Refining Industry

Integrated refining capabilities for peak performance

Advanced process technologies, automation and digital intelligence to improve refinery efficiency, production and reliability.

Industrial metal piping and manual control valves backlit by a golden hour sunset at a refinery facility.
Illuminated oil refinery pipes and towers stand silhouetted against a dramatic cloudy sky during a golden hour sunset.

Advanced process technologies, automation and digital intelligence to improve refinery efficiency, production and reliability.

Advancing performance across the refining industry

Successful refining operations depend on the ability to improve throughput, increase operational flexibility and manage energy use, all while maintaining safe and reliable processing. Honeywell supports the refining industry with a comprehensive portfolio that brings together process technologies, catalysts and adsorbents, advanced automation and connected digital services. By integrating these capabilities, refiners can optimize performance across the full value chain, from crude intake through product blending and distribution.

Refining Process Technologies

Maximize Yield and Flexibility

Honeywell refining technologies enable the efficient conversion of crude oil and intermediate streams into high-value fuels and petrochemical feedstocks. These solutions support critical refining pathways, including:

 

  • Crude and vacuum distillation optimization

  • Hydrocracking and catalytic reforming

  • Gasoline, diesel and jet fuel production 

  • Residue upgrading and conversion

  • Hydrogen management and recovery

  • Sulfur removal and emissions control

  • Integration with petrochemical production 

Advanced Automation

Strengthen Control and Reliability

Reduce variability, improve throughput and protect both personnel and critical infrastructure.  Our Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) stands as a cornerstone of refinery automation, designed to enhance process reliability and profitability while prioritizing safety for personnel and critical plant infrastructure. This comprehensive platform:

 

  • Integrates control, safety and monitoring into a unified environment

  • Delivers precise process control and optimization

  • Improves operator awareness and decision-making

  • Helps maintain consistent production across complex systems

Honeywell Experion Solution Suites (ESS) provide pre-configured automation packages to leverage software and hardware technologies that address the evolving complexities of modern refining operations, promote supply chain flexibility and improve operational efficiency.

A wide-angle view of a sprawling industrial refinery complex with extensive piping systems and towering processing units under a clear blue sky.

World-Class Catalysts and Adsorbents

Higher Yields, Improved Selectivity and Extended Equipment Life

Catalysts and adsorbents play a central role in refining performance. With deep industry expertise, our technical teams craft flexible solutions tailored to your needs, whether targeting diesel production, gasoline optimization or petrochemical integration. Honeywell refining catalysts and adsorbents are engineered to:

 

  • Increase conversion rates and product selectivity

  • Remove contaminants from hydrocarbon streams

  • Extend run lengths and reduce unplanned shutdowns

  • Support compliance with fuel and emissions standards

A low-angle shot of industrial power plant structures featuring steel exhaust stacks and complex piping against a cloudy sky.

Intelligence That Drives Action

Plant Cognition

Plant Cognition delivers a differentiated suite of industrial software and advanced analytics solutions designed to transform plant operations. By integrating real-time process data, AI, and industrial IoT capabilities, it empowers operators and engineers to make informed, timely decisions that optimize throughput and reduce unplanned downtime. Our Plant Cognition portfolio enhances competitive edge through:

 

  • Predictive maintenance

  • Process optimization 

  • Workforce performance management tools 

  • Converging deep domain expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver compelling financial results

The result is a more intelligent, resilient, and sustainable industrial enterprise — strategically positioned to create enduring value for customers and shareholders alike.

An aerial view shows an extensive oil refinery complex featuring large storage tanks and processing infrastructure near a coastal landscape.

Energy Innovation

Lower-Carbon Pathways

Reduce environmental impact while continuing to meet global energy demand. Modern refiners are adapting to new sustainability expectations while maintaining peak performance. Honeywell supports this transition through:

 

  • Energy optimization and emissions management systems

  • Integration of renewable and low-carbon feedstocks

  • Technologies for producing cleaner fuels

  • Digital tools that support reporting and regulatory compliance

  • Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS)

  • 31 of 36 refining technologies 

    in use globally were developed by Honeywell UOP.

  • 70% of global gasoline 

    Honeywell refining technology supports production of 70% of global gasoline.

  • 60% of refineries globally 

    Honeywell’s integrated automation solutions are used across 60% of refineries globally. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Refining Optimization

Honeywell provides process technologies, catalysts, adsorbents and engineering solutions designed to help enhance refinery yields and product quality. Our UOP technologies are used in primary refining processes worldwide, offering capabilities in hydrocracking, catalytic reforming and aromatics extraction. 
 
Our portfolio of catalysts and adsorbents is designed to assist in removing contaminants while supporting improvements in selectivity and conversion rates. Combined with Experion automation platforms for precise process control, these solutions can help increase throughput, help meet fuel specifications and contribute to reducing operational costs.

Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) provides comprehensive automation designed to enhance process reliability, profitability and safety across refinery operations. By integrating control, safety systems and operational analytics into a unified platform, Experion PKS delivers near real-time visibility and aligned information flow. 
 
The system incorporates Abnormal Situation Management principles to help improve collaboration among plant personnel, helping reduce incidents and help enhance response times. Experion Solution Suites (ESS) offer pre-configured automation packages with advanced software and hardware technologies designed to address the evolving complexities of modern refining. This unified approach helps operators maintain consistent performance, respond quickly to process variations and prioritize the safety of both personnel and critical plant infrastructure.

Connected Performance Services from Honeywell UOP deliver proactive digital partnership designed to help improve refinery uptime, throughput and operational efficiency. 

 
Through operational benchmarking and unit performance evaluations, you gain visibility into performance gaps and improvement opportunities. Our Performance+ Services integrate the expertise of UOP technical specialists with advanced digital tools, helping extend catalyst life, increase production rates and help reduce energy consumption. Typical benefits range from improved equipment reliability to optimized yields and conversion.

Transform Your Refining Operations

Connect with Honeywell to explore integrated refining solutions that improve performance, flexibility and reliability.