Crude Oil Refining Processes and Operations (OG-033) Training Course

Crude Oil Refining Processes and Operations

Refineries convert crude oil into fuels, lubricants and petrochemical feedstocks through a complex series of separation, conversion and treating processes. Understanding…

5 daysClassroom or online

13Upcoming dates

8Cities

£2,750Fees from

Course overview

Why Attend

Refineries convert crude oil into fuels, lubricants and petrochemical feedstocks through a complex series of separation, conversion and treating processes. Understanding how these units work and interact is essential for engineers, operators and commercial staff alike.

This LLMI course explains crude oil characteristics, refinery configurations and the main processing units, including distillation, catalytic reforming, fluid catalytic cracking, hydrocracking, hydrotreating, alkylation and blending. Participants also examine refinery economics, product specifications, utilities, safety and the energy transition challenges facing refiners.

Practical exercises on crude assays, unit operations and product blending help participants connect process knowledge with business performance.

Course Objectives

Describe crude oil properties and assays

Explain refinery configurations and process flows

Understand the main separation and conversion units

Describe treating and blending to meet product specifications

Understand refinery economics and margins

Recognise operational, safety and environmental challenges

Target Audience

Refinery engineers and operators

Process and planning engineers

Commercial, trading and supply staff

Technical sales professionals

HSE professionals in refineries

New engineers joining downstream operations

Course Methodology

Process explanation with refinery flow diagrams

Crude assay and blending exercises

Case studies on unit operations

Refinery economics workshop

Group discussions

Course outline

1Day 1: Crude Oil and Refinery Basics

Crude oil composition and classification
Crude assays and quality
Refined products and specifications
Refinery configurations
Refinery margins and economics
Exercise: Interpreting a crude assay

2Day 2: Separation Processes

Desalting
Atmospheric distillation
Vacuum distillation
Gas plant and LPG recovery
Operating variables
Case study: Distillation unit troubleshooting

3Day 3: Conversion Processes

Fluid catalytic cracking
Hydrocracking
Catalytic reforming
Coking and residue upgrading
Alkylation and isomerisation
Exercise: Comparing conversion options

4Day 4: Treating, Blending and Utilities

Hydrotreating and sulphur removal
Product blending
Hydrogen and sulphur plants
Utilities and energy systems
Product quality control
Workshop: Gasoline blending exercise

5Day 5: Operations, Safety and the Future

Refinery planning and optimisation
Process safety in refineries
Environmental performance and emissions
Biofuels and co-processing
Energy transition strategies for refiners
Capstone: Refinery improvement proposal

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Crude Oil Refining Processes and Operations course?

The course runs over 5 days of classroom training, usually Monday to Friday.

When is the next Crude Oil Refining Processes and Operations course?

The next public date is 21 - 25 Dec 2026 in Frankfurt. There are 13 upcoming dates in total.

Where is this course held?

Upcoming sessions run in Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, London, Istanbul, Vienna, Barcelona, Cape Town.

Can I take Crude Oil Refining Processes and Operations online?

Yes. Every date can also be joined live online in a virtual classroom with the trainer, for £1,280 per participant. Choose "Live online" in the dates table when you register.

How much does the course cost?

Fees start from £2,750 per delegate, depending on the city. Fees include tuition and course materials.

Do participants receive a certificate?

Yes. Delegates who complete the course receive a London Leadership Management Innovation certificate of completion.

Can this course be delivered in-house for our team?

Yes. LLMI can tailor and deliver this course privately for your organisation at your premises or in one of our training cities.

Course information last updated 14 November 2026.

Crude Oil Refining Processes and Operations

Course overview

Course outline

Dates and fees

Frequently asked questions

More Oil and Gas courses

Accounting and Finance in Oil and Gas Industry

Advanced Refinery Process Yields Optimization

Amine Gas Sweetening and Sulphur Recovery

Training a team?