The ifeu refinery model was developed in the late 1990s based on the requirement for consistent life cycle data for refinery products, which are essential for Life Cycle Assessment modelling of a wide range of products. A primary objective was the characterisation of products not regularly included in available databases, e.g. naphtha, base oil, bitumen etc. In consequence, a complex refinery model emerged over the years. It provides consistent data and methodology for all process steps and accurately describes all established refinery products.
The model may be customised to characterise an individual specific refinery or the spectrum of refineries in a country or a region (e.g. Germany, Europe, North America). For this purpose, the model may be adapted to a range of different complexity levels and crude oil quality grades. Other parameters including product composition, plant size, location etc. may also be modified.
The further processing of refinery products, e.g. steam cracking, processing in aromatics plants, or via oxidation, hydration or dehydration, may be described with the complex petrochemical industry model, which can be modified and adapted for the individual question of interest.
