We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
WR Training

The quiz includes:

  • True/False questions

  • Multi-choice questions

  • Images, cross-sectionnal views

  • Solved problems

  • and much more...

Read more

The quiz includes:

  • True/False questions

  • Multi-choice questions

  • Images, cross-sectionnal views

  • Solved problems

  • and much more...

When you think you’ve got a good grasp on a topic within the course, you can test your knowledge by taking the quiz. If you pass, wonderful . If not, you can review the videos and notes again or ask us for help in the Q&A section.

Dear student,

Welcome to this online course on petroleum refining.

This course is designed to provide you with a complete understanding of the crude oil refining industry and breaks down for you all the major refining processes into easily digestible concepts using extensive graphics, process layouts and various manufacturing schemes.

You will first get a quick overview of the petroleum industry to put things into perspective before your journey begins.

Then you will discover the different types of crude oil, their composition and the chemical properties of their hydrocarbon components and how refiners separate these molecules using a process called distillation.

You will also learn the major conversion processes used to upgrade petroleum cuts into better quality blending components for the production of gasoline, diesel, heating oil and heavy fuel.

These processes include :

1. Isomerization

2. Alkylation

3. Catalytic reformers

4. Hydrotreaters

5. Fluid catalytic crackers

6. Hydrocrackers

7. Delayed cokers

For each of these conversion processes, you will learn :

  • Operating principles

  • Process flow diagram

  • Operating conditions

  • Associated yields

  • Catalysts used

Asphalts and lubricating oils are also covered in this course.

You will learn how these products are made from crude oil and discover their associated manufacturing processes.

=>

These documents contain everything you need to know about refining process schemes, layouts, crude oil characteristics and properties, petroleum products and much more...

To download the files :

1. Go to the "course curriculum" page

2. Expand all the sections to have access to all the pdf files

3. Click on any file to open it. You can save it to view it later offline

So with no further ado, check out the free preview videos and the curriculum and we look forward to seeing you in the first section.

Also remember, as enrolled student you will have unlimited access to this material and one-on-one instructor support. So feel free to interact with us by email or simply ask us for help in the Q&A section. It will be our pleasure to help you and provide assistance.

Hope to see you there

Cheers,

WR Training

Spread the wings of your knowledge

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Comprehend the basic differences between exploration, refining and petrochemicals
  • Understand the basics of the various refining processes
  • Learn what crude oils are made of and understand the chemical properties of their hydrocarbon components like paraffins, naphthenes, aromatics...
  • Learn how the refining processes work & interact with each other (distillation isomerization alkylation catalytic reforming hydrotreater sulfur plant...)
  • Understand how the main petroleum products are made (lpg, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, heating oil, heavy fuel, asphalts, lubricants...)
  • Appreciate that aromatics are important to the petrochemical industry even though refineries are trying to minimize these in gasoline due to their toxicity
  • Appreciate that olefinic and aromatic petrochemical precursors are specialty chemicals produced by the refining processes

Syllabus

Build a strong understanding of the petroleum refining industry and discover the major refining processes used to make petroleum products

Discover what you will learn after completing this course

Read more
OVERVIEW OF CRUDE OIL REFINING

Get a quick overview of petroleum refining activity to put things into perspective before going into detailed tour

PETROLEUM PROPERTIES

Learn what crude oils are made of and understand the chemical properties of their hydrocarbon components like paraffins, olefins, naphthenes and aromatics


DISTILLATION AND FRACTIONATION

Learn how this process separates the various hydrocarbon components present in the crude oil into different petroleum cuts

Learn how this process further separates the atmospheric residue at reduced pressure to avoid uncontrolled thermal cracking

Discover the various processes refiners use to separate the various gases and gasoline

CONVERTING PETROLEUM CUTS

Learn how this process converts normal paraffins to isomerate, a high octane blending component for gasoline

Learn how this process takes various low value petroleum products and combine them to produce alkylate, a good quality blending component for gasoline

Learn how this process chemically rearranges heavy naphtha molecules to produce reformate, a good quality blending component for gasoline

HYDROFINING PETROLEUM CUTS

Learn how this critical and vital process removes residual sulfur from the different petroleum cuts

Learn how H2S, a deadly toxic gas generated by hydrotreaters is handled in a sulfur plant to produce elemental sulfur, a harmless chemical

CRACKING HEAVY PETROLEUM CUTS

Learn how this process takes heavy molecules and cracks them into smaller more valuable components for gasoline and diesel fuel make

Discover the hydrocracking process, similar to a catalytic cracking process but in presence of hydrogen

Learn how this process helps refiners to reduce residue and upgrade "the bottom of the barrel" into more valuable petroleum products

BLENDING OPERATION

Learn how finished petroleum products like gasoline, jet, diesel fuel, heating oil and heavy fuel are made

MAKING ASPHALTS

Discover the various ways this black product is made in a refinery

A TYPICAL REFINERY OPERATION

Get a complete refining scheme illustrating all the major refining processes discussed in the previous sections and learn how they all work together

Quiz : Test your knowledge !
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

Dear student,


In this section, you will find all the downloadable resources related to this course.


The data and information inlcuded hereafter cover the following topics :


A. PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF CRUDE OIL


B. SIMPLIFIED REFINING PROCESSES LAYOUTS


C. OVERALL REFINING SCHEMES

Bonus - Coupon codes

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Strengthens foundational knowledge of petroleum refining processes
In-depth coverage of major refining processes, including distillation, alkylation, and catalytic reforming
Taught by WR Training, which specializes in training for the petroleum industry
Provides downloadable resources and files for further study
Emphasizes the importance of aromatics in the petrochemical industry
Students are expected to have some prior knowledge of petroleum refining

Save this course

Save Petroleum refining demystified - Oil & Gas industry to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Petroleum refining demystified - Oil & Gas industry with these activities:
Review the basics of chemical engineering
Reviewing the basics of chemical engineering will help you to refresh your knowledge of the fundamental concepts and principles that are used in petroleum refining.
Browse courses on Chemical Engineering
Show steps
  • Review your notes from your chemical engineering courses.
  • Read textbooks and articles on chemical engineering.
  • Solve practice problems.
Review 'Petroleum Refining - Technology and Economics' by James Gary
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the petroleum refining industry and will help you better understand the processes involved in refining crude oil.
Show steps
  • Read the first three chapters to gain an overview of the refining process.
  • Focus on the chapters that cover the processes you are most interested in.
  • Take notes and summarize the key points of each chapter.
Join a study group with other students in the course
Joining a study group will provide you with an opportunity to discuss the course material with other students and get help with difficult concepts.
Browse courses on Petroleum Refining
Show steps
  • Find other students in the course who are interested in starting a study group.
  • Decide on a meeting time and location.
  • Discuss the course material and help each other with difficult concepts.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow the 'Introduction to Petroleum Refining' tutorial series on Coursera
This tutorial series will provide you with a step-by-step introduction to the petroleum refining process.
Browse courses on Petroleum Refining
Show steps
  • Watch the videos and complete the quizzes for each module.
  • Take notes on the key concepts covered in each video.
  • Complete the final project to demonstrate your understanding of the material.
Create a compilation of resources on petroleum refining
Creating a compilation of resources on petroleum refining will help you to organize and synthesize your knowledge of the industry.
Browse courses on Petroleum Refining
Show steps
  • Gather resources from a variety of sources, such as books, articles, websites, and videos.
  • Organize the resources into a logical order.
  • Create an annotated bibliography for the resources.
Solve practice problems on conversion processes in petroleum refining
Solving practice problems will help you to master the concepts of conversion processes and improve your problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on Petroleum Refining
Show steps
  • Find practice problems on conversion processes in petroleum refining.
  • Solve the problems using the concepts you have learned in the course.
  • Check your answers and identify any areas where you need to improve.
Create a presentation on the different types of petroleum products
Creating a presentation will help you to organize and synthesize your knowledge of the different types of petroleum products and their uses.
Browse courses on Petroleum Refining
Show steps
  • Research the different types of petroleum products.
  • Organize your information into a logical order.
  • Create visual aids to help illustrate your points.
  • Practice your presentation.
Volunteer at a local oil refinery
Volunteering at a local oil refinery will give you hands-on experience in the petroleum refining industry.
Browse courses on Petroleum Refining
Show steps
  • Contact a local oil refinery and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Complete any necessary training and safety procedures.
  • Perform tasks as assigned by the refinery staff.

Career center

Learners who complete Petroleum refining demystified - Oil & Gas industry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineers apply the principles of engineering to the activities of exploration, extraction, production and transportation of hydrocarbons from the earth.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers work in the chemical process industry, which is responsible for producing the majority of the chemicals and materials that we use in our everyday lives. As a Chemical Engineer with an understanding of petroleum refining, you will be able to work in various sectors of the petrochemical and refining industry.
Process Engineer
Process Engineers design, develop and optimize processes for the production of chemicals and other products. Process Engineers in the petroleum refining industry will oversee the design and operations of refineries and other facilities involved in the production and processing of petroleum and natural gas.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers work to protect the environment and human health by developing solutions to environmental problems. Environmental Engineers in the petroleum refining industry help to reduce the environmental impact of refineries and other facilities involved in the production and processing of petroleum and natural gas.
Petroleum Geologist
Petroleum Geologists study the geology of the Earth to locate and extract oil and gas resources. This course may be useful for someone wanting to pivot into a career in this field as it will provide a deeper understanding of the source and composition of petroleum.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists develop and improve materials used in a variety of products, including petroleum products. Materials Scientists who wish to enter the oil and gas industry will benefit from the knowledge of chemistry and properties of petroleum and petroleum products that is taught in this course.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. Civil Engineers in the petroleum industry apply their knowledge of civil engineering to the design and construction of refineries and other facilities involved in the production and processing of petroleum and natural gas.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design and build physical systems, such as engines, machines, and other devices. Mechanical Engineers in the petroleum industry apply their knowledge of mechanical systems to the design and operation of refineries and other facilities involved in the production and processing of petroleum and natural gas.
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Managers oversee the quality of products and services. Quality Assurance Managers in the petroleum industry ensure that petroleum products meet the required standards and specifications.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, and maintain electrical systems. Electrical Engineers in the petroleum industry apply their knowledge of electrical systems to the design and operation of refineries and other facilities involved in the production and processing of petroleum and natural gas.
Maintenance Manager
Maintenance Managers oversee the maintenance of equipment and facilities. Maintenance Managers in the petroleum industry ensure that refineries and other facilities involved in the production and processing of petroleum and natural gas are well-maintained and operating efficiently.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a business or organization. Operations Managers in the petroleum industry oversee the day-to-day operations of refineries and other facilities involved in the production and processing of petroleum and natural gas.
Production Manager
Production Managers oversee the production of goods and services. Production Managers in the petroleum industry oversee the production of petroleum products at refineries and other facilities involved in the production and processing of petroleum and natural gas.
Health and Safety Manager
Health and Safety Managers develop and implement health and safety programs. Health and Safety Managers in the petroleum industry ensure that refineries and other facilities involved in the production and processing of petroleum and natural gas are safe for workers and the public.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects. Project Managers in the petroleum industry plan and execute projects related to the exploration, production, transportation, and refining of petroleum and natural gas.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Petroleum refining demystified - Oil & Gas industry.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the petroleum refining industry, covering the technical and economic aspects of the processes involved. It would provide a strong foundation for understanding the topics covered in the course.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the crude oil processing and products used in the petroleum industry. It would be a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the topics covered in the course.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the distillation processes used in the petroleum industry. It would be a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the topics covered in the course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the hydrocarbon processing industry. It would be a valuable reference for those seeking additional information on the topics covered in the course.
This textbook provides an introduction to the basic processes used in petroleum refining. It would be a valuable resource for those seeking a foundation in the topics covered in the course.
This textbook provides an overview of the advanced processes used in petroleum refining. It would be a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the topics covered in the course.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the petroleum and natural gas industry, including the refining processes. It would be a valuable reference for those seeking additional information on the topics covered in the course.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the fuels and lubricants used in the petroleum industry. It would be a valuable reference for those seeking additional information on the topics covered in the course.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Petroleum refining demystified - Oil & Gas industry.
Petroleum Refining - Complete Guide to Products &...
Most relevant
Your complete guide to a successful career in Oil & Gas
Most relevant
Aspen HYSYS - Petroleum Assays and Oil Characterization
Most relevant
Logistics of crude oil and petroleum products - Oil and...
Most relevant
Overview of the oil and gas industry
Most relevant
Introduction to Petroleum Engineering
Most relevant
Petroleum products : Specifications Properties Market...
Most relevant
Applied Petroleum Reservoir Engineering
Introduction to Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG)
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser