There has been a trend in some parts of the world to feed distillate residues through to bitumen blowers, which produce bitumen for the manufacture of asphalt. This allows those refiners, not keen on handling heavy fuel products, to turn their residues into less environmentally sensitive products. The introduction of cokers into the refining process, particularly in the US, is evidence of this. Cokers are an extreme form of bitumen blower. In essence, the feed material is treated as harshly as possible to produce elemental carbon known as petroleum coke, which is used as fuel in blast furnaces to manufacture steel.
Oil refining is one of the most efficient processes ever developed.
In the port of Portland, Maine, Plaza maintains one central location. Dockside fueling or deliveries by truck are available. In the port of Boston, Massachusetts, Plaza maintains one location in Chelsea on the Chelsea Creek. Dockside fueling or deliveries by truck or barge are available. Lube oil is available upon request.