Octane Number

Term from Petrochemicals industry explained for recruiters

Octane Number is a key measurement used in the fuel and petrochemical industry to indicate the quality and performance of gasoline. It's like a grading system that shows how well fuel will perform in engines without causing problems. When you see numbers like "87" or "93" at gas stations, those are octane ratings. In resumes and job descriptions, this term often appears when candidates have experience with fuel testing, quality control, or refinery operations. Similar terms you might see include "RON" (Research Octane Number) or "MON" (Motor Octane Number).

Examples in Resumes

Supervised quality control testing of fuels, including Octane Number analysis

Optimized refinery processes to achieve target Octane Number specifications

Led team responsible for Octane Number testing and certification

Typical job title: "Fuel Quality Analysts"

Also try searching for:

Quality Control Chemist Petroleum Lab Technician Refinery Process Engineer Fuel Testing Specialist Petrochemical Analyst Quality Assurance Engineer

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you improve octane number testing efficiency in a laboratory setting?

Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss quality control procedures, testing automation possibilities, staff training, and ways to reduce testing time while maintaining accuracy.

Q: What factors affect octane number in fuel blending?

Expected Answer: Should explain in simple terms how different components and blending processes can impact fuel quality, and how to optimize these factors.

Mid Level Questions

Q: Explain the difference between RON and MON testing.

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain in simple terms how these two testing methods differ and why both are important for fuel quality assessment.

Q: What quality control measures do you use when testing octane numbers?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic quality control procedures, documentation methods, and how to ensure accurate test results.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is an octane number and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain in basic terms what octane number measures and why it matters for fuel quality.

Q: Describe the basic steps in octane number testing.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of fundamental testing procedures and safety measures.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic laboratory testing procedures
  • Understanding of fuel quality standards
  • Safety protocols in testing
  • Basic documentation and reporting

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced testing methods
  • Quality control procedures
  • Test equipment maintenance
  • Data analysis and trending

Senior (5+ years)

  • Laboratory management
  • Process optimization
  • Team supervision
  • Regulatory compliance oversight

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of basic fuel testing procedures
  • Lack of laboratory safety awareness
  • Poor understanding of quality control principles
  • No experience with standard testing equipment

Related Terms