Fractional Distillation of Crude Oil

• What is the main technique used to separate hydrocarbons in crude oil?

  Fractional distillation
• Why do longer chain hydrocarbons have higher boiling points?

  Due to stronger intermolecular forces
• What happens to hydrocarbons when crude oil is heated?

  They evaporate and turn to gas
• How does the temperature gradient in the fractional distillation column affect hydrocarbon separation?

  Hot at the bottom, cooler at the top
• What is the result of hydrocarbons condensing in the fractional distillation column?

  They turn back to liquid
• Where are very long chain hydrocarbons removed from in the fractional distillation column?

  From the bottom of the column
• How are very short chain hydrocarbons removed in fractional distillation?

  As gases from the top of the column
• What are the functions of the important fractions produced by fractional distillation?

  • Fuels: petrol, diesel, kerosene, heavy fuel oil, LPG
  • Feedstock for petrochemical industry: solvents, lubricants, detergents, polymers
• What is the use of petrol and diesel?

  To fuel cars
• What is kerosene used for?

  As jet fuel
• What is heavy fuel oil used to power?

  Ships
• What is liquefied petroleum gas used for?

  In camping stoves
• What does the term 'feedstock' refer to in the petrochemical industry?

  A chemical used to make other chemicals