What is the primary purpose of treating in refinery operations?

The primary purpose of treating in refinery operations is to remove impurities from refined products. This process is essential because impurities, such as sulfur compounds, metals, and other contaminants, can adversely affect the quality and performance of the final products. Removing these impurities ensures that the refined products meet the necessary specifications for safety, environmental regulations, and efficiency.

By treating the products, refineries can significantly enhance the stability, longevity, and overall performance of fuels and lubricants. Additionally, cleaner products result in better combustion efficiencies in engines, leading to lower emissions and improved environmental compliance. Effective treating is a crucial step in refining to ensure that end products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel are of high quality and suitable for their intended uses.