The essentials
TOPIC
Separate first
The crude unit boils the mixture and separates it by boiling point: gas, naphtha, kerosene, diesel, gas oil, and residue. Everything downstream works on those cuts.
TOPIC
Then convert
Cracking breaks heavy molecules into light ones. Reforming rearranges them for octane. Conversion capacity is what determines which crudes a refinery can profitably run.
TOPIC
Then treat
Hydrotreating strips sulfur and nitrogen to meet product specification. This is where a large share of a refinery's hydrogen and capital goes.
SEPARATE
Crude unit
CONVERT
Cracking
TREAT
Hydrotreating
SPEC
Final product
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Part of the Porritt Inc. energy library. Questions or corrections are welcome.
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