oljeraffinaderi

An oljeraffinaderi, or oil refinery, is an industrial plant where crude oil is processed and refined into more useful products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, kerosene, heating oil, and asphalt. The process typically begins with the distillation of crude oil into various fractions based on their boiling points. This is usually done in a large distillation column.

Further processing steps are employed to improve the quality and yield of these fractions. These may include cracking, where larger hydrocarbon molecules are broken down into smaller, more valuable ones; reforming, which rearranges the molecular structure of hydrocarbons to increase their octane rating for gasoline; and treating processes, which remove impurities like sulfur and nitrogen.

The products from the refinery are then stored and transported, often via pipelines, ships, or trucks, to be used by consumers and industries. Refineries are complex facilities requiring significant capital investment and sophisticated technology to operate safely and efficiently. They play a crucial role in the global energy supply chain, transforming raw crude oil into the fuels and materials that power modern society. Environmental regulations are a significant consideration in refinery operations, with ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and waste.