IMG_4019.jpeg

# Natural Gas and Petrol This document discusses the fractions of petroleum and their uses. ## The Fractions and their Uses | Name of Fraction | Carbons | Uses | |---|---|---| | Gas | C₁-C₄ | Refinery fuel, Liquefied to form propane or butane gas (LPG) | | Light gasoline | C₅-C₁₀ | Motor fuel | |...

# Natural Gas and Petrol This document discusses the fractions of petroleum and their uses. ## The Fractions and their Uses | Name of Fraction | Carbons | Uses | |---|---|---| | Gas | C₁-C₄ | Refinery fuel, Liquefied to form propane or butane gas (LPG) | | Light gasoline | C₅-C₁₀ | Motor fuel | | Naptha (v. important) | C₆-C₁₀ | Feedstock for petrochemical industry, starting molecules | | Kerosene | C₁₀-C₁₄ | Fuel for planes, jet fuel, avia-kon fuel, paraffin lamps/stoves| | Gas oil and heavy gas oil | C₁₄-C₄₀ | Diesel oil, lubricating oil for engines, heavy industrial fuel, used in catalytic cracking, bitumen for road surfaces, tar | | Residue | C₃₅ and upwards | | ## Natural Gas (C₁-C₄) * Natural gas is a mixture of hydrocarbons (methane, ethane, propane, butane). * Usually methane (95%) in the North Sea and Kinsale gas fields. * In the USA, propane and butane are more common. * Odorless, so mercaptans (sulfur-containing compounds) are added to detect leaks. ## Petrol (Naptha and Gasoline fraction) * Petrol and oxygen react to produce power to turn car wheels. * The reaction has to occur evenly for smooth engine operation. * Auto-ignition (knocking) happens when the reaction occurs too soon due to increased pressure, instead of a spark. * Knocking damages the engine and reduces power. * Petrol quality depends on the type of hydrocarbons: long, straight chains (like hexane or octane) can cause auto-ignition, while branched-chain hydrocarbons (like 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, or iso-octane) bum smoothly. * Octane Number: a measure of the quality of petrol. ## Further Notes * Several chemical formulas and structures are shown; these represent specific hydrocarbon molecules. * Illustrations of chemical structures are included.