1. A process used to purify an impure material but that does not involve chemical change. The refining of metals involves either hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical processes. The cupellation process involves the extraction of silver from lead by melting the lead in a vessel known as a cupel and blowing air over the surface to oxidize the lead and leave pure silver.
2. The refining of petroleum products involving the conversion of crude oil into usual petroleum products such as naphtha, diesel fuel, kerosene, and LPG. It is carried out in petroleum refineries.