Refinery facts for kids
A refinery is a special kind of factory. It takes raw materials, which are things found in nature, and changes them into useful products. Think of it as a big processing plant that breaks down materials and makes them more valuable.
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Different Kinds of Refineries
There are many types of refineries, each designed to process different materials. Here are some common ones:
Oil Refineries: Making Fuel and More
An oil refinery takes crude oil (oil pumped from the ground) and turns it into many products we use every day. These products include gasoline for cars, diesel fuel for trucks, and jet fuel for airplanes. Oil refineries also make heating oils, lubricants (oils that help machines move smoothly), and asphalt for roads.
Sugar Refineries: Sweet Transformations
A sugar refinery processes sugar cane or sugar beets. It cleans and changes these plants into the crystallized sugar you use at home. They also produce sugar syrups.
Natural Gas Plants: Cleaning Up Gas
A natural gas processing plant purifies raw natural gas. This raw gas comes from the ground and needs to be cleaned before it can be used. The plant makes it safe for homes, businesses, and industries. It also separates valuable liquids like propane and butane, which are used for heating and cooking.
Salt Refineries: From Sea to Table
A salt refinery cleans common salt, often made from sea water. The sea water is left in large ponds to evaporate in the sun. This leaves behind salt crystals. The refinery then washes and cleans these crystals to make the table salt we use for food.
Metal Refineries: Pure Metals
Metal refineries take raw metal ores and turn them into pure metals. They refine metals like copper, gold, silver, and aluminum. These pure metals are then used to make many different products, from wires to jewelry.
Images for kids
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Schematic flow diagram of a typical oil refinery.
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Schematic flow diagram of a typical natural gas processing plant.
See also
In Spanish: Refinería para niños
