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.