nw jon– The US hasn’t built a “new†refinery here in the US for over 35 years! The owners of existing facilities have only put “band-aids†over any problems they’ve had. Oil & refining technology has progressed to keep the refinery operation efficient and clean. That requires refineries in the US to be completive in the world markets. That will require major new facilities through out the US!
Piping design may not be “shining†right now, but as I see it, we are in the starting gate waiting for the starting whistle!!! …I HOPE!
This is true. I worked as an operator for the better part of this year on 2 brand new units in a refinery in my area. They were an ULSD (or “clean diesel”) and a hydrogen unit, built from the ground up, because the plant didnt have the capability of producing ULSD with their current equipment. It employed 250+ workers over the past 2 years to build. Plus however many more people off-site to design,draft,engineer, and oversee the project. Im not saying projects of this size happen everyday, but they are a boost.