Technology of Refining Processes

Master the technical foundations, economics and real-world operations of petroleum refining.
This comprehensive 5-day training course offers an in-depth exploration of petroleum refining, from crude oil chemistry to advanced refining technologies and economic analysis. Designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the refining business, the course blends theoretical knowledge with practical application. Participants will engage with real-life case studies and gain valuable insights into modern refining techniques, process interrelationships, and the economics that drive refinery decision-making. Led by a globally recognised expert in refinery operations and chemical engineering, this course delivers essential tools to navigate and excel in today’s competitive refining environment.

Why this course is important

The refining industry faces increasing pressure to optimise operations, maximise yield, and align with market demand—all while ensuring safety, environmental compliance, and economic viability. Understanding the full scope of refining—from crude oil characteristics to supporting operations like hydrogen production and sulphur recovery—is critical for professionals driving efficiency and innovation. This course empowers delegates to make better operational decisions, manage refining risks, and enhance overall plant performance.

Who should attend

This course is tailored to a broad spectrum of professionals, including:

• Refining technologists and chemical engineers

• Refinery operations personnel, shift supervisors, and operatives

• Oil and gas sector managers and project engineers

• Corporate planners, investment analysts, and energy-sector directors

• Professionals serving the refining industry (e.g., bankers, legal advisors, analysts, supply planners)

What you will learn

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand crude oil origin, assay, and its complex chemistry

• Analyse the interrelated processes within a refinery

• Apply knowledge of atmospheric and vacuum distillation, delayed and fluid coking, visbreaking, and other thermal processes

• Gain familiarity with fluid catalytic cracking, hydrocracking, isomerisation, alkylation, and hydrotreating

• Manage supporting operations including hydrogen production, gas plants, acid gas treatment, and blending

• Evaluate refining economics, cost estimation, and product yield optimisation

• Integrate technical learning with economic thinking using real-world case studies

What participants say

Omar, Refinery Supervisor – Oil & Gas Industry
 (5/5)
“The speaker was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. I especially appreciated how each process was broken down and linked to economic outcomes. The sessions on heavy oils and motor fuel production gave me new strategies to optimise unit performance.”

Thandiwe, Process Engineer – Petrochemicals
 (5/5)
“A brilliant course from start to finish. I loved the real-world case studies, which helped me apply the technical concepts immediately. The catalytic cracking and sulphur recovery sessions were most useful for my role.”

Alex, Investment Analyst – Energy Sector Finance
 (5/5)
“I came from a finance background and was impressed by how accessible and relevant the material was. The instructor made complex concepts understandable, and the refining economics day was packed with insight I’ll use in my market evaluations.”