The process of separation of the various constituents/fractions of petroleum is known as?

Fractional distillation of petroleum is basically defined as separating the various components of petroleum (or crude oil as it is often called with the help of a fractionating column. Petroleum, as we know is a mixture of different hydrocarbons. As these hydrocarbons are miscible with each other, hence they cannot be separated easily and require special techniques such as fractional distillation. Following are the various components that are obtained from the fractional distillation of petroleum :

1) Petroleum gas

2) Naphtha

3) Gasoline (or petrol)

4) Kerosene

5) Diesel

6) Fuel oil

7) Residual oil ( lubricating oil, paraffin wax, asphalt, etc) 

Petrol is a very important fuel that is used in cars and other vehicles. Diesel is also used as a vehicle fuel for automobiles. It is also used in generators. Paraffin wax has many uses like in candle making, in adhesives, in the rubber industry, etc. 

The process of separation of the various constituents/fractions of petroleum is known as Fractional distillation.

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