Chapter 23.3, Problem 15R

To determine

To find: The fuels obtained from crude oil by fractional distillation.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Components of crude oil are separated using the process of fractional distillation. In refineries, fractionating towers are used. Hydrocarbons having large carbon-chains have high boiling point are collected in the lower part of the tower, whereas, small hydrocarbons have lower boiling points are collected at the top of the tower.

Fractional distillation of crude oil separates the components by collecting them in different chambers of the fractionating tower, on the basis of their boiling points.

Fuels having high boiling point are collected in the lowest chamber, while those having lower boiling points are collected in the above chambers.

Some of the fuels such as gasoline, kerosene, asphalt, naphtha, paraffin, diesel oil, jet fuel, lubricating oils are obtained in the various chambers of the fractionating tower.

Conclusion:

Therefore, fuels like asphalt, lubricating oil, jet fuel, diesel fuel, kerosene, gasoline, naphtha, paraffin are obtained from crude oil by fractional distillation.