Crude oil distillation
Crude oil, also called petroleum, is a thick, dark liquid found underground and is made up of many hydrocarbons, which are molecules of hydrogen and carbon. Since different hydrocarbons have different boiling points, they can be separated using fractional distillation. In this process, crude oil is heated in a furnace until it vaporizes and then enters a tall fractionating column. The column is hottest at the bottom and coolest at the top. Hydrocarbons with high boiling points stay near the bottom, while those with lower boiling points rise to the top. This allows us to collect different products at various levels.
Gasoline, also called petrol, is one of the lightest fractions. It has a boiling range of 40–205°C and is collected near the top of the fractionating column. Gasoline is highly flammable and volatile, making it ideal as fuel for cars, motorcycles, and small engines. Its light nature allows it to vaporize easily, which is important for engine combustion.
Naphtha is slightly heavier than gasoline, with a boiling range of about 60–200°C, and is mostly used in the chemical industry. It is a light liquid that vaporizes easily and is an important raw material for making plastics, synthetic fibers, and other chemical products. Naphtha collects a little lower in the fractionating column than gasoline.
Paraffin, also called kerosene, is collected in the middle of the column. Its boiling range is 150–300°C. Paraffin is used as jet fuel, for lamps, and in heating or cooking. It is less volatile than gasoline and naphtha, burns steadily, and provides a good source of energy for various applications.
Diesel oil is heavier, with a boiling range of 250–350°C, and collects further down the column. Diesel is used as fuel for trucks, buses, trains, and some cars. It is thicker than kerosene and burns with more energy, making it suitable for engines that need high efficiency and torque.
Fuel oil or heavy oil has a boiling range of 300–400°C and is collected near the bottom of the fractionating column. It is thick, viscous, and burns slowly. Fuel oil is mainly used in large ships, power plants, and industrial boilers where high energy output is required.
Lubricating oil is even heavier and has a boiling range of 350–600°C. It is used to reduce friction in machines and engines. Its viscosity allows it to coat surfaces, making engines run smoothly and last longer.
The heaviest fraction is bitumen, which has a boiling point above 600°C. Bitumen is a very thick, sticky substance mainly used for making roads, roofing, and waterproofing. It remains at the bottom of the fractionating column because of its very high boiling point and density.
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