Science Common Sense

650 - How is petroleum turned into gasoline and other fuels?

Petroleum is turned into gasoline and other fuels through a process called refining. Here's a simple explanation:

1. Crude oil extraction: Petroleum is pumped out of the ground from wells.
2. Transportation: It's transported to a refinery through pipelines or ships.
3. Heating and separation: At the refinery, the petroleum is heated to separate it into different parts based on their boiling points.
4. Cracking: Large molecules are broken down into smaller ones using heat and pressure.
5. Separation: The smaller molecules are then separated into different types of fuels like:
   • Gasoline (for cars)
   • Diesel fuel (for trucks)
   • Jet fuel (for airplanes)
   • Heating oil (for homes)
   • Other products like plastics and waxes
6. Blending and additives: The fuels are then blended together and additives are put in to make them better for use.

That's the basic process of how petroleum is turned into gasoline and other fuels.