Oil distillation works by separating crude oil into different components based on their boiling points. This process involves heating crude oil, causing it to vaporize, and then condensing the vapors at different temperature levels to collect various fractions or products.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Heating: Crude oil is heated to high temperatures (typically around 400°C or 750°F) in a furnace.
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Vaporization: This heat causes the various hydrocarbons in the crude oil to vaporize, creating a mixture of hot gases.
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Fractional Distillation Column: The hot vapor is then fed into the bottom of a fractional distillation column, which is a tall tower that is hotter at the bottom and cooler at the top.
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Separation: As the hot vapors rise through the column, they gradually cool. Different hydrocarbons condense back into liquids at different temperatures, based on their boiling points. Heavier, larger molecules with high boiling points condense near the bottom of the column, while lighter, smaller molecules with lower boiling points condense higher up.
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Collection: Trays are placed at different levels in the column to collect the various condensed fractions. These fractions include:
- Gases: (e.g., methane, ethane, propane, butane) - collected at the top; used for fuel and chemical feedstock.
- Gasoline: Used as fuel for cars.
- Kerosene: Used as jet fuel and heating oil.
- Diesel: Used as fuel for trucks, buses, and trains.
- Fuel Oil: Used for heating and industrial purposes.
- Residue: (e.g., bitumen, asphalt) - collected at the bottom; used for road paving and roofing.
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Further Processing: The collected fractions may undergo further processing (e.g., cracking, reforming) to improve their quality and yield. The lighter and medium-weight liquids require less processing before they're ready for use in cars and trucks, as noted in the provided reference.
In summary, oil distillation is a crucial process in oil refineries that separates crude oil into usable components based on their boiling points, allowing for the production of various fuels, lubricants, and other valuable products.
