skillfactor-pipeline/skills/oil-refinery-control-room-operator/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — oil refinery control room operator

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-8093.00 (Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 3134; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

Task statements

• [Core] Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.
• [Core] Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
• [Core] Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.
• [Core] 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] Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
• [Core] Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.
• [Core] 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] Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
• [Core] Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.
• [Supplemental] 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.
• [Core] Record and compile operating data, instrument readings, documentation, and results of laboratory analyses.
• [Core] Synchronize activities with other pumphouses to ensure a continuous flow of products and a minimum of contamination between products.
• [Core] 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] Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
• [Core] Collect product samples by turning bleeder valves, or by lowering containers into tanks to obtain oil samples.
• [Core] Inspect pipelines, tightening connections and lubricating valves as necessary.
• [Core] Conduct general housekeeping of units, including wiping up oil spills and performing general cleaning duties.
• [Supplemental] Coordinate shutdowns and major projects.
• [Supplemental] 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] Prepare calculations for receipts and deliveries of oil and oil products.
• [Supplemental] Lower thermometers into tanks to obtain temperature readings.
• [Supplemental] Clean interiors of processing units by circulating chemicals and solvents within units.
• [Supplemental] Clamp seals around valves to secure tanks.
• [Supplemental] Calculate test result values, using standard formulas.

Detailed work activities

• Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids.
• Analyze test results.
• Calculate costs of goods or services.
• Calculate weights, volumes or other characteristics of materials.
• Clean production equipment.
• Clean work areas.
• Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
• Direct operational or production activities.
• Inspect production equipment.
• Lubricate production equipment.
• Maintain production or processing equipment.
• Monitor equipment fluid levels.
• Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
• Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
• Operate energy distribution equipment.
• Operate pumping systems or equipment.
• Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
• Record operational or production data.
• Repair production equipment or tools.
• Seal gaps or cracks to prevent leakage or moisture intrusion.
• Signal others to coordinate work activities.
• Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
• Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.
• Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.