Prepare the sample properly

• Optimize separation conditions

• Use appropriate detection method

• Analyze and interpret results accurately

Distillation is a process of separating components of a liquid mixture based on their different boiling points.

• Distillation involves heating a liquid mixture to vaporize the more volatile components.

• The vapor is then cooled and condensed back into a liquid, resulting in the separation of the components.

• The component with the lower boiling point will vaporize first and can be collected separately.

• Common examples of distillation include the production of alcoholic beverages and...read more

ICH guidelines provide a framework for validation of analytical methods and processes in pharmaceutical industry.

• ICH guidelines ensure that analytical methods and processes used in pharmaceutical industry are accurate, reliable, and consistent.

• Validation involves demonstrating that a method or process is suitable for its intended use and provides reliable results.

• ICH guidelines cover various aspects of validation, including method development, method validation, and process v...read more

Agitators are used in chemical and pharmaceutical industries to mix liquids. Types of agitators include paddle, turbine, anchor, and propeller.

• Paddle agitators are used for low viscosity liquids

• Turbine agitators are used for high viscosity liquids

• Anchor agitators are used for viscous liquids with solids

• Propeller agitators are used for mixing gases into liquids

• Selection of agitator depends on the properties of the liquid being mixed

• Other factors to consider include tank size, ...read more

Gas chromatography is a technique used to separate and analyze volatile compounds in a sample.

• Gas chromatography involves injecting a sample into a column filled with a stationary phase and a carrier gas.

• The sample components interact differently with the stationary phase, leading to separation based on their affinity.

• The separated components are detected by a detector, such as a flame ionization detector or a mass spectrometer.

• Gas chromatography is widely used in various ind...read more

Distillation is a process used to separate components of a liquid mixture based on differences in boiling points.

• Distillation involves heating the mixture to create vapor, then cooling the vapor to condense it back into liquid form.

• The components with lower boiling points will vaporize first and be collected, while the components with higher boiling points will remain in the liquid phase.

• Types of distillation include simple distillation, fractional distillation, and steam dis...read more

ATFD procedure is a safety measure used in chemical plants to prevent explosions.

• ATFD stands for Atmospheric Flash Distillation.

• It is used to separate and recover flammable solvents from waste streams.

• The procedure involves heating the waste stream to a temperature where the solvent vaporizes and then condensing the vapor in a separate vessel.

• The recovered solvent can then be reused or sold.

• ATFD is an important safety measure as it prevents the accumulation of flammable vapor...read more

To handle man power, I would prioritize clear communication, delegation of tasks, and fostering a positive work environment.

• Establish clear expectations and goals for the team

• Delegate tasks based on individual strengths and abilities

• Provide regular feedback and recognition for good work

• Encourage open communication and address any conflicts promptly

• Create a positive work environment through team building activities and incentives

• Ensure proper training and resources are provide...read more

ANF stands for Anti-Narcotics Force, a law enforcement agency in Pakistan responsible for combating drug trafficking and abuse.

• ANF operates under the Ministry of Narcotics Control.

• It conducts raids, arrests suspects, and seizes drugs and drug-making equipment.

• ANF also works to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and addiction.

• It collaborates with international agencies to curb drug trafficking across borders.

• ANF has a specialized unit for drug demand reduction, wh...read more

HPLC principle is based on the separation of components in a mixture using a liquid mobile phase and a solid stationary phase.

• HPLC stands for High Performance Liquid Chromatography.

• It is a widely used analytical technique in various industries including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, environmental analysis, etc.

• The principle involves the separation of components based on their interaction with the stationary phase and the mobile phase.

• The stationary phase is typically a ...read more

MHR costing is a method of costing that assigns costs based on the actual resources used by a product or service.

• MHR costing stands for Machine Hour Rate costing, where costs are allocated based on machine hours used.

• It is useful in industries where machine usage is a significant factor in determining costs, such as manufacturing.

• MHR costing helps in accurately determining the cost of production for each unit based on machine usage.

• It can also help in identifying inefficienci...read more

I am available for site work and can adjust my schedule as needed.

• I am flexible with my schedule and can work evenings and weekends if required

• I have reliable transportation to travel to different sites

• I am willing to travel for work if necessary

The responsibilities of a QA person include ensuring the quality of products or services, identifying and reporting defects, and implementing quality control processes.

• Developing and implementing quality assurance policies and procedures

• Conducting tests and inspections to identify defects and ensure product or service quality

• Documenting and reporting test results and defects

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to address quality issues

• Implementing quality control process...read more