Fractionation and Product Recovery Each layer of the distillation column, or fraction, represents a different hydrocarbon category. Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) units are particularly effective, converting heavy gas oils into a high yield of gasoline and olefins.
Crude Oil Refining Process Technology Innovations: Key Conversion and Fractionation Techniques
Conversion: Breaking Down Heavy Molecules Because the heavy fractions from distillation are not particularly valuable on their own, refineries utilize conversion units to break them down into lighter, more desirable products. The overhead fraction typically yields naphtha for gasoline production, while side streams produce kerosene and diesel.
Lighter molecules, such as gasoline and propane, condense near the top, while heavier residues, like lubricating oils and asphalt, collect at the bottom. Simultaneously, treating units purify the products by removing impurities such as sulfur, nitrogen, and metals.
Crude Oil Refining Process Technology Innovations: Key Conversion and Fractionation Techniques
Refineries draw off these fractions as separate streams to be further processed. As the vapor rises, it cools, and the different hydrocarbon molecules condense back into liquids at specific temperatures based on their boiling points.
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