Learning Objective: Understand how fractional distillation of crude oil separates hydrocarbons by boiling point into useful fractions.
Fractionating Column
Furnace ~350°C Refinery gases Petrol (gasoline) Kerosene / Diesel Fuel oil / Lubricants Bitumen C1–C4 C5–C10 C10–C18 C18–C25 C25–C40+ Fractionating Column
Step 1 of 5
Step 1: Heating the Crude Oil
1Crude oil is heated to approximately 350°C in a furnace. At this temperature, most hydrocarbons vaporise into a mixture of gases.
Temperature Gradient
Top: ~20°C ~150°C ~250°C Bottom: ~350°C
Fractions Collected
HeightFractionC atomsUses
TopRefinery gasesC1–C4Heating, cooking
UpperPetrol (gasoline)C5–C10Vehicle fuel
MiddleKerosene / DieselC10–C18Jet fuel, heating
LowerFuel oil / LubricantsC18–C25Ships, machinery
BottomBitumenC25–C40+Roads, roofing