In movies and television shows -- Giant, Oklahoma Crude, Armageddon, Beverly Hillbillies -- we have seen images of thick, black crude oil gushing out of the ground or a drilling platform. But when you pump the gasoline for your car, you've probably noticed that it is clear. And there are so many other products that come from oil, including crayons, plastics, heating oil, jet fuel, kerosene, synthetic fibers and tires. How is it possible to start with crude oil and end up with gasoline and all of these other products?

Photo courtesy Phillips Petroleum Company

Oil refineries take crude oil and turn it into products such as gasoline, jet fuel, crayons and plastics. See more oil refining pictures.

Q: What is the primary compound in crude oil? A: Carbon.

In this article, we will examine the chemistry and technology involved in refining crude oil to produce all of these different things.

Search for Oil Refining at Alibaba - the world’s largest online base of suppliers and importers.

Related Products:

• Oil Expeller­
• Oil Extractor
­