FRACTIONAL DISTILLATION OF CRUDE OIL

Fractional distillation separates a mixture into a number of different parts,

called fractions.

A tall fractionating column is fitted above the mixture, with several

condensers coming off at different heights. The column is hot at the bottom
and cool at the top. Substances with high boiling points condense at the
bottom and substances with lower boiling points condense on the way to
the top.

Crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons. The crude oil is evaporated and its

vapors condense at different temperatures in the fractionating column.
Each fraction contains hydrocarbon molecules with a similar number of
carbon atoms and a similar range of boiling points.

OIL FRACTIONS

The diagram below summarizes the main fractions from crude oil and their
uses, and the trends in properties. Note that the gases leave at the top of
the column, the liquids condense in the middle and the solids stay at
the bottom.

THE FRACTIONATING COLUMN

As you go up the fractionating column, the hydrocarbons have:

1. lower boiling points

2. lower viscosity (they flow more easily)
3. Higher flammability (they ignite more easily).
OTHER FOSSIL FUELS

Crude oil is not the only fossil fuel.

Natural gas mainly consists of methane. It is used in domestic boilers,

cookers and Bunsen burners, as well as in some power stations.

Coal was formed from the remains of ancient forests. It can be burned in

power stations. Coal is mainly carbon but it may also contain sulfur
compounds, which produce sulfur dioxide when the coal is burned. This gas
is a cause of acid rain. Also, as all fossil fuels contain carbon, the burning
of any fossil fuel will contribute to global warming due to the production of
carbon dioxide.
DIAGRAM OF FRACTIONAL DISTILLATION EQUIPMENT
END PRODUCTS OF CRUDE OIL DISTILLATION
END PRODUCTS BOILING POINT MELTING POINT

Diesel fuel 150 to 380’C -30 - -18’C

kerosene 200 to 300’C -48 - -26’C

Jet fuel 175 to 300’C -47 - -53’C

Gasoline 100 to 400’C -43 - -45’C

Biofuels 340 to 375’C -52 - -45’C

Liquefied petroleum gases -42’C -188’C

Lubricating oil Around 300’C -91’C - -10’C

Fuel oil 175 to 600’C -25’C

Naphthalene 218’C 80.26’C

Asphalt 525’C 54 – 173’C

 Jet fuel
 Diesel fuel
 Gasoline
 Lubricating oil
 Kerosene
 Biofuels
 Liquefied petroleum gases
 Naphthalene
 Asphalt
 Fuel oil