324110 - Petroleum Refineries
The petroleum industry plays an essential role in powering modern society, and at the heart of this sector is NAICS code 324110 – Petroleum Refineries. This industry classification encompasses critical processes that transform crude petroleum into a variety of refined products crucial to transportation, manufacturing, and energy production worldwide. Understanding this NAICS code helps businesses, government agencies, and contractors identify key players and opportunities within the refinery landscape.
What is NAICS Code 324110 – Petroleum Refineries?
NAICS code 324110 includes establishments primarily engaged in refining crude petroleum into refined petroleum products such as:
- Gasoline
- Diesel fuel
- Jet fuel
- Lubricants
These petroleum refineries perform complex chemical and physical processes including distillation, cracking, and reforming to convert raw crude oil into usable fuels and other essential derivatives.
Sector and Typical Business Activities
- Sector: Manufacturing
- Industry: Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
Typical Activities under NAICS 324110 Include:
- Crude oil refining
- Production of gasoline and diesel fuel
- Manufacture of lubricants, asphalt, and petrochemicals
- Aviation and jet fuel production
- Asphalt paving mixtures manufacturing
These activities are vital for energy supply chains, transportation infrastructure, and chemical manufacturing industries.
Size Standards for NAICS Code 324110
To qualify as a small business under this NAICS code in government contracting or SBA programs, the size standard is typically 1,500 employees. This means companies with 1,500 or fewer employees are considered small businesses in the petroleum refinery industry, subject to specific program eligibility.
Examples of Businesses in NAICS 324110
- Large-scale oil refineries processing crude petroleum into fuel
- Companies manufacturing lubricating oils, asphalt, and petroleum jelly
- Firms producing aviation fuels, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and petrochemical feedstocks
- Petroleum product distributors involved in fuel oils and heating oils marketing
Detailed Products and Processes in Petroleum Refineries (Code Details)
| Product / Process | Description |
|---|---|
| Acid oils made in petroleum refineries | By-products used in animal feeds and soaps |
| Aliphatic chemicals (acyclic) | Chemical intermediates derived from refining |
| Alkylates | High-octane components for gasoline |
| Asphalt and asphaltic materials | Road construction and waterproofing materials |
| Asphalt paving mixtures | Mixtures used in roadway surfacing |
| Aviation fuels manufacturing | Production of jet fuel and aviation gasoline |
| Benzene made in petroleum refineries | Aromatic hydrocarbon used in chemicals |
| Biodiesel fuels | Renewable fuel produced during refinery processes |
| Butylene (butene) | Petrochemical feedstock |
| Coke, petroleum | Solid carbonaceous by-product |
| Crude oil refining | Conversion of crude petroleum |
| Cumene made in petroleum refineries | Chemical for plastics manufacturing |
| Cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons | Chemical compounds used in industrial applications |
| Diesel fuels made in petroleum refineries | Diesel fuel production |
| Ethylene made in petroleum refineries | Fundamental petrochemical feedstock |
| Fuel oils manufacturing | Heating and power-generation fuels |
| Fuels, jet, manufacturing | Jet fuel production |
| Gasoline made in petroleum refineries | Transportation fuel manufacturing |
| Heating oils made in petroleum refineries | Residential and commercial heating fuels |
| Hydraulic fluids made in petroleum refineries | Fluids used in machinery and aviation |
| Jet fuels manufacturing | Manufacturing jet propulsion fuels |
| Kerosene manufacturing | Fuel and lighting fuel production |
| Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) made in refineries | Propane and butane gas production |
| Lubricating oils and greases made in petroleum refineries | Products reducing friction in machinery |
| Naphtha made in petroleum refineries | Solvent and refining feedstock |
| Naphthenic acids made in petroleum refineries | Industrial chemicals |
| Oil (petroleum) refineries | Crude oil processing plants |
| Oil additives made in petroleum refineries | Enhancers for fuel and lubricant performance |
| Paraffin waxes made in petroleum refineries | Products used in packaging and cosmetics |
| Petrochemical feedstocks made in petroleum refineries | Base chemicals for plastic and synthetic materials |
| Petrochemicals made in petroleum refineries | Chemical intermediates and materials |
| Petroleum coke made in petroleum refineries | Industrial fuel and carbon product |
| Petroleum cracking and reforming | Processes breaking hydrocarbons to lighter fractions |
| Petroleum distillation | Separating crude oil into components |
| Petroleum jelly made in petroleum refineries | Skin care and medical applications |
| Petroleum lubricating oils made in petroleum refineries | Lubricants for automotive and industrial use |
| Propane gases made in petroleum refineries | LPG production for heating and cooking |
| Propylene (propene) made in petroleum refineries | Petrochemical and plastic precursor |
| Refineries, petroleum | Facilities for refining crude oil |
| Refinery gases made in petroleum refineries | Byproduct gases used for fuel or chemical feedstock |
| Road oils made in petroleum refineries | Oils for road construction and maintenance |
| Solvents made in petroleum refineries | Chemicals for industrial cleaning and processing |
| Still gases made in petroleum refineries | Light hydrocarbon gases recovered from refining |
| Styrene made in petroleum refineries | Chemical monomer for plastics production |
| Tar made in petroleum refineries | Roofing and paving material |
| Toluene made in petroleum refineries | Industrial solvent |
| Waxes, petroleum, made in petroleum refineries | Protective coatings and polishes |
| Xylene made in petroleum refineries | Chemical solvent and feedstock |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What products are manufactured under NAICS 324110?
Refined petroleum products including gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, lubricants, asphalt, LPG, petrochemicals, and various refinery byproducts.
What processes are involved in petroleum refineries?
Key processes include crude oil distillation, catalytic cracking, reforming, and chemical conversion to yield usable fuels and petrochemicals.
Which sector does NAICS 324110 belong to?
It belongs to the Manufacturing sector, specifically petroleum and coal products manufacturing.
What is the employee size standard for small business under this NAICS code?
The size standard is 1,500 employees, meaning firms at or below this size are generally considered small businesses for contracting purposes.
Can a company that produces asphalt paving mixtures fall under NAICS 324110?
Yes. Asphalt and asphalt paving mixtures made in petroleum refineries are encompassed under this NAICS code.
Conclusion
NAICS code 324110 – Petroleum Refineries identifies a critical industry segment focused on transforming crude petroleum into indispensable products that fuel economic growth and daily life. From gasoline and diesel fuels to jet propellants and lubricants, petroleum refineries are essential manufacturing hubs within the energy sector. Understanding the scope, activities, and size standards of this industry classification can empower businesses to better navigate government contracting, supply chain opportunities, and industry partnerships.
Optimize your business strategy by aligning with NAICS code 324110 and tapping into the dynamic petroleum refining industry.
