University of M’hamed bouguerra boumerdes

Faculty of hydrocarbons and chemistery

Petroleum refining

Add by : Group: LAGP01

Zidane seif eddine

Professor : M.Bousbia

College year:2023/2024
 1. Introduction:
Petroleum refining, also known as oil refining, is an industrial process that involves transforming crude oil
extracted from the earth into valuable products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, heating oil, and various other
petroleum-based products. This process is essential for separating and refining the different components of crude oil
through steps like distillation, conversion, and treatment to obtain pure forms of various products.

2. Refining process:
There are many process to refining the crude oil such as:

2.1.Fractional distillation :
Petroleum fractional distillation is a crucial process used in oil refineries to separate crude oil into various
components based on their boiling points. This method involves heating the crude oil to create vapors, which are
then condensed and collected in different compartments within a fractionating column. The components with higher
boiling points condense at the lower part of the column, while those with lower boiling points condense at the top.
This process is essential for obtaining products like gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and other petroleum-based products
effectively.

Distillation column

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2.2.Catalytic cracking:
Catalytic cracking of petroleum is a fundamental process in oil refineries where large hydrocarbon molecules
present in crude oil are broken down into smaller, more valuable hydrocarbon compounds. This process involves the
use of solid acid catalysts to facilitate the rearrangement and scission of carbon-carbon bonds, leading to the
production of essential products like gasoline, diesel, and LPG. Catalytic cracking is a crucial step in the petroleum
refining industry, enabling the conversion of high-boiling point hydrocarbons into more valuable products through
controlled chemical reactions.

Catalytic cracking

2.3.hydrocracking:
hydrocracking is a vital process in oil refining that involves upgrading various petroleum fractions by breaking
down heavy hydrocarbons into lighter, more valuable compounds through the use of hydrogen and a catalyst. This
method enhances the hydrogen to carbon ratio, removes impurities like sulfur, and produces products that meet
environmental standards. Hydrocracking is crucial for converting heavy feed into desired products like gasoline,
diesel, and light naphtha, making it an essential step in the petroleum refining industry.

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2.4.Alkylation:
Alkylation is a crucial process in the petroleum refining industry that involves the acid-catalyzed conversion of
light hydrocarbons, such as C3-C5 olefins, with isobutane to produce highly branched C5-C12 isoparaffins known as
alkylate. This alkylate is a valuable gasoline blending component due to its high octane rating and clean-burning
properties. The process typically utilizes acid catalysts like sulfuric acid or hydrofluoric acid to selectively combine
these hydrocarbons at low temperatures, resulting in a mixture of heavier hydrocarbons ideal for gasoline
production. Alkylation plays a significant role in increasing the yield of automotive gasoline in refineries and has
evolved over the years with advancements in catalyst technologies, including the development of solid acid catalysts
and ionic liquid catalysts to enhance safety and efficiency.

Petroleum alkylation

2.5.Desulfurization:
Desulfurization Is the process of removing sulfur from fuels like gasoline and diesel to reduce air pollution and
improve environmental standards this is achieved by using methods such as hydrodesulfurization, which involves
reacting sulfur compounds with hydrogen to make cleaner fuels.

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 3. Refining products:
When we complet the refining process we obtain many products such as :

3.1.Gasoline:
Gasoline is a refined petroleum product primarily used as a fuel for internal combustion engines in vehiclesIt is a
mixture of liquid hydrocarbons obtained from crude oil through refining process Gasoline is a key fuel for
automobiles and plays a significant role in the transportation sector.

3.2.Kerosen:
Kerosen is a refined petroleum product commonly used as a fuel for jet engines, heating, and lamps it is
obtained through the distillation of crude oil and consists of hydrocarbons with higher boiling points than
gasoline but lower than diesel Kerosene is known for its relatively low viscosity and clean burning
characteristics making it suitable for various applications including aviation and household heating.

3.3.Liquefied petroleum gas (LGP):

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 LGP is a flammable hydrocarbons gas that exists in a liquefied state under moderate pressure composed
mainly of propane and butane, it is obtained from natural gas processing and crude oil refining

LGP used as a fuel for heating, cooking, vehicles, and various industrial application.

3.4.Naphta:
Naphta is the term used to describe a group of volatile flammable liquid hydrocarbons. It is usually
made from crude oil through a refining process called distillation. Naphtha is characterized by a low boiling
point and is commonly used as a feedstock in a variety of industrial processes, including petrochemical
production and the manufacture of chemicals, solvents, and fuels.

3.5.Petrochemicals:
Petrochemiclas are chemical compounds derived from petroleum or natural gas through refining
process. These compounds serve as building blocks for a wide range of products, including plastics,
solvents and various industrial chemicals. Petrochemicals play a vital role in modern industry and
manufacturing, helping to produce essential daily products and materials in various sectors such as
agriculture, healthcare and transportation.

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4.Conclusion:
The refining process is a crucial part of the petroleum industry, converting crude oil into various
useful products that power modern life. Techniques like distillation, cracking, and refining break down
crude oil into fractions like gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and petrochemical feedstock. This process not only
meets energy needs but also supplies raw materials for products ranging from plastics to
pharmaceuticals. Ongoing advancements in refining technology aim to improve efficiency, reduce
environmental impact, and adapt to changing energy needs. While the world explores alternative energy
sources, refining remains central to global energy production and consumption.

5.References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleum_refining_processes

https://fqechemicals.com/catalytic-cracking/

https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-319-14529-7_5

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13203-012-0006-6

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/gasoline

https://www.britannica.com/technology/petroleum-refining/Petroleum-products-and-their-uses