Fractional Distillation And Combustion Flashcards
(13 cards)
Describe the characteristics of a fractionating column
- hotter at the bottom
- cooler at the top
Describe how crude oil is separated into molecules through fractional distillation
- The mixture is vaporised and fed into the fractionating column
- Vapours rise, cool and condense at different points on the fractionating column depending on their boiling points
- Products siphoned off for different uses
Describe the boiling point of short carbon chains
Lower boiling points
Therefore they cool and condense near the top of the fractionating column
Describe the boiling points for long carbon chains
High boiling points
Therefore cool and condense near the bottom of the fractionating column
Why are alkanes used as fuel?
Alkanes make good fuel as they release energy when burned
In which conditions does complete combustion occur?
When theres sufficient oxygen
In which conditions does incomplete combustion occur?
When there is insufficient oxygen
What are catalytic converters used for?
- uses rhodium catalyst to convert harmful products into more stable products
- such as CO2 or H2O
How are carbon particulates produced?
Incomplete combustion can produce carbon particulates
What are carbon particulates?
Small fragments of unburned hydrocarbon that can cause respiratory problems
Describe the effects of Sulfur impurities on water
- sulfur impurities can lead to acidification of water in the Earth’s atmosphere
- as they react to form a weak form of sulfuric acid
How can sulfur impurities be removed from waste products?
Via flue gas desulfurisation
Calcium oxide and gypsum is used
How does sulfur impurities affect the environment?
- contributes to global warming
- acid rain
- health issues in humans
