Turning Raw Energy Into Refined Power

At Pernis Refinery, crude oil distillation is more than just a starting point—it is the foundation of everything we do. With advanced technology and precision engineering, we transform raw, unprocessed crude oil into high-performance fractions that power industries, energize cities, and keep global supply chains moving.

The Heart of Refining

Crude oil is a naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbons. In its raw form, it’s unusable. Through distillation, we break it down into valuable components such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel, naphtha, and heavy fuel oil. This separation process allows each product to move forward for specialized treatment, blending, or direct use—according to market demand and product specification.

At Pernis Refinery, our distillation units operate continuously, 24/7, under strict monitoring to ensure consistency, safety, and maximum yield per barrel. This is where raw potential becomes real energy.

How It Works

Our crude oil distillation process begins with atmospheric distillation and is followed by vacuum distillation for heavier fractions. Here’s a quick overview of the two-stage process:

• Atmospheric Distillation: Crude oil is first heated and fed into a distillation column, where it’s separated into lighter fractions such as LPG, naphtha, kerosene, and diesel.

• Vacuum Distillation: The heavier remaining components are processed under reduced pressure, allowing for further separation without breaking down the molecules.

Each fraction is then routed for additional refining or preparation, depending on its final purpose.

Precision, Efficiency, and Throughput

We’ve invested in cutting-edge automation and heat integration systems to enhance every stage of our distillation process. By recovering heat and optimizing energy usage, we ensure:

• Maximum efficiency per barrel

• Reduced energy consumption

• Lower carbon emissions

Our team of process engineers continuously monitors all operating parameters, maintaining quality control and ensuring that every output meets industry and environmental standards.

What We Produce

The crude oil we process is distilled into a range of essential products that serve different markets and industries. These include:

• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Used in heating, cooking, and industrial applications.

• Naphtha: A feedstock for petrochemical manufacturing and gasoline blending.

• Kerosene: Commonly used in aviation fuel and domestic heating.

• Diesel: For transportation, generators, and industrial machinery.

• Heavy Fuel Oil: For marine vessels and power generation.

• Vacuum Gas Oils and Residue: For further cracking and conversion into lighter products.

Each product is tested, stored, and handled with precision before moving down the pipeline of value.

Sustainability and Responsibility

As one of Europe’s most advanced refining hubs, Pernis Refinery operates with a firm commitment to sustainability. Our crude oil distillation process is optimized for:

• Energy recovery

• Emission monitoring

• Waste minimization

We use modern desulfurization techniques and vapor recovery systems to ensure cleaner outputs and safer operations. By combining decades of experience with forward-thinking innovation, we refine with both performance and responsibility in mind.

Why It Matters

Crude oil distillation is the gateway to countless industries. From powering vehicles and jets to supplying chemical plants and manufacturing facilities, this essential process touches nearly every part of modern life.

At Pernis Refinery, our distillation capability is both a symbol of scale and a benchmark of trust. With large throughput, tight quality control, and scalable capacity, we are positioned to serve energy markets across Europe and beyond.

When the world demands energy, we begin with precision.
Crude Oil Distillation at Pernis Refinery—where performance begins.

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