Transform and refine petroleum (crude oil) into products like gasoline, diesel fuel, asphalt base, and others.

Crude oil processing involves a series of steps to transform the raw, unrefined crude oil into various petroleum products. The primary step in this process is fractional distillation, which separates the crude oil into different fractions based on their boiling points and molecular weights. These fractions are then further refined and processed to produce the final petroleum products.

Atmospheric Distillation

The first step in the crude oil processing is atmospheric distillation, where the crude oil is heated to around 370°C in a tubular furnace at atmospheric pressure. This causes the crude oil to evaporate, and the vapors are then transferred to a distillation column, also known as a rectification column. In this column, the vapors rise and cool, condensing at different levels according to their boiling points. The various hydrocarbons then condense and are drawn off separately as different products.

Vacuum Distillation

The atmospheric distillation process is not sufficient to separate all the fractions of crude oil. The heavier fractions, known as atmospheric residues, are subjected to a second distillation under vacuum. This process is performed at reduced pressure (rough vacuum of 10 to 50 mbar), which lowers the boiling point of the mixture, allowing for further separation at slightly higher temperatures. The vacuum distillation process produces valuable products such as vacuum gas oil, wax distillates, and vacuum residue, which can be further processed into various petroleum products.

Refining and Processing

The separated fractions are then further refined and processed to produce the final petroleum products. This includes processes such as catalytic cracking, reforming, and hydrotreating, which break down the larger molecules into smaller ones and remove impurities. The products are then blended and refined to meet specific standards and specifications for use in various applications.

Products

The various petroleum products obtained from crude oil processing include:

1. Gasoline (Petrol): A light, volatile liquid used as a fuel for vehicles and other engines.
2. Diesel Fuel: A heavier, more viscous liquid used as a fuel for diesel engines and other industrial applications.
3. Kerosene: A light, colorless liquid used as a fuel for jet engines and other applications.
4. Jet Fuel: A specialized type of kerosene used as a fuel for jet engines.
5. Heating Oil: A heavier, more viscous liquid used for heating homes and buildings.
6. Fuel Oils: Heavy, viscous liquids used as fuels for industrial processes and power generation.
7. Lubricating Oils: Specialized oils used for lubricating machinery and other equipment.
8. Asphalt: A heavy, viscous liquid used for road construction and other applications.
9. Petroleum Coke: A solid residue used as a fuel or in the production of other products.
10. Sulfur: A byproduct of the refining process, used in various industrial applications

In summary, crude oil processing involves a series of steps, including atmospheric distillation, vacuum distillation, and refining and processing, to separate and transform the raw crude oil into various petroleum products. These products are then used in a wide range of applications, from transportation and energy generation to industrial processes and consumer goods.