That total capacity figure might just be wrong. The DOE has every major
product up over the period.

Mike
MU-2


"Matt Barrow" wrote in message
...
"George Patterson" wrote in message
news:fK_2f.5263$Iq3.2156@trndny01...
Matt Barrow wrote:
"In 1981, the U.S. had 324 refineries with a total capacity of
processing
18.6 million barrels of crude per day. Today just 149 refineries have a
daily capacity of 16.8 million barrels."

Well, they said *output* is the important thing. Another post said that
in
1981 the refineries were producing at 81% of capacity and they are now
producing at 96% of capacity. That means that production has increased by
1.055 million barrels of crude per day.

The statement is "a total capacity".

Capacity, the 18.6Mbbl and 16.8Mbbl, is measured at 100%. Overall capacity
has dropped around 10% and the # of refineries has dropped about 55%.
Thus,
the refineries are running about 40% more product, but with little
allowance for downtime or maintenance. As the article states, the existing
refineries have been expanded (hence the 40% increase in production), but
how much is it feasible to keep running old technology? Old technology is
much less environmentally friendly? Remember, too, that these were built
using 1970s technology. How old is your computer?

In the 1970's, a powerful automobile engine was 350-450 cubic inches and
250-300HP (using today's calculations); today, a 3.5L (217 c.i.) generates
the same HP, gets about double the MPG and has a fraction of he emissions,
The refining technology is likely on parallel.

Would you run your engine just below redline for 30 years? For 30 years
without oil changes (no pun intended) or overhauls?
Remember, too, that many of these were built using 1970s technology. How
old
is your computer?

Also, the trend is downward regarding number of refineries. More will
close
in the coming years. Remember , too, what happened when Katrina hit a
localized area and took out 20% or so of the overall capacity.


--
Matt

---------------------
Matthew W. Barrow
Site-Fill Homes, LLC.
Montrose, CO