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How an Oil Refinery Works

Ever wondered how an oil refinery works?

Now you can learn more about the technology involved in refining crude oil into the thousands of petroleum-based products you use everyday. 

Refinery Processes

Crude oil refineries employ some of the United States’ top scientists, engineers, and safety professionals to ensure that products are produced efficiently and safely. US refineries process about 17 million barrels of crude oil a day. Refinery configurations vary, but US refineries are undeniably some of the world’s most sophisticated. 

Oil Refining: A Closer Look

This interactive gives students an opportunity to learn how oil is transformed from its "raw" state to more usable forms. An introductory movie offers background on how petroleum came to exist in the fist place and why it can be used as a source of energy. Students then can run the distillation and treatment processes that change crude oil into everything from gasoline to roofing tiles.

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