The units

A collection of images from the refinery’s many processing units. While most units are now shutdown, some will be retained to support terminal operations or for their potential clean energy opportunities.

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The control room is the central hub of the refinery where operators oversee how the plant is running. This image was taken in 2020.
The crude distillation units are the primary distillation units, where crude oil is first processed. The units are heated to approximately 340°C to 385°C and is then distilled at slightly above atmospheric pressure.
The catalytic polymerisation unit at night. Known as the cat poly, it turns propane and butane from the residue cracking unit into polygas, a petrol component.
The catalytic reformer 3 processes up to 7 million litres per day of naphtha from the crude units.
Catalytic reformer 3 processes up to 7 million litres per day of naphtha from the crude units.
One of two hydrofiner units which produce 10ppm (low sulphur) diesel and are designed to remove sulphur from feed stock. Hydy 3 is shown here.
Lube oil plant including vacuum distillation unit was commissioned in 1963 and expanded in following decades.
The residue cracking unit converts heavy oil streams from the CDU and VDU2 units into lighter hydrocarbons. To do this an aluminum – silica based catalyst is used along with high temperatures. The unit is commonly known as the cracker.
The refinery’s processing units processed crude oil imported from all over the world into products including petrol, diesel fuels, aviation fuels, hydrogen and propane. Some of the units have been mothballed for potential clean energy use in the future.
Part of tank 607 is lifted into place. Like all operating units, tanks undergo regular maintenance and upgrades to adapt to business and operating needs.
Fuel, water and other products are stored in hundreds of tanks around site. Many tanks will be repurposed as the site becomes an import terminal.
The vacuum distillation unit processes heavy oil. Its furnace temperature is 360°C to 410°C.
Up to three vessels can be berthed at the refinery jetties at any time. The refinery is located within the Port of Fremantle.
The alkylation unit, commonly known as the alky, combines butane type materials to make alkylate, a petrol component. Hydrofluoric acid is used as a catalyst.
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The control room is the central hub of the refinery where operators oversee how the plant is running. This image was taken in 2020.
The crude distillation units are the primary distillation units, where crude oil is first processed. The units are heated to approximately 340°C to 385°C and is then distilled at slightly above atmospheric pressure.
The catalytic polymerisation unit at night. Known as the cat poly, it turns propane and butane from the residue cracking unit into polygas, a petrol component.
The catalytic reformer 3 processes up to 7 million litres per day of naphtha from the crude units.
Catalytic reformer 3 processes up to 7 million litres per day of naphtha from the crude units.
One of two hydrofiner units which produce 10ppm (low sulphur) diesel and are designed to remove sulphur from feed stock. Hydy 3 is shown here.
Lube oil plant including vacuum distillation unit was commissioned in 1963 and expanded in following decades.
The residue cracking unit converts heavy oil streams from the CDU and VDU2 units into lighter hydrocarbons. To do this an aluminum – silica based catalyst is used along with high temperatures. The unit is commonly known as the cracker.
The refinery’s processing units processed crude oil imported from all over the world into products including petrol, diesel fuels, aviation fuels, hydrogen and propane. Some of the units have been mothballed for potential clean energy use in the future.
Part of tank 607 is lifted into place. Like all operating units, tanks undergo regular maintenance and upgrades to adapt to business and operating needs.
Fuel, water and other products are stored in hundreds of tanks around site. Many tanks will be repurposed as the site becomes an import terminal.
The vacuum distillation unit processes heavy oil. Its furnace temperature is 360°C to 410°C.
Up to three vessels can be berthed at the refinery jetties at any time. The refinery is located within the Port of Fremantle.
The alkylation unit, commonly known as the alky, combines butane type materials to make alkylate, a petrol component. Hydrofluoric acid is used as a catalyst.

Crude distillation unit

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Alkylation unit

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Control room

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Tanks

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Catalytic polymerisation unit

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Ship at jetty

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Residue cracking unit

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Processing units

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Tank 607

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Vacuum distillation unit

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Hydrofiner units

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Catalytic reformer 3

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Catalytic reformer 3

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Lube oil plant

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On the pages below you can view a slideshow of images. Below the slideshow each image is available to download.

Celebrate Kwinana: home page

Construction and opening

Operating through the years

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The people of Kwinana

In our community

Closure and conversion