In fractional distillation of petroleum, where do the vapours with hig...
In fractional distillation of petroleum, the vapours with the highest boiling point cannot move up in the fractionating column, (as they have low vapour pressure). So, the liquids with high boiling points condense in the lowest (tray) portion of the fractionating tower.
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In fractional distillation of petroleum, where do the vapours with hig...
Fractional distillation of petroleum and condensation of vapours
When crude oil is subjected to fractional distillation, it is separated into various fractions based on their boiling points. This process takes advantage of the fact that different hydrocarbons have different boiling points, allowing them to be separated at specific temperature ranges. The vapours with the highest boiling points condense in the lower-most portion of the fractional distillation column.
Fractional Distillation Process
Fractional distillation is a process used to separate crude oil into its various components or fractions. The process begins with heating the crude oil in a furnace to vaporize it. The vapor then enters a tall column called the fractional distillation column, which is usually divided into several sections or trays.
Condensation of Vapours
As the vapors rise through the column, they cool down. The temperature decreases from the bottom to the top of the column, with the bottom being the hottest and the top the coolest. The cooling effect is achieved by either packing the column with a material that promotes heat transfer or by using condensers.
Boiling Points and Condensation
The different fractions of crude oil have varying boiling points. The lighter fractions, such as gasoline and kerosene, have lower boiling points and will condense at the higher sections of the column where the temperature is cooler. On the other hand, the heavier fractions, such as diesel and lubricating oil, have higher boiling points and will condense at the lower sections of the column where the temperature is hotter.
Condensation in the Lower-Most Portion
The vapours with the highest boiling points, which include heavy oils and bitumen, condense in the lower-most portion of the fractional distillation column. This is because the lower sections of the column have higher temperatures, which favor the condensation of high-boiling point fractions. These fractions are denser and have larger molecular structures, requiring higher temperatures to vaporize and lower temperatures to condense.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B' - in the lower-most portion of the fractional distillation column.
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