Crude Oil Flashcards

1
Q

What is crude oil

A

A mixture of hydrocarbons

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2
Q

What do all forms of crude oil contain

A

Alkanes of varying chain lengths

Small amounts of molecules that also contain other elements

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3
Q

What is a fraction

A

Collection of molecules which have similar numbers of carbon (similar BPs)

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4
Q

At the top of fractionating column

A
Smaller molecules (more volatile)
Ignite easily 
Low BP 
less viscous 
Lighter in colour
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5
Q

At the bottom of fractionating column

A
Bigger molecules (less volatile)
Less flammable 
High BP
Smokier flame 
More viscous 
Darker in colour
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6
Q

How does fractional distillation work in the industry

A

1) crude oil is heated + turned into a vapour
2) vapour is injected into fractionating tower
3) molecules with high BP condense straight away (forms bitumen)
4) remaining molecules pass further up the tower
5) bubble caps are in place to prevent the liquid fraction running back down the column
6) refinery gases are collected at the top

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7
Q

Main fractions obtained from crude oil

A
Refinery gases
Gasoline 
Kerosene 
Diesel 
Fuel oil 
Bitumen
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8
Q

Refinery gases

A

Power generation, bottled gas

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9
Q

Gasoline

A

Used to power cars

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10
Q

Kerosene

A

Aviation fuel, paraffin for lighting and heating

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11
Q

Diesel

A

Road diesel and gas oil, used in motor vehicles

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12
Q

Fuel oil

A

Marine diesel for ships

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13
Q

Bitumen

A

Used for roads and roofing

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14
Q

What are fractions burnt as

A

Fuels (release a lot of energy)

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15
Q

Problems with complete combustion

A

CO2 produced - greenhouse gas

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16
Q

Problem with incomplete combustion

A

CO produced

Poisonous as it binds to haemoglobin and reduces ability to carry oxygen around our bodies

17
Q

Problems with nitrogen and oxygen and sulfur

A

Causes acid rain

18
Q

What is cracking

A

Changing the longer chain alkanes into shorter chain alkanes

19
Q

What does cracking require

A

A silica catalyst

600-700 degrees to vaporise the large hydrogen molecules

20
Q

What does cracking produce

A

Smaller alkanes and alkenes