Reports the results of discussions with representatives of refining firms, technologies and services providers, research institutions, and other organizations on current and future trends in the U.S. refining industry. Discussants were generally optimistic about the future of the industry but were concerned about the effects of environmental regulations. They recommended that the Department of Energy assume a more prominent policy role on refining and fuels issues.

Petroleum refiners must face billion-dollar investments in equipment in order to meet ever-changing environmental requirements. Because the design and construction of new processing units entail several years’ lead time, refiners are reluctant to commit these dollars for equipment that may no longer meet certain conditions when the units come on stream. Written by experts with both academic and professional experience in refinery operation, design, and evaluation, Petroleum Refining Technology and Economics, Fifth Edition is an essential textbook for students and a vital resource for engineers. This latest edition of a bestselling text provides updated data and addresses changes in refinery feedstock, product distribution, and processing requirements resulting from federal and state legislation. Providing a detailed overview of today’s integrated fuels refinery, the book discusses each major refining process as they relate to topics such as feedstock preparation, operating costs, catalysts, yields, finished product properties, and economics. It also contains end-of-chapter problems and an ongoing case study.