Refining

How a Refinery Works
Explore the critical role refining plays in unleashing the potential of a barrel of crude oil and turning it into the specially formulated products that we rely on every day. These products include gasoline, agricultural chemicals, heating oil, plastics, and even prescription medicines. Demonstrated in this section are the sophisticated technologies involved in several key processes, including distilling, reforming, blending and treating that safely and efficiently help deliver energy in all its usable forms to American consumers.


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Refinery Turnarounds
A turnaround is a planned, periodic shut down (total or partial) of a refinery process unit or plant to perform maintenance, overhaul and repair operations and to inspect, test and replace process materials and equipment.

Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Refinery Survey
The American Petroleum Institute and the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association have provided a new refinery ultra low sulfur diesel survey to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The survey supplements the information collected by EPA in its ULSD Pre-Compliance Reports. The survey was conducted by Solomon Associates and it documents the potential for reduced production of ULSD at very low (5 and 7 ppm) sulfur refinery release levels. The ULSD rule, which became effective June 1, 2006, requires that refiners produce diesel with no greater than 15 ppm sulfur content.

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Refining Safety
API members are committed to protecting the environment and the health and safety of all that share it. API's safety activities and programs support this commitment through research, standards development, training, information sharing and transfer and advocacy.  In addition, API member company refineries comply with safety regulations such as OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM). 

API Refining Standards and Publications
Since 1924, API has been a cornerstone in establishing, maintaining and publishing standards and recommended practices for the oil and natural gas industry. API efforts help the industry invent and manufacture superior products consistently, provide critical services, ensure fairness in the marketplace for businesses and consumers alike, and promotes the acceptance of products and practices globally. The API Refining program promotes and develops safe and proven engineering practices in the design, fabrication, installation, inspection and use of materials and equipment in refineries and related processing facilities. Click here for more information.

There's a lot of life in a barrel of oil
It's amazing how many things get their start from a barrel of oil. Everyday things like the gasoline you use to drive and the comfy synthetic fabrics you wear year round. You'll discover how the oil and natural gas industry keeps America going strong. For additional information about energy, visit the All About Petroleum section of API's Classroom Energy website.

Contacts for Refining
API staff contacts for refining issues and activities.