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Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers Go Back to List
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.
 Technology used in this occupation:
 
  • Electronic mail software
  •  Tasks
     
  • Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.
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  • Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
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  • Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.
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  • Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
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  • Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
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  • Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.
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  • Read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine the flow rate of oil into or from tanks, and the amount of oil in tanks.
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  • Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
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  • Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.
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  • 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.
  •  Skills
     
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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  • Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  •  Knowledge
     
  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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  • Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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  • Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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  • Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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  • Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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  • Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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  • Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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  • Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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  • Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
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  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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     Education & Training
      Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
      Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
      View Related Programs on Connecticut's Education & Training ConneCTion site.
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    ONET Resource Center Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
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