ISCO-08 3134
Petroleum and natural gas refining plant operators
39.6%
ADI · 214th of 433 · 95% interval 27.3–51.9
An AI agent can at least partly carry out 39.6% of the task time of petroleum and natural gas refining plant operators, and finish 1.1% alone. The barrier that holds most of the rest back is access to the systems the work runs on.
ADI · partial or full39.6%
214th of 433 · interval 27.3–51.9
ADI3 · full delegation1.1%
152nd of 433 · interval 0.0–3.4
ADIs · share of time33.4%
230th of 433 · interval 28.7–38.3
Evidence70
task statements rated by two models and weighted by importance and frequency. World employment: 0.4 million.
Task weight by level
How the tasks rate
L0No meaningful role · 19.5%L1Augmentation · 40.9%L2Partial delegation · 38.5%L3Full delegation · 1.1%
Barriers
What stops the agent
Share of task weight flagged by each barrier; a task can carry several.
70 task statements, heaviest first
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Weight | Level | Sonnet · Haiku | Share | Human time | Barriers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monitor meters and pressure gauges to determine consumption rate variations, temperatures, and pressures.Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | 3.0% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 30 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Record instrument readings and operational changes in operating logs.Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | 2.9% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 25 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Respond to problems by adjusting control room equipment or instructing other personnel to adjust equipment at problem locations or in other control areas.Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | 2.8% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 20 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Adjust valves and equipment to obtain specified performance.Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | 2.4% | L1 | L1L1 | 25% | 25 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Move controls and turn valves to start compressor engines, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | 2.4% | L0 | L1L0 | 12% | 32 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Read gas meters, and maintain records of the amounts of gas received and dispensed from holders.Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | 2.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 50% | 25 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Operate power-driven pumps that transfer liquids, semi-liquids, gases, or powdered materials.Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | 2.3% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Submit daily reports on facility operations.Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | 2.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 38 min | Access to systems |
| Monitor equipment functioning, observe temperature, level, and flow gauges, and perform regular unit checks to ensure that all equipment is operating as it should.Gas Plant Operators | 2.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 45% | 4.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Turn knobs or switches to regulate pressures.Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | 2.0% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 10 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Distribute or process gas for utility companies or industrial plants, using panel boards, control boards, and semi-automatic equipment.Gas Plant Operators | 2.0% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 4.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Control equipment to regulate flow and pressure of gas to feedlines of boilers, furnaces, and related steam-generating or heating equipment.Gas Plant Operators | 1.9% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 22 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Record, review, and compile operations records, test results, and gauge readings such as temperatures, pressures, concentrations, and flows.Gas Plant Operators | 1.9% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 1.1 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Take samples of gases and conduct chemical tests to determine gas quality and sulfur or moisture content, or send samples to laboratories for analysis.Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | 1.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 22% | 45 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Control operation of compressors, scrubbers, evaporators, and refrigeration equipment to liquefy, compress, or regasify natural gas.Gas Plant Operators | 1.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 4.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
Show the other 55 tasks
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Weight | Level | Sonnet · Haiku | Share | Human time | Barriers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjust temperature, pressure, vacuum, level, flow rate, or transfer of gas to maintain processes at required levels or to correct problems.Gas Plant Operators | 1.7% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 30 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Maintain each station by performing general housekeeping duties such as painting, washing, and cleaning.Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | 1.7% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 2.0 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Read logsheets to determine product demand and disposition, or to detect malfunctions.Gas Plant Operators | 1.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 25 min | Access to systems |
| Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 1.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 4.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Control fractioning columns, compressors, purifying towers, heat exchangers, and related equipment to extract nitrogen and oxygen from air.Gas Plant Operators · supplemental task | 1.6% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 4.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Collaborate with other operators to solve unit problems.Gas Plant Operators | 1.6% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Monitor transportation and storage of flammable and other potentially dangerous products to ensure that safety guidelines are followed.Gas Plant Operators | 1.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 52 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Clean, lubricate, and adjust equipment, and replace filters and gaskets, using hand tools.Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | 1.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 1.8 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 1.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 45% | 4.4 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Determine causes of abnormal pressure variances, and make corrective recommendations, such as installation of pipes to relieve overloading.Gas Plant Operators | 1.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 2.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 1.5% | L1 | L2L1 | 28% | 8 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| 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.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 1.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 22% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 1.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 38 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 1.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 38% | 30 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Control or operate manifold and pumping systems to circulate liquids through a petroleum refinery.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 1.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 2.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 1.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 1.3 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Contact maintenance crews when necessary.Gas Plant Operators | 1.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 5 min | Access to systems |
| Operate auxiliary equipment and control multiple processing units during distilling or treating operations, moving controls that regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 1.4% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 4.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 1.3% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Test gas, chemicals, and air during processing to assess factors such as purity and moisture content, and to detect quality problems or gas or chemical leaks.Gas Plant Operators | 1.3% | L1 | L1L1 | 22% | 38 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Clean, maintain, and repair equipment, using hand tools, or request that repair and maintenance work be performed.Gas Plant Operators | 1.3% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Start and shut down plant equipment.Gas Plant Operators | 1.3% | L1 | L1L2 | 22% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Record and compile operating data, instrument readings, documentation, and results of laboratory analyses.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 1.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Read automatic gauges at specified intervals to determine the flow rate of oil into or from tanks, and the amount of oil in tanks.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 1.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 22 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Monitor gauges and flowmeters and inspect equipment to ensure that tank levels, temperatures, chemical amounts, and pressures are at specified levels, reporting abnormalities as necessary.Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | 1.3% | L1 | L1L2 | 38% | 4.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Collect product samples by turning bleeder valves, or by lowering containers into tanks to obtain oil samples.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 1.3% | L0 | L0L0 | 3% | 20 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| 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.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers · supplemental task | 1.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 45 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Record operating data such as products and quantities pumped, stocks used, gauging results, and operating times.Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | 1.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 20 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Signal or direct workers who tend auxiliary equipment.Gas Plant Operators | 1.2% | L0 | L0L2 | 19% | 20 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Conduct general housekeeping of units, including wiping up oil spills and performing general cleaning duties.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 1.2% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 38 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Communicate with other workers, using signals, radios, or telephones, to start and stop flows of materials or substances.Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | 1.2% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 5 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Synchronize activities with other pumphouses to ensure a continuous flow of products and a minimum of contamination between products.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 1.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of interconnections and capacities of pipelines, valve manifolds, pumps, and tankage.Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | 1.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 1.3 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Turn valves and start pumps to start or regulate flows of substances such as gases, liquids, slurries, or powdered materials.Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | 1.2% | L0 | L1L0 | 12% | 15 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| 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.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers · supplemental task | 1.2% | L0 | L0L1 | 12% | 35 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Connect pipelines between pumps and containers that are being filled or emptied.Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | 1.1% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 28 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Tend vessels that store substances such as gases, liquids, slurries, or powdered materials, checking levels of substances by using calibrated rods or by reading mercury gauges and tank charts.Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | 1.1% | L1 | L1L1 | 15% | 15 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Calculate gas ratios to detect deviations from specifications, using testing apparatus.Gas Plant Operators · supplemental task | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 50% | 30 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Calculate test result values, using standard formulas.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers · supplemental task | 1.1% | L3 | L3L3 | 91% | 15 min | Access to systems |
| Inspect pipelines, tightening connections and lubricating valves as necessary.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 1.1% | L0 | L0L1 | 9% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Connect hoses and pipelines to pumps and vessels prior to material transfer, using hand tools.Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | 1.0% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 20 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Read operating schedules or instructions or receive verbal orders to determine amounts to be pumped.Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | 1.0% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 12 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Clean, lubricate, and repair pumps and vessels, using hand tools and equipment.Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | 1.0% | L0 | L0L0 | 5% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Add chemicals and solutions to tanks to ensure that specifications are met.Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers · supplemental task | 0.9% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 30 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Change charts in recording meters.Gas Plant Operators · supplemental task | 0.9% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 12 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Tend auxiliary equipment such as water treatment and refrigeration units, and heat exchangers.Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers · supplemental task | 0.9% | L1 | L1L2 | 22% | 38 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Test materials and solutions, using testing equipment.Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | 0.8% | L1 | L1L1 | 12% | 25 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Prepare calculations for receipts and deliveries of oil and oil products.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers · supplemental task | 0.8% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 45 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Operate construction equipment to install and maintain gas distribution systems.Gas Plant Operators · supplemental task | 0.8% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 6.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Pump two or more materials into one tank to blend mixtures.Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers · supplemental task | 0.8% | L1 | L1L1 | 15% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Clean interiors of processing units by circulating chemicals and solvents within units.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers · supplemental task | 0.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 22% | 6.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Clamp seals around valves to secure tanks.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers · supplemental task | 0.7% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 10 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Collect and deliver sample solutions for laboratory analysis.Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers · supplemental task | 0.7% | L0 | L0L1 | 8% | 30 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Lower thermometers into tanks to obtain temperature readings.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers · supplemental task | 0.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 15 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Coordinate shutdowns and major projects.Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers · supplemental task | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 38% | 22 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
Level: consensus of the two models (the lower level when they disagree). Share: part of the task’s working time an agent could take over. Human time: minutes a competent person needs for one instance, as estimated by the models.
Against other measures
Exposure is not delegation
| Measure | Value | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| ADI (this index) | 39.6% | 51 |
| Eloundou et al. (2024), GPT exposure β | 0.206 | 36 |
| Felten et al. (2021), AI occupational exposure | -0.509 | 39 |
| Webb (2020), AI patent exposure | 77.857 | 70 |
| Eisfeldt et al. (2026), generative AI exposure | 0.143 | 46 |
| Anthropic Economic Index, observed use | 0.032 | 55 |
Earlier indices measure whether AI can touch a task; ADI measures how much of it an agent can carry out from a goal. – : the source does not cover this occupation.
Same sub-major group (31)
Neighbouring occupations
| Occupation | ADI | % |
|---|---|---|
| Process control technicians not elsewhere classified 3139 | 91.1 | |
| Draughtspersons 3118 | 82.3 | |
| Mining supervisors 3121 | 71.6 | |
| Construction supervisors 3123 | 71.6 | |
| Chemical and physical science technicians 3111 | 69.7 | |
| Electronics engineering technicians 3114 | 60.2 | |
| Civil engineering technicians 3112 | 57.6 | |
| Manufacturing supervisors 3122 | 56.5 | |
| Air traffic safety electronics technicians 3155 | 54.7 | |
| Mining and metallurgical technicians 3117 | 51.5 | |
| Physical and engineering science technicians not elsewhere classified 3119 | 51.1 | |
| Mechanical engineering technicians 3115 | 50.0 |
Dashed line: petroleum and natural gas refining plant operators (39.6%).
Cite this record
Text
Espinal Maya, Cristian, and Santiago Jiménez Londoño. 2026. ADI v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and MCP server. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918. Record: Petroleum and natural gas refining plant operators (ISCO-08 3134), https://balamlabs.org/adi/occupations/3134
BibTeX
@misc{espinal2026adidata,
title = {{ADI} v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and {MCP} server},
author = {Espinal Maya, Cristian and Jim{\'e}nez Londo{\~n}o, Santiago},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Zenodo},
version = {v2026.1},
doi = {10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
url = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
note = {Record: Petroleum and natural gas refining plant operators (ISCO-08 3134)}
}Machine-readable
The same record as static JSON, with its citation: /adi/v2026.1/isco/3134.json.