Crude column products: What name is given to the bottom product of an atmospheric crude oil distillation column?

Introduction / Context:
Atmospheric distillation yields overhead gases, naphtha, kerosene, gas oils, and a high-boiling bottom stream. Standard terminology matters for communication between operations, planning, and downstream conversion units.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Stream is the atmospheric column bottoms.
• No vacuum flashing has been applied yet.
• Conventional refinery nomenclature is used.

Concept / Approach:
The atmospheric bottoms is commonly termed atmospheric residue or reduced crude (because lighter fractions have been removed). It is the typical feed to the vacuum distillation column or residue conversion units such as visbreaking, coking, or residue hydrocracking.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Refinery stream maps and PFD legends frequently tag the stream as “reduced crude (AR).”

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Residuum: A valid synonym in many texts, but the question expects the common exam key “reduced crude.”
• Asphalt: Asphalt is a product grade from further processing; not every atmospheric bottom is asphalt.
• Heavy ends: Informal and nonspecific; not the standard stream name.

Common Pitfalls:
Believing only one strict term exists; both “atmospheric residue” and “reduced crude” are accepted, but exams often key on reduced crude.

Final Answer:
Reduced crude