Re: What is the function of the 'Fire Chimneys' at refineries?

Jennifer,

Its probably not crude oil that is burning.  It may be natural gas, or 
other combustible gasses.  The gasses are produced as a byproduct of the 
refining process.  The quantities involved are too small to be economically 
recovered.  The simplest way to dispose of them is by combustion or 
burning.  The crude oil that the refinery uses varies in composition, 
depending upon the source.  The amount and type of gas produced will also 
vary with the type of product mix the refinery is producing.

Bob Novak
Carpenter Technology