This "oil island"
in lake Åmänningen, is believed to be the oldest oil
refinery in the world.
The birth of the oil industry occurred in 1859, when
an American, Edwin L Drake, found a method of drilling and sinking
a well that enabled large quantities of oil to be brought up.
The price of crude oil fell drastically as a result, and the number
of oil refineries grew fast. Lamp oil, particularly paraffin or
kerosene, brought a much brighter light into homes and buildings.
Pehr August Ålund built a refinery here in
1875. It was no coincidence that he sited it on an island, as
there was a high risk of fire and explosion. Some years earlier,
he had built a refinery further north on lake Snyten, which was
burnt down after having been struck by lightning. Eye witnesses
claimed that the fire lit up the entire lake.
Ålund imported crude oil from the USA, grease
and tallow from Russia, and tar from Galicia, in Spain. The raw
materials were shipped in ore barges via the Strömsholm canal.
Ålund started off as a farmer and it is uncertain
not only how he became involved in oil refining but also where
he acquired the technical knowledge necessary. Notwithstanding
that, in 1894 he offered shares in his new company, having discovered,
after seven years of experimentation, a new method of distillation.
In 1876, he was given permission to produce 1,000 barrels of oil
a year. The refinery had 12 retorts for distillation, a paraffin
press, a central boiler room and a storehouse. The licensed capacity
was later increased to 1,500 barrels a year, and the refinery
was eventually shut down in 1902. Production of various lubricating
oils and greases continued until 1927.
Although it was dangerous work in the refinery,
as far as we can tell there were no serious accidents there. The
workforce included carpenters, mechanics, paraffin washers, and
refinery workers. Eight families and a couple of bachelors lived
on the island in the 1890s. Workers’ quarters have been
preserved. To visit the island, take a boat, the Petrolia, from
the harbour at Ängelsberg. Viewing may be booked via the
Fagersta Tourist Information Office at additional times to those
advertised in the summer programme.
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