AM-14-39 Shale Gas Boom and Tight Oil – A New Era for the Refining Industry

Description:

Production of tight oil from the shale gas plays in the U.S. is having a profound effect on the refining industry. Refiners are maximizing the amount of advantaged domestic light feedstock they can process in their refinery units some with geographic locations that allow them to capitalize the most on the sometimes attractive spreads provided by what is mostly light and sweet crude. New topping columns, crude units and condensate splitters are being constructed in various refineries in the U.S. to handle this light feedstock. This paper provides an overview of some of the recent studies and projects that are taking place in our industry and provides an overview across the spectrum of possibilities that refiners are facing. Burns & McDonnell has gained considerable experience with this segment of the market. Learnings from actual projects will be highlighted to provide an exciting overview of this activity which is quickly reacting to the market place demand.