The term process technology refers to chemical processing used to refine raw materials into finished products. For example, process technology is used to refine crude oil. Crude oil (petroleum) is a complex mixture of chemical compounds. Process technology involves every aspect of chemical processing, including extracting chemicals such as oil and natural gas, refining them and carefully monitoring the process that makes it happen. Special instrumentation, pumps, turbines and compressors are designed to monitor and separate the chemicals that make up countless products we use every day.Process technology spans many industries. Power plants depend on it to maximize output and minimize emissions. Waste and water-treatment plants use it to monitor industrial waste, environmental impact, and human health and safety. In the pharmaceutical industry it is even used to develop the coating on aspirin.