A Brief History of Oil Refining

Abstract

Since its beginnings in the mid-nineteenth century, oil refining technology has evolved in a continuous process of adaptation to the demands of society, in matters as vital as the supply of energy, lighting, transportation or new materials to improve the quality of life. In that time, this has been one of the greatest examples of how the technological innovation of an industry contributes to the welfare and development of society. The objective of this manuscript is to describe the history of these technological advances and the causes that motivated them.