In the world of oil refining, crude oil is separated into many useful parts, just like cutting a fruit into slices that each have a different taste. Below we list the main fractions and what they are used for. Think of each fraction as a different “slice” of the oil pie! 🍰
Used for gas in heating and cooking. It’s the same kind of gas that powers your kitchen stove or a portable heater. Imagine it as the “quick‑fire” slice that lights up your home.
The fuel that makes cars go vroom! It’s the liquid that fills your car’s tank, just like the juice that powers a toy car on a track. 🚗
A versatile chemical feedstock. Chemists use it to build many everyday products, from plastics to detergents. Think of it as the “blank canvas” that artists paint on to create new materials. 🎨
This is the fuel for jet engines and some lamps. It’s the same kind of liquid that keeps a plane’s engines humming in the sky. ✈️
Used in diesel engines, like those in trucks and buses. It’s a bit thicker than gasoline, so it needs a special engine to burn it efficiently. 🚌
The heavy liquid that powers ships and large home heating systems. It’s like the “big‑tank” fuel that keeps a ship’s engines running across oceans. 🚢
Used to make lubricants, waxes, and polishes. Think of it as the “smooth‑operator” that keeps gears moving without friction, just like the oil you put on a squeaky door hinge. 🔧
The sticky, black material used to pave roads. It’s the “glue” that holds the road together, keeping cars safe on wet or icy surfaces. 🛣️
| Fraction | Main Use |
|---|---|
| Refinery Gas | Heating & cooking gas |
| Gasoline / Petrol | Car fuel |
| Naphtha | Chemical feedstock |
| Kerosene / Paraffin | Jet fuel & lamps |
| Diesel / Gas Oil | Diesel engines |
| Fuel Oil | Ships & home heating |
| Lubricating Oil | Lubricants, waxes, polishes |
| Bitumen | Road paving |
Remember: each fraction is a different “slice” of the oil pie, and each slice has its own special job in our everyday world. Keep this map in mind when you think about how oil becomes the fuels that power our lives! 🚀