Petroleum Is Separated Into Useful Fractions By Fractional Distillation. Which Fraction Is Used As A Fuel For Jet Aeroplanes?A. Fuel Oil B. Gasoline C. Naphtha D. Kerosene/paraffin
Introduction
Petroleum, a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, is the primary source of energy for various industries, including transportation, power generation, and manufacturing. The process of refining petroleum involves separating it into various fractions, each with distinct properties and uses. One of the most critical steps in petroleum refining is fractional distillation, which separates the crude oil into different fractions based on their boiling points. In this article, we will explore the fractional distillation process and identify the fraction used as a fuel for jet aeroplanes.
Fractional Distillation: A Crucial Step in Petroleum Refining
Fractional distillation is a process that separates a mixture of liquids based on their boiling points. In the context of petroleum refining, fractional distillation is used to separate the crude oil into different fractions, each with a distinct boiling point range. The process involves heating the crude oil in a distillation column, causing the lighter fractions to vaporize and rise to the top, while the heavier fractions remain at the bottom.
The Distillation Column: A Key Component in Fractional Distillation
The distillation column is a critical component in the fractional distillation process. It is a tall, cylindrical vessel that is designed to separate the different fractions of the crude oil based on their boiling points. The column is typically divided into several sections, each with a specific temperature range. The lighter fractions vaporize and rise to the top of the column, while the heavier fractions remain at the bottom.
The Different Fractions of Petroleum
Petroleum is separated into several fractions during the fractional distillation process. These fractions include:
- Gasoline: a light, volatile fraction with a boiling point range of 38-204°C (100-400°F).
- Naphtha: a light, volatile fraction with a boiling point range of 38-204°C (100-400°F).
- Kerosene/paraffin: a medium-weight fraction with a boiling point range of 150-300°C (302-572°F).
- Fuel oil: a heavy fraction with a boiling point range of 300-600°C (572-1112°F).
Which Fraction is Used as a Fuel for Jet Aeroplanes?
The correct answer is D. Kerosene/paraffin. Kerosene/paraffin is a medium-weight fraction with a boiling point range of 150-300°C (302-572°F). It is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. Kerosene/paraffin is used as a fuel for jet aeroplanes due to its high energy density and low freezing point. It is also used as a fuel for heating and cooking in various industries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fractional distillation is a critical step in the petroleum refining process. It separates the crude oil into different fractions based on their boiling points. The different fractions of petroleum have distinct properties and uses. Kerosene/paraffin is the fraction used as a fuel for jet aeroplanes due to its high energy density and low freezing point. Understanding the fractional distillation process and the different fractions of petroleum is essential for the efficient and safe use of petroleum products.
References
- Petroleum Refining: A Guide to the Process and Products by the American Petroleum Institute.
- Fractional Distillation: A Review of the Process and Its Applications by the Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering.
- Petroleum Products: A Guide to the Different Fractions and Their Uses by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Further Reading
- Petroleum Refining: A Comprehensive Guide by the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
- Fractional Distillation: A Practical Guide by the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers.
- Petroleum Products: A Guide to the Different Fractions and Their Uses by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Petroleum Refining: A Q&A Guide to Fractional Distillation ===========================================================
Introduction
Petroleum refining is a complex process that involves separating crude oil into different fractions based on their boiling points. Fractional distillation is a critical step in this process, and understanding it is essential for the efficient and safe use of petroleum products. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about fractional distillation and petroleum refining.
Q: What is fractional distillation?
A: Fractional distillation is a process that separates a mixture of liquids based on their boiling points. In the context of petroleum refining, it is used to separate the crude oil into different fractions, each with a distinct boiling point range.
Q: What is the purpose of fractional distillation in petroleum refining?
A: The purpose of fractional distillation in petroleum refining is to separate the crude oil into different fractions, each with a distinct boiling point range. This allows for the production of various petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and lubricants.
Q: What are the different fractions of petroleum?
A: The different fractions of petroleum include:
- Gasoline: a light, volatile fraction with a boiling point range of 38-204°C (100-400°F).
- Naphtha: a light, volatile fraction with a boiling point range of 38-204°C (100-400°F).
- Kerosene/paraffin: a medium-weight fraction with a boiling point range of 150-300°C (302-572°F).
- Fuel oil: a heavy fraction with a boiling point range of 300-600°C (572-1112°F).
Q: Which fraction is used as a fuel for jet aeroplanes?
A: The fraction used as a fuel for jet aeroplanes is kerosene/paraffin. It is a medium-weight fraction with a boiling point range of 150-300°C (302-572°F).
Q: What is the distillation column, and how does it work?
A: The distillation column is a critical component in the fractional distillation process. It is a tall, cylindrical vessel that is designed to separate the different fractions of the crude oil based on their boiling points. The column is typically divided into several sections, each with a specific temperature range. The lighter fractions vaporize and rise to the top of the column, while the heavier fractions remain at the bottom.
Q: What are the advantages of fractional distillation in petroleum refining?
A: The advantages of fractional distillation in petroleum refining include:
- Improved product quality: fractional distillation allows for the production of high-quality petroleum products.
- Increased efficiency: fractional distillation reduces the amount of energy required to separate the crude oil into different fractions.
- Reduced environmental impact: fractional distillation reduces the amount of waste generated during the refining process.
Q: What are the challenges associated with fractional distillation in petroleum refining?
A: The challenges associated with fractional distillation in petroleum refining include:
- High energy requirements: fractional distillation requires a significant amount of energy to separate the crude oil into different fractions.
- Complex equipment: fractional distillation requires complex equipment, such as distillation columns, to separate the crude oil into different fractions.
- Environmental concerns: fractional distillation can generate waste and emissions, which can have a negative impact on the environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fractional distillation is a critical step in the petroleum refining process. It separates the crude oil into different fractions based on their boiling points, allowing for the production of various petroleum products. Understanding the fractional distillation process and its applications is essential for the efficient and safe use of petroleum products.
References
- Petroleum Refining: A Guide to the Process and Products by the American Petroleum Institute.
- Fractional Distillation: A Review of the Process and Its Applications by the Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering.
- Petroleum Products: A Guide to the Different Fractions and Their Uses by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Further Reading
- Petroleum Refining: A Comprehensive Guide by the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
- Fractional Distillation: A Practical Guide by the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers.
- Petroleum Products: A Guide to the Different Fractions and Their Uses by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.