51-8093.00 · Task explorer
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units. May specialize in controlling manifold and pumping systems, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil into pipelines.
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Read the task inventory
This source lists 24 tasks, including 16 marked Core and 8 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: 08/2023.
24 tasks shown
Core · Task 14309 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
Core · Task 14318 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
Core · Task 14305 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.
Core · Task 14306 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
Core · Task 14308 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
Core · Task 14310 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.
Core · Task 14317 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Patrol units to monitor the amount of oil in storage tanks, and to verify that activities and operations are safe, efficient, and in compliance with regulations.
Core · Task 14313 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.
Core · Task 14307 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.
Core · Task 14312 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
Core · Task 14319 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Collect product samples by turning bleeder valves, or by lowering containers into tanks to obtain oil samples.
Core · Task 14311 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine the flow rate of oil into or from tanks, and the amount of oil in tanks.
Core · Task 14316 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Synchronize activities with other pumphouses to ensure a continuous flow of products and a minimum of contamination between products.
Core · Task 14315 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Record and compile operating data, instrument readings, documentation, and results of laboratory analyses.
Core · Task 14321 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Conduct general housekeeping of units, including wiping up oil spills and performing general cleaning duties.
Core · Task 14320 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Inspect pipelines, tightening connections and lubricating valves as necessary.
Supplemental · Task 14314 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Read and analyze specifications, schedules, logs, test results, and laboratory recommendations to determine how to set equipment controls to produce the required qualities and quantities of products.
Supplemental · Task 14323 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Perform tests to check the qualities and grades of products, such as assessing levels of bottom sediment, water, and foreign materials in oil samples, using centrifugal testers.
Supplemental · Task 14328 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Calculate test result values, using standard formulas.
Supplemental · Task 14326 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Clean interiors of processing units by circulating chemicals and solvents within units.
Supplemental · Task 14327 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Clamp seals around valves to secure tanks.
Supplemental · Task 14322 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Coordinate shutdowns and major projects.
Supplemental · Task 14324 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Prepare calculations for receipts and deliveries of oil and oil products.
Supplemental · Task 14325 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Lower thermometers into tanks to obtain temperature readings.
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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.
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