Fractional Distillation in a fractionating column

1. Fractional Distillation Physical Separation of Crude Oil in a fractionating Column

2. Crude Oil comprises of varying composition of hydrocarbons. It is a mixture of hydrocarbons having varying boiling point. • Because of its the variation in the boiling point of the components of the crude oil. Crude oil can be effectively differentiated into its components mixture using fractional distillation technique.

3. Schematic Diagram of Fractional Distillation column

4. In fractional distillation column crude oil is added into the fractionating column from inlet opening present at the bottom of the column. • The column is heated to about 350deg Celsius temperature at the bottom of the column. The pressure insideteh column is maintained at 1 atm unit. The top of the column is maintained at a temperature of 25 deg cel. • The small molecules having low boiling point get evaporated easily. It is extracted from the top of the column. • The components having high boiling point is extracted from the bottom of the column

5. Hierarchy in which the components are obtained using Fractional Distillation in a fractionating column (from top to bottom) • Refinery Gases • Gasoline: e.g petrol • Naptha • Kerosene • Diesel Oil • Fuel Oil • Residue Oil

6. The components extracted from the top of the column features low b.p, high volatility, easy flow, low ignition temperature and ignites easily. • The components extracted from the bottom of the column features high b.p, low volatility, high ignition temperature and • The components obtained using fractional distillationis of low purity it need further purification to allow its usage in the chemical processes.