Will AI Replace Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers?

Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

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.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Collect product samples by turning bleeder valves, or by lowering containers into tanks to obtain oil samples.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine the flow rate of oil into or from tanks, and the amount of oil in tanks.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Synchronize activities with other pumphouses to ensure a continuous flow of products and a minimum of contamination between products.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Record and compile operating data, instrument readings, documentation, and results of laboratory analyses.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Conduct general housekeeping of units, including wiping up oil spills and performing general cleaning duties.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Inspect pipelines, tightening connections and lubricating valves as necessary.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

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.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Calculate test result values, using standard formulas.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Clean interiors of processing units by circulating chemicals and solvents within units.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Clamp seals around valves to secure tanks.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Coordinate shutdowns and major projects.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Prepare calculations for receipts and deliveries of oil and oil products.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Lower thermometers into tanks to obtain temperature readings.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.