This report begins by looking at the current production capacity of the oil refineries operating in the United States, and the sources and changes in crude oil supply. It then examines the changing characteristics of petroleum and petroleum product markets and identifies the effects of these changes on the refining industry. The report concludes with discussion of the policy and regulatory factors that are likely to affect the structure and performance of the industry during the next decade.
The U.S. petroleum refining industry experienced what some have called a "golden age" during the years 2004-2007. During this period, the demand for petroleum products, especially gasoline, increased rapidly both in the United States and world markets. Refiners found favorable price-spreads between heavy and light crude oils, as well as between crude oil and refined products. The industry operated plants at nearly maximum capacity and posted record profit levels. This book examines current production capacity of refineries operating in the U.S. and the sources and changes in crude oil supply; the changing characteristics of petroleum and petroleum product markets and a discussion of the policy and regulatory factors that are likely to affect the structure and performance of the industry during the next decade.
As feedstocks to refineries change, there must be an accompanying change in refinery technology. This means a movement from conventional means of refining heavy feedstocks using (typically) coking technologies to more innovative processes that will coax the last drips of liquid fuels from the feedstock. This book presents the evolution of refinery processes during the last century and as well as the means by which refinery processes will evolve during the next three-to-five decades. Chapters contain material relevant to (1) comparisons of current feedstocks with heavy oil and bio-feedstocks; (2) evolution of refineries since the 1950s, (3) properties and refinability of heavy oil and bio-feedstocks, (4) thermal processes vs. hydroprocesses, and (5) evolution of products to match the environmental market. Process innovations that have influenced refinery processing over the past three decades are presented, as well as the relevant patents that have the potential for incorporation into future refineries.• Comparison of current feedstocks with heavy oil and bio-feedstocks. • Evolution of refineries over the past three decades. • Properties and refinability of heavy oil and bio-feedstocks. • Thermal processes vs. Hydroprocesses. • Evolution of products to match the environmental market. Investigates the engineering and plant design challenges presented by heavy oil and bio-feedstocks Explores the legislatory and regulatory climate, including increasingly stringent environmental requirements Examines the trade-offs of thermal processes vs. hydroprocesses
" The U.S. petroleum refining industry-the largest refining industry in the world-experienced a period of high product prices and industry profits from the early 2000s through about 2007. Since the recession of 2007 to 2009, the industry has been in transition. Federal and state agencies regulate petroleum refining and the use of petroleum products to protect human health and the environment, as well as for other purposes. EPA, DOT, and California recently proposed or strengthened five key regulations, including EPA and DOT's coordinated fuel economy and GHG vehicle emission standards, and EPA's RFS, which has required that refiners and others ensure transportation fuels include increasing amounts of renewable fuels such as ethanol produced from corn. GAO was asked to provide information on the domestic petroleum refining industry. This report examines: (1) major changes that have recently affected the industry and (2) the future of the industry. GAO reviewed information including studies by agencies and consultants and company financial filings; interviewed stakeholders, including agency officials and representatives of refiners and environmental organizations; and reviewed forecasts by the Energy Information Administration and others. "
