The Library
Every Article, Organized By Module
Short, simple articles and videos about a wide variety of refinery and refinery-adjacent topics. This is not meant to be comprehensive in any way. There is always more to learn.
Module 1
Hydrocarbon Chemistry, Feedstocks & Products
Start here. The molecular vocabulary of the refinery and the products it makes.
1.1 Hydrocarbon Chemistry
Hydrocarbon Chemistry
Article
Welcome To Crude Academy
Video
Basic Chemistry for Understanding Oil Refineries
Article
Propane, Butane, Pentane: A Refinery Operator's Quick Reference
Video
Crude Oil, Gasoline, and Diesel: A Simplified Chemistry Primer
Article
Paraffin: A Refinery Vocab Essential
Article
Straight Chains and Branches: A Look at Paraffin Types in Refining
Module 2
Refinery Processes & Units
How crude becomes fuel, unit by unit, from the crude tower to finishing.
2.1 Refinery Fundamentals
Refinery Fundamentals
2.2 Hydrogen & Gas Treatment
Hydrogen & Gas Treatment
2.3 Conversion Processes
Conversion Processes
2.4 Auxiliary Operations
Auxiliary Operations
Module 3
Equipment, Inspection & Maintenance
Pumps, valves, instrumentation, electrical. The hardware that keeps the plant running.
3.1 Rotating Equipment
Rotating Equipment
Video
Centrifugal Compressor Basics
Article
Centrifugal Compressor dP: Two Independent Factors
Video
Motor Troubleshooting for Refinery Operators: Where to Start When the Pump Won't Run
Article
Pump Spillback Lines and Operating Curves
Article
Rider Bands in Reciprocating Compressors
Article
How Pumps Are Coupled to Motors
Article
Inboard vs. Outboard: Pump Bearing Basics
3.2 Electrical & Control
Electrical & Control
3.3 Valves & Instrumentation
Valves & Instrumentation
3.4 Inspection & Integrity
Inspection & Integrity
3.5 Plant Operations & Support