What does distillation accomplish in oil refining?

Distillation is a fundamental process in oil refining that effectively separates crude oil into its various components based on differing boiling points. During this process, crude oil is heated, causing it to vaporize. The vapor rises through a distillation column, where it cools at different levels, condensing into liquid form at specific temperatures that correspond to the boiling points of the various hydrocarbons present in the crude oil. This results in a stratification of components, allowing for the extraction of valuable fractions such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and heavier oils.

This method leverages the principle that different hydrocarbons have distinct boiling points, enabling the refinery to produce a range of products suitable for various applications. The successful separation ensures that lighter, more volatile compounds can be collected and processed for fuels, while heavier fractions can be further refined into other useful products. Thus, distillation is crucial for refining operations, making it possible to maximize the output of high-quality fuels and products from crude oil.