Oil refineries are industrial processing plants that are essential to the success of the national and international energy market. Oil refineries can transform raw, crude oil into usable and valuable petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and asphalt.
This article will focus on where the most productive refineries are located by providing a comprehensive list of refineries in Texas, explaining how refineries work, and describing the types of injuries and accidents that can occur while working on refineries.
Where Are Most Oil Refineries in the United States?
The United States has more oil refineries than any other country. Within the United States, most oil refineries are concentrated in the same local area. The Gulf Coast, with a particular focus on Texas and Louisiana, serves as a local hub for oil refineries and is the largest concentration of refining capacity in the United States, providing a massive chunk of the nation’s transportation fuels.
A majority of the oil refineries in the United States are located in Texas, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Below is a full list of refineries in Texas and their locations:
- Alon USA Energy Inc. (Big Spring)
- Buckeye Texas Processing LLC (Corpus Christi)
- Citgo Refining & Chemical Inc. (Corpus Christi)
- Deer Park Refining LP (Deer Park)
- Delek Refining Ltd. (Tyler)
- Diamond Shamrock Refining Co. LP (Sunray)
- Diamond Shamrock Refining Co. LP (Three Rivers)
- ExxonMobil Refining & Supply Co. (Baytown)
- ExxonMobil Refining & Supply Co. (Beaumont)
- Flint Hills Resources LP (Corpus Christi, East)
- Flint Hills Resources LP (Corpus Christi, West)
- Hartree Refining LLC (Channelview)
- Houston Refining LP (Houston)
- Kinder Morgan Crude & Condensate (Galena Park)
- Lazarus Energy LLC (Nixon)
- Magellan Processing LP (Corpus Christi)
- Marathon Petroleum Co. LP (Galveston Bay)
- Motiva Enterprises LLC (Port Arthur)
- Pasadena Refining Systems Inc. (Pasadena)
- Petromax Refining Co. LLC (Houston)
- Phillips 66 Company (Sweeny)
- Premcor Refining Group Inc. (Port Arthur)
- Texas International Terminals (Galveston)
- The San Antonio Refinery (San Antonio)
- TotalEnergies Petrochemicals & Refining USA (Port Arthur)
- Valero Refining Co. Texas LP (Corpus Christi)
- Valero Refining Co. Texas LP (Houston)
- Valero Refining Co. Texas LP (Texas City)
- Western Refining Company LP (El Paso)
- WRB Refining LP (Borger)
To further explore U.S.-specific capacities and locations, Oil Sands Magazine can offer more detailed information. Meeting with our knowledgeable legal team at The Wilhite Law Firm can also offer you further insight.
How Do Oil Refineries Work?
Oil refineries are essentially massive chemical plants that transform crude oil into something usable. Crude oil is composed of a mixture of various types of hydrocarbons. On its own, crude oil is not useful to people. Oil refineries work by separating and upgrading the hydrocarbons in crude oil through a multi-stage process, involving fractional distillation and cracking.
Separation or Distillation
Oil refineries first use furnaces to heat crude oil to high temperatures. By heating the crude oil to high temperatures, heavier components will separate from lighter ones. The crude oil is put into a fractionating column, which separates the different components or fractions into gases, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and residual heavier oils, because the various fractions boil and condense at different temperatures.
Conversion or Cracking
By using heat, catalysts, and pressure, oil refineries break down larger, heavier hydrocarbon chains into smaller, lighter chains, such as gasoline, which are of substantially higher value to people.
Treatment
Oil refineries can treat oil to remove impurities, such as sulfur. By removing impurities, refineries can make products comply with strict environmental standards and requirements for engines.
Blending
At the end of the refining process, workers at oil refineries can blend different products to create different fuels to be sold for various functions. Refineries can blend various fractions to create products that have specific performance traits, such as octane ratings for various types of gasoline sold at pumps to consumers or jet fuel to be delivered to airlines at airports.
What Are Some of the Global, Economic Impacts of Oil Refineries?
Oil refineries must maintain a substantial global output to balance the continuous high energy demand throughout the world. Worldwide refining capacity exceeds 100 million barrels per day, and refineries are continually run at maximum levels every day of the year for 24 hours a day. Every refinery hires a large number of trained workers to keep them continuously functioning at such high levels.
Refineries also have a significant economic impact. Geopolitical tensions, international crises like wars, and supply chains can greatly affect refining profits, which are often measured by “crack spreads” or the difference between the cost of crude oil and the resulting value of the finished, refined products.
To learn more about the economics and energy outputs of oil refineries on the U.S. Energy Information Administration, you can consult Oil Sands Magazine or set up a free consultation with our experienced local legal team at The Wilhite Law Firm.
What Types of Injuries Can Happen at Oil Refineries?
Oil refinery workers face numerous hazards on the job that can lead to various types of injuries, including:
- Burns – Exposure to flammable liquids, gases, and hot surfaces can cause severe burns.
- Respiratory issues – Inhaling toxic fumes and chemicals can lead to breathing problems and lung damage.
- Hearing loss – Prolonged exposure to loud machinery may result in permanent hearing loss.
- Fractures and broken bones – Slips, trips, and falls from heights or on slippery surfaces can result in fractures and broken bones.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Falling objects, explosions, or falls can lead to concussions and more severe head injuries.
- Amputations – Moving machinery, sharp edges, and heavy equipment may cause the loss of fingers, toes, or limbs.
- Spinal cord injuries – Falls from heights or being struck by heavy objects can result in paralysis or other permanent disabilities.
- Electrocution – Contact with exposed electrical wires or faulty equipment can cause electrical burns and cardiac arrest.
- Chemical burns – Exposure to corrosive substances like sulfuric acid can cause severe burns and scarring.
These injuries not only cause severe harm but also lead to significant medical expenses and lost wages.
What Are Common Causes of Oil Refinery Injuries?
Several factors contribute to the high risk of injuries in oil refineries. Identifying and addressing the most common causes of oil refinery injuries is necessary to maintain a safe work environment and prevent refinery accidents. Some common causes include:
- Inadequate training – Workers who lack proper training on safety protocols and equipment use are more prone to accidents.
- Faulty equipment – Poorly maintained or defective machinery can malfunction, leading to explosions, fires, or other accidents.
- Human error – Mistakes made by workers, such as failing to follow safety procedures or engaging in risky behaviors, can result in injuries.
- Hazardous working conditions – Exposure to extreme temperatures, slippery surfaces, and toxic chemicals can create dangerous work environments.
- Inadequate safety gear – Failing to provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) increases the risk of injuries.
- Overexertion – Lifting heavy objects, working in awkward positions, or performing repetitive motions can cause strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal harm.
- Explosions and fires – Flammable liquids and gases in refineries can lead to devastating explosions and fires if not properly controlled.
- Confined spaces – Working in confined spaces with limited ventilation can cause asphyxiation or exposure to harmful gases.
- Falling objects – Loose or improperly secured tools and equipment can fall and hit workers, causing head injuries and other trauma.
What Should I Do If I Am Injured in a Refinery Accident?
If you suffer an injury in a refinery accident, taking the following steps can safeguard your health and legal rights while building a solid foundation for your oil refinery injury claim:
- Prioritize your health by seeking immediate medical care.
- Notify your employer about the incident as soon as possible and file an official accident report.
- If possible, take pictures and videos of the accident site, your injuries, and any equipment or hazards involved.
- Get the names and contact information of coworkers or witnesses who saw the accident.
- Keep a file containing all medical bills, records, and correspondence related to your injury and treatment.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments to stay on the path to recovery.
- Consult an experienced oil refinery injury lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and manage your claim.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Texas Oil Refinery Injury Claim?
If you are seeking compensation for an oil refinery injury via the Texas workers’ comp program, the deadline to file a claim is one year after the injury date. However, you must notify your employer of the injury within 30 days of the incident to protect your claim.
If you plan to file a claim against a third party, Texas’ statute of limitations requires you to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident date. Missing these deadlines can lead to losing your right to compensation. Speaking with a knowledgeable Texas oil refinery injury attorney can protect your rights by ensuring that you complete all filings on time.
Contact a Texas Oil Refinery Injury Lawyer
Suffering injuries in an oil refinery accident can lead to catastrophic injuries, the loss of your livelihood, and devastating financial upheaval. Working with an experienced Texas oil refinery accident attorney can ensure you pursue maximum compensation. The skilled legal team at The Wilhite Law Firm has been helping injury victims in their time of need since 1977. We are familiar with the comprehensive list of refineries in Texas, and we have the skills, knowledge, and resources to demand the financial relief you need. Remember that Wiilhite Wins. Contact us today for a free consultation with an oil refinery injury lawyer in Texas.
