Petroleum Derivatives
Petroleum and natural gas were discovered by humans approximately six thousand years ago, and various oil derivatives have evolved through refining and manufacturing processes, which serve as the backbone of daily life. The term “oil” is synonymous with “petroleum,” encompassing both oil and gas. Liquid petroleum and natural gas are essential materials for numerous petrochemical industries that continue to advance and innovate.
Oil Refining Process
The oil refining process has evolved significantly due to the high demand for these resources in daily life. Refining operations began in 1890 primarily to obtain kerosene, which was used for household purposes at the time. The main goal of refining is to separate unwanted materials from crude oil and produce a usable product that meets specific quality standards.
Scientifically, refining involves breaking down crude oil into its fundamental components and rearranging them in various ways to create new compounds. Distillation is the primary process within refining, relying on differences in boiling points of chemical compounds. Oil refining takes place in specialized fractional distillation towers designed for this purpose.
Stages of Oil Refining
- Separation of Compounds: This is a physical process where compounds are separated through distillation, based on molecular weight and boiling point.
- Conversion of Compounds: This chemical process transforms the separated compounds from the distillation into the desired product.
- Product Treatment: This step is essential to achieve the final characteristics of the desired product.
Main Derivatives of Crude Oil Refining
- Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG): A mixture of propane and butane, LPG has a low boiling point of less than 20 degrees Celsius and converts to liquid when subjected to high pressure. It is commonly used in homes, as fuel for industries, and in certain types of vehicles.
- Gasoline: This is the primary fuel for automobiles in most countries. Initially, gasoline was used for treating lice and as a stain remover. Composed of hydrocarbons, paraffins, and aromatic compounds, gasoline is one of the lighter liquid petroleum derivatives with a boiling point of approximately 30 degrees Celsius. It undergoes multiple refining stages to become suitable for use in cars, airplanes, and various industries.
- Kerosene: Known for a long time, kerosene is a widely used petroleum derivative consisting of paraffins and naphthenes. It is primarily utilized for heating and cooking, as well as in the production of industrial solvents and additives for paints, such as turpentine.
- Diesel: Also known as solar fuel, diesel is a pale yellow liquid that has a lower flammability and explosiveness compared to gasoline. It is used as fuel for vehicles, heavy machinery, and heating applications. Diesel contains naphthenes, aromatic ring compounds, and sulfur and nitrogen compounds.