Concept in Definition ABC

A refinery is a infrastructure industrial type in which oil is converted into different fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, butane, as well as raw material to produce very diverse products (plastics, clothing, asphalt, computers, furniture and many others).

We are surrounded by things made from oil. Of this mineral It is possible to extract all kinds of objects because there are some refineries that carry out a transformation process, turning this material into different products.

The oil that is extracted from the land or sea platforms is transported through large ships that go to the places of destination; the black liquid of petroleum being conducted through an oil pipeline that ends in a refinery, where this product is stored.

The oil transformation process

In the refineries, the oil begins to be treated depending on its destination. In an oven the heating process takes place, where temperatures above 300 degrees are reached. Once hot, the oil is introduced into a distillation tower, in which the different components of the oil are separated depending on their density.

First of all you get gases, such as butane or propane that are used in homes for heating. Then naphtha is produced, which is the basis for gasoline and a whole series of raw materials such as plastic, textile fibers or some components used in the pharmaceutical sector. In the next phase, kerosene is extracted, which serves as fuel in aviation. In distillation, diesel is also produced, which is used as diesel fuel for some vehicles and for heating.

In the heaviest parts, it is possible to find fuel oil, which serves as a fuel base for ships or thermal power plants. Finally, in this process asphalt is produced, which is used to make roads and in some tasks in the building (for example, as a waterproofing material).

Final mechanisms

Once the different compounds have been separated, it is when, properly, they must be refined, that is, subject them to chemical transformation processes so that they can be consumed.

In the refineries, most of the space is allocated to three different structures: a zone of storage of petroleum, an area dedicated to the conversion of raw material and an area designed to produce other products created from fuel oil (propane, propylene or butane).

As is logical, in refineries the measures of safety to avoid any kind of accidents.