Gauger

Gaugers test oil during the processing and before dispatch. They control pumping systems and regulate the flow of oil into the pipelines.

Gaugers typically do the following:

• Gauge and retract samples of produced oil at the assigned storage tank.
• Ensure produced oil meets minimum standards to satisfy customer expectation.
• Use a centrifuge testing tool to test sample oil. 
• Record and maintain proper documentation of each transaction performed and deliver accurate and timely reports to customer upon request. 
• Turn on pumps to ship oil through the delivery system.
• Monitor pumps and all equipment on storage tank site for leak prevention and proper maintenance. 
• Report any equipment malfunctions to the company technician as soon as possible.
• Conduct light maintenance tasks and/or perform repairs of field pumps.

Gauging is a heavy job. Gaugers need to be able to drive through rough conditions, including unpaved roads. In addition, they may find themselves squeezing into tight spaces, crouching or climbing ladders. Sometimes, they are exposed to extreme temperatures, and they might need to wear safety equipment including an apparatus for emergency breathing.

Some jobs require the ability to lift 50 pound loads, move 75 pounds at a time and tighten knobs and nuts up to 100-foot pounds of pressure.

The following job titles also refer to gauger:

rig gauger
refinery gauger
oil field gauger
well gauger
oil gauger
oil refiner
pipeline gauger
oil well gauger

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a gauger. Some employers want certification or training in the field.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Gauger is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to gauger.

distillation operator
derrickhand
roughneck
oil rig motorhand
well-digger

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of gauger. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of gauger with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

petroleum pump system operator
refinery shift manager
air pollution analyst
grants administrator
mechanical engineering drafter

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of gauger.

• Mechanical tools: Understand machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

These skills are necessary for the role of gauger.

• Operate oil pumping systems: Manipulate control panels to adjust pressure and temperature and to direct product flow rate. Control oil pumping systems; monitor liquid circulation in petroleum refinery.
• Calculate oil deliveries: Make up receipts and calculate deliveries of oil and other petroleum products. Apply standard formulas to calculate test result values.
• Coordinate oil well operations: Coordinate well operations such as shutdowns and major projects.
• Keep task records: Organise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks.
• Collect oil samples: Collect petroleum product samples by turning bleed valves; insert container into tank to obtain sample material.
• Analyse oil operations data: Record and process oil operating data; comprehend and analyse documents, instruments and data results of laboratory analyses.
• Set equipment controls: Manipulate equipment controls to produce required volumes and required product quality. Take into account lab recommendations, schedules and test results.
• Verify oil circulation: Ensure that incoming and outgoing oil circulates through correct meters. Ensure that meters work properly.
• Measure oil tank temperatures: Insert thermometers inside oil tanks to obtain temperature information.
• Perform oil tests: Perform oil sample tests in order to determine product quality; operate centrifugal testing equipment to assess levels of water, bottom sediment or foreign materials.
• Maintain mechanical equipment: Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect malfunction. Service, repair, adjust, and test machines, parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical principles. Maintain and repair vehicles meant for cargo, passengers, farming and landscaping.
• Test oil samples: Analyse oil samples in order to determine characteristics such as consistency, texture, viscosity or concentration. Operate measuring instruments such as pH meters, hydrometers and viscometers.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of gauger. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Mathematics: Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
• Chemistry: The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of gauger. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Synchronise pumphouse activities: Ensure synchronicity between pump houses; pursue continuous product flow and minimal product contamination.
• Clean oil processing units: Clean interiors of oil processing units; circulate cleaning solvents and chemicals within.

8131 – Chemical products plant and machine operators

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References

1. Gauger – ESCO
2. Crude Oil Gauger – EM Services LLC
3. Job Description for an Oil Well Gauger – Chron
4. Featured image: By User:codybrom – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0