Fractional Distillation and Petrochemicals

Fractional Distillation and Petrochemicals

1. Fractional Distillation

   • The hydrocarbons in crude oil can be separated into fractions
     • Each fraction contains molecules with a similar number of carbon atoms
       • These can be processed to produce fuels and feedstock for the petrolchemical industry
     • This can be done by fractional distillation
   • A tall column is fitted above the crude oil
     • It has several condensers coming off at different heights
     • It is hot at the bottom and cool at the top
       • Substances with high boiling points condense at the bottom
       • Substances with low boiling points condense at the top
   • It works because the different substances in the mixture have different boiling points

2. Petrochemicals

   • Many fuels which we depend on for our modern lifestyle are produced from crude oil
     • Such as petrol, diesel oil, kerosene, heavy fuel oil and liquefied petroleum gases
   • Many useful materials for produced by the petrochemical industry
     • Such as solvents, lubricants, polymers, detergents

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