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conversion refinery
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Unit operations in a conversion refinery. Shaded portions indicate units added to a hydroskimming refinery in order to build up a facility that can convert heavier distillates into lighter fuels and coke.
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conversion refinery

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Unit operations in a conversion refinery. Shaded portions indicate units added to a hydroskimming refinery in order to build up a facility that can convert heavier distillates into lighter fuels and coke.
Unit operations in a conversion refinery. Shaded portions indicate units added to a hydroskimming refinery in order to build up a facility that can convert heavier distillates into lighter fuels and coke.

A conversion refinery is the most versatile type of petroleum refinery. It includes all the basic components of simpler refineries, plus units for converting heavier oil fractions into lighter, more valuable products like gasoline. These conversion processes, such as catalytic cracking and hydrocracking, chemically alter the molecular structure of crude oil components to increase the yield of desirable hydrocarbons.12

Conversion refineries can produce a high proportion of gasoline, along with jet fuel, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas. They may also include units for producing lubricants and petrochemicals like propylene and benzene. Environmental treatment facilities are also crucial for managing water and air emissions to meet environmental standards.13

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. petroleum refining - Conversion refineries
  2. petroleum refining - Isomerization
  3. petroleum refining - Environmental treatment

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