Explain how crude oil is separated into fractions (6 marks)
Crude oil is separated into fractions through a process called fractional distillation. In this process, crude oil is heated to a high temperature, causing it to vaporize. The vapor is then passed through a series of trays or columns, with each tray or column being at a slightly lower temperature than the previous one. As the vapor cools, different hydrocarbons condense into liquids at different temperatures, allowing them to be separated into fractions. These fractions include gases, naphtha, kerosene, diesel fuel, lubricating oil, and residual fuel oil, among others. Each fraction has different properties and uses, and can be further processed into useful products for a variety of purposes.
Crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons that is extracted from the earth. It is important to separate it into fractions because each fraction has different properties and uses, and can be further processed into useful products like gasoline, diesel fuel, and lubricating oil.
Crude oil is separated into fractions through a process called fractional distillation, which involves heating the oil to vaporize it and then cooling the vapor to condense it into different fractions based on their boiling points.
Crude oil is typically separated into fractions including gases, naphtha, kerosene, diesel fuel, lubricating oil, and residual fuel oil, among others.
The different fractions of crude oil are used for a variety of purposes, with gases used for heating and cooking, naphtha and kerosene used as solvents and feedstocks for the production of chemicals, and diesel fuel and lubricating oil used for transportation and machinery.
Fractional distillation is a crucial process in the petroleum industry as it enables the production of different products from crude oil that have specific uses and properties, allowing for efficient and effective use of this valuable resource.
Still got a question? Leave a comment
Leave a comment