Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (8%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 7 (29%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 15 (63%)

• Prepare calculations for receipts and deliveries of oil and oil products.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Calculate test result values, using standard formulas.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine the flow rate of oil into or from tanks, and the amount of oil in tanks.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• 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.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Record and compile operating data, instrument readings, documentation, and results of laboratory analyses.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Coordinate shutdowns and major projects.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• 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.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Synchronize activities with other pumphouses to ensure a continuous flow of products and a minimum of contamination between products.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• 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.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Collect product samples by turning bleeder valves, or by lowering containers into tanks to obtain oil samples.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inspect pipelines, tightening connections and lubricating valves as necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct general housekeeping of units, including wiping up oil spills and performing general cleaning duties.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Lower thermometers into tanks to obtain temperature readings.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Clean interiors of processing units by circulating chemicals and solvents within units.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Clamp seals around valves to secure tanks.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task