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Fractional Distillation of Crude Oil

The experiment aims to separate crude oil into its components using fractional distillation based on varying boiling points. By heating crude oil, different fractions such as gasoline, kerosene, and diesel are collected at specific heights in a fractionating column. The process effectively demonstrates how crude oil can be transformed into valuable products for various industrial applications.

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ZARWAREEN FAISAL
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23 views3 pages

Fractional Distillation of Crude Oil

The experiment aims to separate crude oil into its components using fractional distillation based on varying boiling points. By heating crude oil, different fractions such as gasoline, kerosene, and diesel are collected at specific heights in a fractionating column. The process effectively demonstrates how crude oil can be transformed into valuable products for various industrial applications.

Uploaded by

ZARWAREEN FAISAL
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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- FRACTIONAL DISTILLATION OF CRUDE OIL -

Objective
The objective of this experiment is to separate crude oil into its various components (fractions)
based on their different boiling points using fractional distillation.

Introduction
Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons that vary in molecular size, weight, and boiling
points. Fractional distillation is the method used to separate these components by heating crude
oil and taking advantage of the different boiling points of its constituents. The process allows for
the collection of useful products such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and lubricating oils.

Fractional distillation involves heating crude oil to a temperature where the different fractions
vaporize. The vapor then rises through a fractionating column, where it cools down. Components
with higher boiling points condense and are collected lower in the column, while components
with lower boiling points rise further and condense at higher points in the column.

Apparatus

● Round-bottom flask
● Fractionating column
● Heating source (Bunsen burner or electric heater)
● Condenser
● Thermometer
● Collection containers
● Stand and clamps
● Crude oil sample

Process

1. Setup: Assemble the apparatus by attaching the round-bottom flask to the bottom of the
fractionating column. Connect the condenser to the top of the fractionating column with a
container ready to collect the distillates. Ensure the condenser has a cold water supply
running through it to cool down the vapor.
2. Heating: Pour the crude oil sample into the round-bottom flask and begin heating it
gently. Monitor the temperature closely using a thermometer.
3. Vaporization: As the temperature increases, components of crude oil with lower boiling
points will begin to vaporize and rise through the fractionating column.
4. Condensation: As the vapor rises and cools, different components condense at various
heights in the column. These condensed liquids are collected in separate containers based
on their boiling points.
5. Collection: Fractions such as gasoline, naphtha, kerosene, diesel, and others will
condense at different stages. Collect each of these in separate containers.
6. Completion: Continue the process until all significant fractions have been collected or
until the temperature reaches the boiling point of the heaviest fraction that can be
obtained.

Results
The fractional distillation of crude oil resulted in the separation of several distinct components
based on their boiling points. The fractions collected include:

● Gasoline (boiling point range: 40°C–205°C)


● Kerosene (boiling point range: 150°C–275°C)
● Diesel (boiling point range: (250°C–350°C)
● Lubricating oils and heavier fractions (boiling point above 350°C)

These fractions are used in various industries for fuel, heating, and manufacturing purposes.

Conclusion
Fractional distillation is an effective method for separating the components of crude oil. The
experiment demonstrates how crude oil can be broken down into various useful products by
heating it and using the different boiling points of hydrocarbons to separate the fractions.

Diagram
Here’s a diagram of the fractional distillation setup, showing the equipment arrangement and the
flow of vapors through the fractionating column. The crude oil is heated in the round-bottom
flask, and as the vapor rises through the fractionating column, fractions are collected at different
heights based on their boiling points.

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