Home > Operations

The
refinery

Specialists in high-quality bitumen

Our refinery is designed for the efficient, specialized production of bitumen, with an annual capacity of 550,000 tons. It includes atmospheric and vacuum distillation sections, as well as two reactors for producing oxidized bitumen.

A strategic hub connected by land and sea

We are located in the heart of the Ravenna Petrochemical District, in an ideal logistical position. Overlooking the Candiano Canal, we transport raw materials and products by road and sea thanks to our internal terminal. A competitive advantage in terms of efficiency and speed.

Tailored production for every need

Our flexible, customized production model allows us to manufacture standard and customized bitumen, including on behalf of third parties, to precisely meet our clients’ technical specifications. We collaborate with leading companies in the sector, combining our internal expertise, plant assets, and industrial vision.

The industrial value of the refining process

Continuous production and quality at every stage

The refinery is designed and built specifically for producing high-quality bitumen. It features a 550,000 ton/year distillation plant and consists essentially of an atmospheric distillation section and a vacuum section. Our expert personnel work in tandem with our internal laboratory to constantly monitor the process and ensure full compliance with technical specifications and delivery times.

A strategic location

The plant is located in the Ravenna Petrochemical District on the left bank of the Candiano Canal, which connects directly to the sea. As a result, the refinery’s strategic location allows it to take advantage of land connections, via the Ravenna industrial area’s road network, and to transport raw materials and products by sea through the terminal concessioned by the North-Central Adriatic Sea Port Authority.

What we
produce

The products and semi-finished products obtained from the production process can be classified as follows:

  • Tank farm

    Home > Operations

    The
    refinery

    Specialists in high-quality bitumen

    Our refinery is designed for the efficient, specialized production of bitumen, with an annual capacity of 550,000 tons. It includes atmospheric and vacuum distillation sections, as well as two reactors for producing oxidized bitumen.

    A strategic hub connected by land and sea

    We are located in the heart of the Ravenna Petrochemical District, in an ideal logistical position. Overlooking the Candiano Canal, we transport raw materials and products by road and sea thanks to our internal terminal. A competitive advantage in terms of efficiency and speed.

    Tailored production for every need

    Our flexible, customized production model allows us to manufacture standard and customized bitumen, including on behalf of third parties, to precisely meet our clients’ technical specifications. We collaborate with leading companies in the sector, combining our internal expertise, plant assets, and industrial vision.

    The industrial value of the refining process

    Continuous production and quality at every stage

    The refinery is designed and built specifically for producing high-quality bitumen. It features a 550,000 ton/year distillation plant and consists essentially of an atmospheric distillation section and a vacuum section. Our expert personnel work in tandem with our internal laboratory to constantly monitor the process and ensure full compliance with technical specifications and delivery times.

    A strategic location

    The plant is located in the Ravenna Petrochemical District on the left bank of the Candiano Canal, which connects directly to the sea. As a result, the refinery’s strategic location allows it to take advantage of land connections, via the Ravenna industrial area’s road network, and to transport raw materials and products by sea through the terminal concessioned by the North-Central Adriatic Sea Port Authority.

    What we
    produce

    The products and semi-finished products obtained from the production process can be classified as follows:

    • Tank farm

      With a capacity of 137,000 m³, our tank farm guarantees uninterrupted product availability. Each tank has a containment basin and an efficient pumping system for managing flows.

    • Loading and unloading by land

      We manage logistics on land with separate loading and unloading bays. Each type of bitumen has a dedicated line to ensure precision and speed in operations.

    • Dedicated terminal

      Our 230-meter terminal is located in the Port of Ravenna and can accommodate ships with a DWT of up to 80,000 tons. It can also handle loads ranging from 2,000 to 40,000 tons. It is equipped with loading arms and dedicated pipelines that allow for the direct loading and unloading of crude oil, semi-finished products, and finished products to and from the refinery.

    • Boiler unit

      For the production of diathermic oil and steam.

    • Congeneration plant

      For the production of electricity, steam, and hot water.

    • Osmosis plant

      For the production of demineralized water.

    • PMB modified bitumen

      A modified bitumen production section with a nominal capacity of approximately 30,000 t/year was built and commissioned within the refinery in 2022. The production process involves adding specific polymers to the bituminous mixture to create Alma Petroli’s FASTDRAINING®, which is patented based on proprietary process technology.

    • Oxidation

      Two dedicated reactors convert distilled bitumen into oxidized bitumen using a controlled flow of air and temperatures of up to 240°C. This precise, monitored process yields a stable product that meets the highest industry standards.

    • Distillation

      At the heart of our production process, we separate crude oil fractions based on their boiling points to obtain virgin naphtha, gas oils, heavy oils, and straight-run bitumen. Distillation takes place in two stages, atmospheric and vacuum, at temperatures of up to 370°C. Then, the products are cooled, treated, and stored at a controlled temperature.

    • Bitumen

      Various formulations are available for road paving, waterproofing membranes, protective coatings, and sealants.

    Alma’s
    utilities

    The plant has the following auxiliary equipment:

    • Tank farm

      With a capacity of 137,000 m³, our tank farm guarantees uninterrupted product availability. Each tank has a containment basin and an efficient pumping system for managing flows.

    • Loading and unloading by land

      We manage logistics on land with separate loading and unloading bays. Each type of bitumen has a dedicated line to ensure precision and speed in operations.

    • Dedicated terminal

      Our 230-meter terminal is located in the Port of Ravenna and can accommodate ships with a DWT of up to 80,000 tons. It can also handle loads ranging from 2,000 to 40,000 tons. It is equipped with loading arms and dedicated pipelines that allow for the direct loading and unloading of crude oil, semi-finished products, and finished products to and from the refinery.

    • Boiler unit

      For the production of diathermic oil and steam.

    • Congeneration plant

      For the production of electricity, steam, and hot water.

    • Osmosis plant

      For the production of demineralized water.

    • PMB modified bitumen

      A modified bitumen production section with a nominal capacity of approximately 30,000 t/year was built and commissioned within the refinery in 2022. The production process involves adding specific polymers to the bituminous mixture to create Alma Petroli’s FASTDRAINING®, which is patented based on proprietary process technology.

    • Oxidation

      Two dedicated reactors convert distilled bitumen into oxidized bitumen using a controlled flow of air and temperatures of up to 240°C. This precise, monitored process yields a stable product that meets the highest industry standards.

    • Distillation

      At the heart of our production process, we separate crude oil fractions based on their boiling points to obtain virgin naphtha, gas oils, heavy oils, and straight-run bitumen. Distillation takes place in two stages, atmospheric and vacuum, at temperatures of up to 370°C. Then, the products are cooled, treated, and stored at a controlled temperature.

    • Bitumen

      Various formulations are available for road paving, waterproofing membranes, protective coatings, and sealants.

    Production
    units

    The refinery includes several production units and auxiliary facilities. All plants operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to ensure continuity, efficiency, and timeliness.

    • Tank farm

      With a capacity of 137,000 m³, our tank farm guarantees uninterrupted product availability. Each tank has a containment basin and an efficient pumping system for managing flows.

    • Loading and unloading by land

      We manage logistics on land with separate loading and unloading bays. Each type of bitumen has a dedicated line to ensure precision and speed in operations.

    • Dedicated terminal

      Our 230-meter terminal is located in the Port of Ravenna and can accommodate ships with a DWT of up to 80,000 tons. It can also handle loads ranging from 2,000 to 40,000 tons. It is equipped with loading arms and dedicated pipelines that allow for the direct loading and unloading of crude oil, semi-finished products, and finished products to and from the refinery.

    • Boiler unit

      For the production of diathermic oil and steam.

    • Congeneration plant

      For the production of electricity, steam, and hot water.

    • Osmosis plant

      For the production of demineralized water.

    • PMB modified bitumen

      A modified bitumen production section with a nominal capacity of approximately 30,000 t/year was built and commissioned within the refinery in 2022. The production process involves adding specific polymers to the bituminous mixture to create Alma Petroli’s FASTDRAINING®, which is patented based on proprietary process technology.

    • Oxidation

      Two dedicated reactors convert distilled bitumen into oxidized bitumen using a controlled flow of air and temperatures of up to 240°C. This precise, monitored process yields a stable product that meets the highest industry standards.

    • Distillation

      At the heart of our production process, we separate crude oil fractions based on their boiling points to obtain virgin naphtha, gas oils, heavy oils, and straight-run bitumen. Distillation takes place in two stages, atmospheric and vacuum, at temperatures of up to 370°C. Then, the products are cooled, treated, and stored at a controlled temperature.

    • Bitumen

      Various formulations are available for road paving, waterproofing membranes, protective coatings, and sealants.

    Integrated
    logistics

    Complete management by sea and land: our flexible storage, equipped terminal, and dedicated lines guarantee fast and safe operations for all types of bitumen and petroleum products.

    • Tank farm

      With a capacity of 137,000 m³, our tank farm guarantees uninterrupted product availability. Each tank has a containment basin and an efficient pumping system for managing flows.

    • Loading and unloading by land

      We manage logistics on land with separate loading and unloading bays. Each type of bitumen has a dedicated line to ensure precision and speed in operations.

    • Dedicated terminal

      Our 230-meter terminal is located in the Port of Ravenna and can accommodate ships with a DWT of up to 80,000 tons. It can also handle loads ranging from 2,000 to 40,000 tons. It is equipped with loading arms and dedicated pipelines that allow for the direct loading and unloading of crude oil, semi-finished products, and finished products to and from the refinery.

    • Boiler unit

      For the production of diathermic oil and steam.

    • Congeneration plant

      For the production of electricity, steam, and hot water.

    • Osmosis plant

      For the production of demineralized water.

    • PMB modified bitumen

      A modified bitumen production section with a nominal capacity of approximately 30,000 t/year was built and commissioned within the refinery in 2022. The production process involves adding specific polymers to the bituminous mixture to create Alma Petroli’s FASTDRAINING®, which is patented based on proprietary process technology.

    • Oxidation

      Two dedicated reactors convert distilled bitumen into oxidized bitumen using a controlled flow of air and temperatures of up to 240°C. This precise, monitored process yields a stable product that meets the highest industry standards.

    • Distillation

      At the heart of our production process, we separate crude oil fractions based on their boiling points to obtain virgin naphtha, gas oils, heavy oils, and straight-run bitumen. Distillation takes place in two stages, atmospheric and vacuum, at temperatures of up to 370°C. Then, the products are cooled, treated, and stored at a controlled temperature.

    • Bitumen

      Various formulations are available for road paving, waterproofing membranes, protective coatings, and sealants.

    Safety

    At Alma Petroli, safety is a strategic pillar that we approach with method, rigor, and vision.
    We adhere to two fundamental regulatory references:

    • Italian Legislative Decree 81/08 as amended, for the protection of health and safety in the workplace
    • Italian Legislative Decree 105/15 for the prevention of major accidents involving hazardous substances

    These are complemented by an Integrated Management System certified according to the UNI EN ISO 45001 standard. This system guarantees high safety standards for all internal and external personnel, as well as constant monitoring of system reliability.

    Safety in the workplace is the real key to productivity.

    Robert Pelton • Industrial Engineer

    Safety in the workplace is the real key to productivity.

    Robert Pelton • Industrial Engineer

    Operations,
    control,
    and prevention

    Operations, control, and prevention

    All departments are equipped with manual and automatic alarm and shut-off devices located at critical points. These devices are designed to ensure plant safety in all conditions.

    Experience is our ally when it comes to prevention.

    We plan every activity based on historical analysis of the systems and technical know-how gained over time. This approach allows us to minimize the risk of major accidents and to operate safely and reliably every day.

  • Loading and unloading by land

    We manage logistics on land with separate loading and unloading bays. Each type of bitumen has a dedicated line to ensure precision and speed in operations.

  • Dedicated terminal

    Our 230-meter terminal is located in the Port of Ravenna and can accommodate ships with a DWT of up to 80,000 tons. It can also handle loads ranging from 2,000 to 40,000 tons. It is equipped with loading arms and dedicated pipelines that allow for the direct loading and unloading of crude oil, semi-finished products, and finished products to and from the refinery.

  • Boiler unit

    For the production of diathermic oil and steam.

  • Congeneration plant

    For the production of electricity, steam, and hot water.

  • Osmosis plant

    For the production of demineralized water.

  • PMB modified bitumen

    A modified bitumen production section with a nominal capacity of approximately 30,000 t/year was built and commissioned within the refinery in 2022. The production process involves adding specific polymers to the bituminous mixture to create Alma Petroli’s FASTDRAINING®, which is patented based on proprietary process technology.

  • Oxidation

    Two dedicated reactors convert distilled bitumen into oxidized bitumen using a controlled flow of air and temperatures of up to 240°C. This precise, monitored process yields a stable product that meets the highest industry standards.

  • Distillation

    At the heart of our production process, we separate crude oil fractions based on their boiling points to obtain virgin naphtha, gas oils, heavy oils, and straight-run bitumen. Distillation takes place in two stages, atmospheric and vacuum, at temperatures of up to 370°C. Then, the products are cooled, treated, and stored at a controlled temperature.

  • Bitumen

    Various formulations are available for road paving, waterproofing membranes, protective coatings, and sealants.

Alma’s
utilities

The plant has the following auxiliary equipment:

  • Tank farm

    With a capacity of 137,000 m³, our tank farm guarantees uninterrupted product availability. Each tank has a containment basin and an efficient pumping system for managing flows.

  • Loading and unloading by land

    We manage logistics on land with separate loading and unloading bays. Each type of bitumen has a dedicated line to ensure precision and speed in operations.

  • Dedicated terminal

    Our 230-meter terminal is located in the Port of Ravenna and can accommodate ships with a DWT of up to 80,000 tons. It can also handle loads ranging from 2,000 to 40,000 tons. It is equipped with loading arms and dedicated pipelines that allow for the direct loading and unloading of crude oil, semi-finished products, and finished products to and from the refinery.

  • Boiler unit

    For the production of diathermic oil and steam.

  • Congeneration plant

    For the production of electricity, steam, and hot water.

  • Osmosis plant

    For the production of demineralized water.

  • PMB modified bitumen

    A modified bitumen production section with a nominal capacity of approximately 30,000 t/year was built and commissioned within the refinery in 2022. The production process involves adding specific polymers to the bituminous mixture to create Alma Petroli’s FASTDRAINING®, which is patented based on proprietary process technology.

  • Oxidation

    Two dedicated reactors convert distilled bitumen into oxidized bitumen using a controlled flow of air and temperatures of up to 240°C. This precise, monitored process yields a stable product that meets the highest industry standards.

  • Distillation

    At the heart of our production process, we separate crude oil fractions based on their boiling points to obtain virgin naphtha, gas oils, heavy oils, and straight-run bitumen. Distillation takes place in two stages, atmospheric and vacuum, at temperatures of up to 370°C. Then, the products are cooled, treated, and stored at a controlled temperature.

  • Bitumen

    Various formulations are available for road paving, waterproofing membranes, protective coatings, and sealants.

Production
units

The refinery includes several production units and auxiliary facilities. All plants operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to ensure continuity, efficiency, and timeliness.

  • Tank farm

    With a capacity of 137,000 m³, our tank farm guarantees uninterrupted product availability. Each tank has a containment basin and an efficient pumping system for managing flows.

  • Loading and unloading by land

    We manage logistics on land with separate loading and unloading bays. Each type of bitumen has a dedicated line to ensure precision and speed in operations.

  • Dedicated terminal

    Our 230-meter terminal is located in the Port of Ravenna and can accommodate ships with a DWT of up to 80,000 tons. It can also handle loads ranging from 2,000 to 40,000 tons. It is equipped with loading arms and dedicated pipelines that allow for the direct loading and unloading of crude oil, semi-finished products, and finished products to and from the refinery.

  • Boiler unit

    For the production of diathermic oil and steam.

  • Congeneration plant

    For the production of electricity, steam, and hot water.

  • Osmosis plant

    For the production of demineralized water.

  • PMB modified bitumen

    A modified bitumen production section with a nominal capacity of approximately 30,000 t/year was built and commissioned within the refinery in 2022. The production process involves adding specific polymers to the bituminous mixture to create Alma Petroli’s FASTDRAINING®, which is patented based on proprietary process technology.

  • Oxidation

    Two dedicated reactors convert distilled bitumen into oxidized bitumen using a controlled flow of air and temperatures of up to 240°C. This precise, monitored process yields a stable product that meets the highest industry standards.

  • Distillation

    At the heart of our production process, we separate crude oil fractions based on their boiling points to obtain virgin naphtha, gas oils, heavy oils, and straight-run bitumen. Distillation takes place in two stages, atmospheric and vacuum, at temperatures of up to 370°C. Then, the products are cooled, treated, and stored at a controlled temperature.

  • Bitumen

    Various formulations are available for road paving, waterproofing membranes, protective coatings, and sealants.

Integrated
logistics

Complete management by sea and land: our flexible storage, equipped terminal, and dedicated lines guarantee fast and safe operations for all types of bitumen and petroleum products.

  • Tank farm

    With a capacity of 137,000 m³, our tank farm guarantees uninterrupted product availability. Each tank has a containment basin and an efficient pumping system for managing flows.

  • Loading and unloading by land

    We manage logistics on land with separate loading and unloading bays. Each type of bitumen has a dedicated line to ensure precision and speed in operations.

  • Dedicated terminal

    Our 230-meter terminal is located in the Port of Ravenna and can accommodate ships with a DWT of up to 80,000 tons. It can also handle loads ranging from 2,000 to 40,000 tons. It is equipped with loading arms and dedicated pipelines that allow for the direct loading and unloading of crude oil, semi-finished products, and finished products to and from the refinery.

  • Boiler unit

    For the production of diathermic oil and steam.

  • Congeneration plant

    For the production of electricity, steam, and hot water.

  • Osmosis plant

    For the production of demineralized water.

  • PMB modified bitumen

    A modified bitumen production section with a nominal capacity of approximately 30,000 t/year was built and commissioned within the refinery in 2022. The production process involves adding specific polymers to the bituminous mixture to create Alma Petroli’s FASTDRAINING®, which is patented based on proprietary process technology.

  • Oxidation

    Two dedicated reactors convert distilled bitumen into oxidized bitumen using a controlled flow of air and temperatures of up to 240°C. This precise, monitored process yields a stable product that meets the highest industry standards.

  • Distillation

    At the heart of our production process, we separate crude oil fractions based on their boiling points to obtain virgin naphtha, gas oils, heavy oils, and straight-run bitumen. Distillation takes place in two stages, atmospheric and vacuum, at temperatures of up to 370°C. Then, the products are cooled, treated, and stored at a controlled temperature.

  • Bitumen

    Various formulations are available for road paving, waterproofing membranes, protective coatings, and sealants.

Safety

At Alma Petroli, safety is a strategic pillar that we approach with method, rigor, and vision.
We adhere to two fundamental regulatory references:

  • Italian Legislative Decree 81/08 as amended, for the protection of health and safety in the workplace
  • Italian Legislative Decree 105/15 for the prevention of major accidents involving hazardous substances

These are complemented by an Integrated Management System certified according to the UNI EN ISO 45001 standard. This system guarantees high safety standards for all internal and external personnel, as well as constant monitoring of system reliability.

Safety in the workplace is the real key to productivity.

Robert Pelton • Industrial Engineer

Safety in the workplace is the real key to productivity.

Robert Pelton • Industrial Engineer

Operations,
control,
and prevention

Operations, control, and prevention

All departments are equipped with manual and automatic alarm and shut-off devices located at critical points. These devices are designed to ensure plant safety in all conditions.

Experience is our ally when it comes to prevention.

We plan every activity based on historical analysis of the systems and technical know-how gained over time. This approach allows us to minimize the risk of major accidents and to operate safely and reliably every day.