Question 1

Crude distillation yields: Approximately what percentage (by volume) of straight-run gasoline is obtained from a typical crude oil without conversion processes?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: “Straight-run” gasoline refers to the naphtha-range material obtained directly from atmospheric/vacuum distillation without catalytic or thermal conversion. The percentage varies with crude type but falls within a known range for typical crudes. Given Data / Assumptions: Typical medium crude slate. Common refinery yield expectations prior to conversion. Concept / Approach: Crude assays and textbook references commonly cite straight-run gasoline yields around 10–20% by volume for many crudes, often near the mid-teens. A representative figure in exam contexts is ~18%. Step-by-Step Solution: Eliminate extreme values: 38% or 52% are too high for straight-run without conversion.Very low 6% is possible for some heavy crudes but not “typical.”Select the canonical representative value: 18%. Verification / Alternative check: Assay tables for medium crudes show straight-run gasoline/naphtha near the high teens by volume. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 6: Represents very heavy crude extremes. 38/52: Unrealistic for straight-run; such pool shares require conversion/upgrade. 28: Above typical straight-run ranges. Common Pitfalls: Confusing the final gasoline pool (post-conversion blending) with straight-run naphtha. Final Answer: 18

Question 2

Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) quality: Why are large quantities of polynuclear aromatics undesirable in aviation fuel (kerosene range)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Aviation turbine fuels (jet kerosenes) must meet stringent low-temperature flow and combustor smokiness limits. Fuel composition, particularly the level of polynuclear aromatics (PNAs), strongly influences these properties. Given Data / Assumptions: Fuel: kerosene-range aviation turbine fuel (e.g., Jet A/ATF). Property targets: low freeze/pour point, adequate smoke point, good thermal stability. Concept / Approach: PNAs are heavy aromatic species with higher melting points and strong sooting tendencies. Elevated PNA content raises pour/freezing points (worsening cold flow) and lowers smoke point (more soot formation). While viscosity index is more relevant for lubricants, and autoignition temperature is not the limiting concern for turbine combustors, the pour/smoke impacts are the key drawbacks of high PNA content. Step-by-Step Solution: Link PNAs to poor low-temperature flow → higher pour/freezing point.Link PNAs to increased soot formation → lower smoke point.Select the option that captures these two core effects. Verification / Alternative check: ATF specifications (e.g., smoke point minimums) correlate performance detriment with higher heavy aromatics content. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Low viscosity index: Not the central specification for ATF; viscosity-temperature profile is specified differently. High self-ignition temperature: Not a cited disadvantage; combustors operate with continuous ignition. All (a), (b), (c): Overbroad; only (a) correctly captures the key issues. Higher density benefit: Not asked; density effects do not offset pour/smoke penalties. Common Pitfalls: Applying lube-oil concepts (viscosity index) to jet fuel specifications; conflating engine knock concepts with turbine combustion. Final Answer: High pour point and low smoke point

Question 3

In petroleum product testing, the aniline point is defined as the minimum temperature at which equal volumes of aniline and the test petroleum sample (e.g., diesel or kerosene fraction) become completely miscible in all proportions without phase sep…

Accepted Answer

Introduction: The aniline point is a classic solubility-based property used in petroleum product characterization, especially for middle distillates such as kerosene and diesel. It gives a quick indication of the aromatic content and solvency of a fuel. A correct, operational definition helps technicians run the test consistently and interpret results in specifications and blending decisions. Given Data / Assumptions: Two liquids are involved: aniline (an aromatic amine) and a petroleum test sample. The test uses equal volumes of aniline and sample, not equal weights. The measurement seeks the minimum temperature for complete miscibility. Concept / Approach: Aniline is highly aromatic; its miscibility with a petroleum fraction depends on the fraction’s aromaticity. Aromatic-rich fuels have stronger interactions with aniline and therefore show a lower aniline point, while paraffinic fuels exhibit weaker interactions and hence a higher aniline point. The standardized definition relies on equal volumes so that the temperature reflects composition effects rather than density differences between the liquids. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the definition element: “minimum temperature of complete miscibility.”2) Confirm the volumetric basis: equal volumes of aniline and test sample are used.3) Recognize the practical outcome: record the temperature at which the two phases merge into a single clear phase and remain so on slight cooling. Verification / Alternative check: Standard lab protocols and refinery manuals phrase the aniline point as the temperature for complete miscibility of equal volumes of aniline and the petroleum sample. This volumetric criterion is repeated across specifications and handbooks. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Equal weight statements (options a and b) misstate the test basis, which is volumetric.“Aniline vaporises” (option d) is unrelated to the definition.Azeotrope formation (option e) is irrelevant to the standard definition. Common Pitfalls: Confusing equal volume with equal weight; overlooking that aniline point trends inversely with aromatic content; and assuming it measures volatility rather than solvency/aromaticity relationships. Final Answer: Equal volume of aniline and the test sample are completely miscible.

Question 4

In lube and wax processing, which solvent is most widely used in modern dewaxing operations to separate wax from oils and produce low-pour products?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Dewaxing removes higher-melting waxes from lubricating oil stocks to meet pour point and low-temperature fluidity requirements. The choice of solvent governs filtration performance, wax crystal habit, and energy use. Knowing the commonly used solvent helps understand typical refinery configurations and troubleshooting. Given Data / Assumptions: Target operation: solvent dewaxing of lube distillates/deoiled stocks. Candidate solvents include MEK, toluene/MEK mixtures, and various light hydrocarbons. Question asks for the most widely used solvent choice. Concept / Approach: MEK, often in combination with toluene (MEK–toluene), is widely adopted because it provides favorable wax solubility contrast and efficient crystal formation/filtration at practical refrigeration temperatures. Process licensors commonly specify MEK-based systems due to their balance of selectivity, recovery ease, and operability. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify mainstream commercial solvent systems for dewaxing.2) Recognize MEK (frequently blended with toluene) as the dominant industrial choice.3) Select MEK from among the options. Verification / Alternative check: Industry references and licensor literature repeatedly cite MEK or MEK–toluene as standard; alternatives like propane or MIBK exist but MEK remains the most common baseline solvent in conventional trains. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Naphtha/petroleum ether: Too broad or insufficiently selective for dewaxing duty.Sodium plumbite: A reagent used in Doctor’s test, not a dewaxing solvent.Acetone–methanol: Used in some laboratory contexts, not the most widely used in modern refineries. Common Pitfalls: Assuming any light solvent works; dewaxing demands specific solvent properties to promote crystal growth and filtration without excessive refrigeration load. Final Answer: Methyl-ethyl-ketone (MEK)

Question 5

In petroleum refining isomerisation of light paraffins (to improve octane by increasing branching), which classic Lewis acid catalyst is historically associated with the process?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Isomerisation rearranges straight-chain paraffins into branched isomers, improving gasoline octane or alkylation feed quality. Historically, several acid catalysts have been used, with different safety and selectivity profiles, and modern units often use chlorinated alumina with platinum under hydrogen. Given Data / Assumptions: Target chemistry: skeletal isomerisation of C4–C6 paraffins. We focus on classic, well-known isomerisation catalysts. We distinguish isomerisation from alkylation and polymerisation. Concept / Approach: Friedel–Crafts type Lewis acids, notably aluminium chloride (AlCl3), have long-standing association with isomerisation in earlier refinery practice. While today’s mainstream technologies frequently apply Pt on chlorinated alumina or zeolitic systems, AlCl3 remains the historically emblematic catalyst among the listed choices. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Separate isomerisation from alkylation: HF/H2SO4 are typical for alkylation, not isomerisation.2) Identify the classic Lewis acid used for isomerisation: AlCl3.3) Select AlCl3 as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Refining texts catalogue AlCl3 among early isomerisation catalysts; shift to chlorinated alumina/Pt reflects improved stability and handling but does not negate AlCl3’s historical role. Why Other Options Are Wrong: H2SO4/HF: Hallmark alkylation acids.H3PO4: Used in polymerization, not the classic choice for light paraffin isomerisation.Zeolite Y only: Zeolites are important but the question asks for the classic Lewis acid association. Common Pitfalls: Conflating isomerisation with alkylation due to both using strong acids; the processes serve different objectives and use different conventional catalysts. Final Answer: AlCl3

Question 6

When kerosene or natural gasoline is subjected to high-severity pyrolysis (thermal cracking under very high temperature and short residence time), which family of products is chiefly targeted in modern petrochemical practice?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Pyrolysis (e.g., steam cracking) is a cornerstone petrochemical process. Feed flexibility includes ethane, propane, naphtha, kerosene, and even heavier fractions. Severity is tuned to maximize valuable light olefins and aromatics used as building blocks in polymers and chemicals. Given Data / Assumptions: Feedstocks: kerosene or natural gasoline (light naphtha). Operating mode: high temperature, short residence time, dilution steam. Objective: identify primary targeted products. Concept / Approach: Under pyrolysis conditions, C–C bonds cleave to form a high-olefin mix (ethylene, propylene, butadiene). Secondary reactions and aromatization in the gasoline-range product generate benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX). Refineries may valorize pyrolysis gasoline (rich in aromatics) after hydrogenation/extraction. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Recognize steam cracking targets olefins, especially ethylene/propylene.2) Acknowledge formation of aromatics in heavier-feed cracking (pygas/BTX streams).3) Select “olefins and aromatics” as the best description of the main product families. Verification / Alternative check: Commercial ethylene plants based on naphtha/kerosene feeds are designed for olefin production; aromatics recovery from pygas is standard in integrated complexes. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Lighter paraffins only: Olefins dominate rather than paraffins.Stabilised gasoline/diesel/lube oils: Not the purpose of pyrolysis; these are refinery fuels/lubes, not core petrochemical targets. Common Pitfalls: Confusing mild thermal cracking for fuel upgrading with severe pyrolysis aimed at monomer production; severity determines slate and economics. Final Answer: Olefins and aromatics

Question 7

For motor gasoline, what does a higher vapour pressure (all else equal) most directly imply about operational and storage behavior?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Vapour pressure is a key volatility parameter for gasoline, affecting safety, evaporative emissions, drivability, and storage losses. Understanding its implications helps refiners set seasonal Reid Vapour Pressure (RVP) targets and terminal operators manage losses and safety margins. Given Data / Assumptions: We compare gasolines differing primarily in vapour pressure. Storage conditions are typical atmospheric tanks with fixed or floating roofs. Flash point trends inversely with volatility for highly volatile fuels. Concept / Approach: Higher vapour pressure indicates a greater tendency to form vapor at ambient conditions. This leads to (1) lower flash point because vapours reach flammable concentrations at lower temperatures, and (2) higher breathing losses because day–night temperature swings cause expansion/contraction cycles, expelling vapor-laden air from tanks. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Link higher RVP to increased volatility.2) Infer lower flash point as flammable vapor is achieved more readily.3) Recognize thermal breathing in storage increases vapor displacement losses. Verification / Alternative check: Standards regulating summertime RVP (to limit smog-forming VOCs) implicitly acknowledge the correlation between volatility and evaporative loss/safety characteristics. Why Other Options Are Wrong: “Neither” or “lower emissions” contradict fundamental volatility behavior.Choosing only one effect (a or b) ignores the dual impact on flash point and tank losses. Common Pitfalls: Equating RVP solely with cold-start quality while ignoring storage emissions and safety ramifications; both operational domains matter in fuel formulation and logistics. Final Answer: Both (a) and (b)

Question 8

Among hydrocarbons with the same carbon number, aromatics characteristically show the highest value of which property relevant to gasoline performance and knock resistance?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Fuel quality metrics depend strongly on molecular structure. In the gasoline range, knocking resistance is captured by octane number. Comparing hydrocarbon families at constant carbon number highlights how structure affects ignition behavior in spark-ignition engines. Given Data / Assumptions: Carbon number is held constant to isolate structural effects. Families considered: paraffins (normal/branched), naphthenes (cycloalkanes), and aromatics. We focus on gasoline-relevant anti-knock property. Concept / Approach: Aromatics exhibit high octane because ring conjugation and stability hinder low-temperature chain-branching reactions that cause knock. Straight-chain paraffins are most knock-prone (low octane), branched paraffins are better, naphthenes are intermediate, and aromatics are typically highest at the same carbon number. Note that high octane does not imply good diesel performance; aromatics generally have low cetane. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the property tied to SI knock resistance: octane number.2) Rank families at equal carbon number: aromatics > isoparaffins > naphthenes > normal paraffins.3) Select “octane number” as the property in which aromatics are highest. Verification / Alternative check: Gasoline blending practice leverages reformate (aromatic-rich) for octane, whereas straight-run naphtha (paraffinic) needs upgrading via reforming/isomerisation to raise octane. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Smoke point is relevant to kerosene/jet and decreases with aromatics.Cetane number applies to diesel and is lowered by aromatics.Viscosity/freezing point are not the defining gasoline knock metrics. Common Pitfalls: Transferring diesel metrics (cetane) to gasoline contexts; the fuels operate on different combustion principles (CI vs SI). Final Answer: Octane number

Question 9

Alkylation (combining isoparaffins with light olefins to make high-octane alkylate) typically employs which catalyst system in refinery practice?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Alkylation reacts isobutane with olefins (e.g., propylene, butylenes) to produce a premium gasoline blendstock called alkylate, prized for high octane and low vapor pressure. Choosing the correct catalyst is central to unit design and safety protocols. Given Data / Assumptions: Feed: isobutane plus C3–C4 olefins. Desired product: branched C7–C9 isoparaffins (alkylate). Question: which catalyst system is typically employed. Concept / Approach: Commercial alkylation has historically used strong liquid acids as catalysts—either sulphuric acid (H2SO4) or hydrofluoric acid (HF). Many refineries operate H2SO4 units due to handling considerations, though HF is also used. Among the listed options, sulphuric acid is the correct, widely implemented catalyst. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify hallmark alkylation catalysts: H2SO4 or HF.2) Check options: only sulphuric acid matches the commercial choices.3) Select sulphuric acid. Verification / Alternative check: Industry practice, licensor documentation, and safety literature consistently reference sulphuric acid and HF as the two mainstream technologies for isobutane alkylation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Nickel, silica gel, alumina, zinc oxide: These are used for other purposes (hydrotreating, adsorption, supports), not as the strong acid catalyst for liquid-phase alkylation. Common Pitfalls: Confusing isomerisation catalysts or FCC catalysts with alkylation acids; alkylation requires a very strong acid medium to generate carbocations and drive the reaction pathway. Final Answer: Sulphuric acid

Question 10

Road-grade bitumen (asphalt) for paving is commonly produced from vacuum residue by which refining operation that modifies its consistency and performance characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Bitumen (asphalt) used for road paving is derived from the heavy bottom of the barrel. Adjusting its penetration grade and softening point is essential to meet climate and traffic demands. A standard refinery operation converts vacuum residue into paving-grade bitumen with suitable rheology. Given Data / Assumptions: Feed: vacuum residue from the vacuum distillation column. Objective: produce road-grade bitumen meeting penetration/softening specs. Candidate processes: air blowing (aeration), pyrolysis, hydrogenation, steam reforming. Concept / Approach: Air blowing passes air through heated vacuum residue, promoting controlled oxidation and polymerization. This increases softening point and adjusts viscosity/penetration to desired grades. The operation is widely used to tailor bitumen properties without resorting to severe conversion processes. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the conventional modification step for bitumen properties: air blowing.2) Recognize that pyrolysis or reforming target different chemistries unrelated to paving grades.3) Select aeration (air blowing) as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Refinery process descriptions list “air-blown asphalt” as a standard product, with operating variables (temperature, air rate, catalyst traces) controlling final grade. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Pyrolysis/hydrogenation/steam reforming: Not used to set asphalt penetration and softening point for road applications.Fluid coking: A thermal conversion of resid to lighter products and coke; not a bitumen finishing step. Common Pitfalls: Confusing resid upgrading to fuels (coking/hydrocracking) with tailored modification for paving binders; the goals and chemistries differ substantially. Final Answer: Aeration (air blowing)

Question 11

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplied as a domestic and industrial fuel is primarily a mixture of which hydrocarbons?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: LPG is a widely used portable fuel. Understanding its composition explains its storage as a liquid under moderate pressure, its combustion properties, and differences from natural gas and gasoline vapors. Given Data / Assumptions: Application: domestic cooking, space heating, and industrial burners. Storage: pressurized cylinders/balls at ambient temperature. We seek the principal hydrocarbon constituents. Concept / Approach: LPG primarily contains C3 and C4 hydrocarbons—propane and butane (including isobutane). These liquefy easily at modest pressures, enabling compact storage and transport. Their volatility and clean-burning character suit household and light industrial uses. Composition may be seasonally adjusted (more propane in colder climates for better vaporization). Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Distinguish LPG from natural gas: natural gas is mostly methane (C1).2) Recall LPG’s storage/pressure behavior consistent with C3–C4 vapors.3) Conclude that propane and butane are the main components. Verification / Alternative check: Fuel specifications worldwide (e.g., IS/EN/ASTM) define LPG grades by C3/C4 content with limits on impurities, odorant requirements, and vapor pressure ranges. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Methane/ethane: Describe natural gas/ethane-rich streams, not LPG.High-boiling olefins/naphthenes/aromatics: Not compatible with LPG definition or storage behavior. Common Pitfalls: Equating LPG with LNG (liquefied natural gas) or CNG; those rely on methane and very different storage conditions (cryogenic or high compression). Final Answer: Propane and butane

Question 12

During storage of gasoline in atmospheric tanks, “breathing loss” refers to evaporative loss caused primarily by which condition?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Evaporative losses from gasoline storage contribute to product shrinkage and VOC emissions. Distinguishing mechanisms helps operators choose appropriate hardware (e.g., floating roofs, vapor recovery) and manage inventories accurately. Given Data / Assumptions: Storage in atmospheric or fixed-roof tanks. Daily temperature swings are typical in outdoor installations. Gasoline is a volatile mixture with significant vapor pressure. Concept / Approach: “Breathing loss” arises when the vapor space expands with daytime heating and contracts at night. Expansion expels vapor-rich gas to the atmosphere; contraction draws in fresh air. This cyclic “tank breathing” is driven by ambient temperature fluctuation, independent of whether the incoming air is saturated or unsaturated. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the physical driver: thermal expansion/contraction of vapor space.2) Link driver to environmental condition: day–night temperature fluctuation.3) Conclude that breathing losses are primarily caused by ambient temperature swings. Verification / Alternative check: Tank loss equations and emission inventories in standards (e.g., AP-42 style methodologies) explicitly relate breathing loss to temperature cycling and tank parameters (roof type, paint color, insulation). Why Other Options Are Wrong: Unsaturated air alone does not cause the cyclic volume exchange; temperature-driven expansion is the key factor.“Both” overstates the role of air saturation level.Sulfur content has no direct bearing on breathing loss magnitude. Common Pitfalls: Confusing breathing losses with working losses (due to filling/emptying); both contribute to total VOC emissions but have different operational drivers. Final Answer: Fluctuation of ambient temperature during day and night

Question 13

In petroleum production, “wet natural gas” refers to gas recovered along with crude oil at the wellhead. Compared to dry pipeline-grade methane, identify the key property that is typically higher in wet natural gas due to the presence of heavier hyd…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Natural gas encountered at the wellhead often contains a spectrum of hydrocarbons. When produced together with crude oil, the gas is called wet natural gas because it includes significant amounts of heavier components beyond methane. This composition difference drives important property changes, especially energy content. Given Data / Assumptions: Wet gas contains methane plus heavier hydrocarbons (C2–C4+). Dry gas is largely methane after processing. Comparison is on typical custody-transfer or volumetric basis. Concept / Approach: On a per unit volume basis, heavier hydrocarbons (ethane, propane, butanes) have higher heating values than methane. Therefore, a mixture that contains these “NGL” components will usually exhibit a higher gross calorific value than a lean, methane-dominant gas stream. The presence of C3/C4 also raises the dew point and requires appropriate handling. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify composition: wet gas = methane + C2/C3/C4; dry gas ≈ methane.2) Recall heating values: per unit volume, C3/C4 > CH4.3) Conclude that wet gas has higher calorific value than dry gas. Verification / Alternative check: Gas quality calculations (e.g., Wobbe Index and HHV per standard cubic meter) increase with richer heavy-end content, confirming the trend for wet gas versus dry gas. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Unsaturated hydrocarbon content: wetness does not imply higher unsaturation specifically.Quantity of propane only / quantity of butane only: while often higher, the question asks for the key property difference, not an individual component amount. Common Pitfalls: Confusing mass-basis versus volume-basis comparisons; custody transfer and utility billing typically use volumetric energy content. Final Answer: Calorific value

Question 14

In refinery vacuum distillation, column pressure is kept very low to avoid cracking and enable vaporization of high-boiling components. Choose the typical absolute pressure range maintained in a vacuum crude distillation column (in mm Hg abs).

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Vacuum distillation allows separation of heavy crude fractions at temperatures low enough to limit thermal degradation. Achieving this requires reducing the column absolute pressure to a narrow low range with steam ejectors or vacuum pumps. Given Data / Assumptions: Unit: vacuum crude distillation column (VDU). Pressure units: mm Hg absolute. Target: avoid thermal cracking while ensuring adequate vaporization. Concept / Approach: Lowering absolute pressure reduces component boiling temperatures (per vapor–liquid equilibrium), enabling separation at less severe thermal conditions. Typical refinery operation targets tens of mm Hg absolute near the flash zone and rectifying sections, balancing separation efficiency with equipment and ejector capacity limits. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Recognize that effective VDU operation requires deep vacuum (well below atmospheric).2) Practical refinery ranges fall around a few tens of mm Hg abs.3) Select 30 to 80 mm Hg abs as the representative operating range. Verification / Alternative check: Design texts and operating guidelines commonly cite 20–80 mm Hg abs ranges in flash zones, depending on crude and target cut points. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 1 to 5: unrealistically deep vacuum for typical large-scale crude units.250 to 350 or 450 to 500: too high; would force excessive temperatures and risk cracking. Common Pitfalls: Confusing absolute with gauge pressure; the specification is in absolute mm Hg. Final Answer: 30 to 80

Question 15

Across common crude fractions, identify which cut generally contains the maximum sulphur under typical refinery slates: diesel, gasoline, naphtha, or atmospheric residue.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sulphur is naturally present in crude oil as organosulphur compounds. Its distribution varies by boiling range; heavier fractions typically carry higher sulphur and more complex species, challenging desulphurization. Given Data / Assumptions: Fractions compared: gasoline, naphtha, diesel, atmospheric residue. Modern refineries often hydrotreat light streams to very low sulphur. Crude slate and processing affect absolute values but not the general trend. Concept / Approach: Heavier fractions (residua) hold larger, more refractory sulphur compounds (e.g., polyaromatics with sulphur). Light fractions can be upgraded to ultra-low sulphur via hydrotreating, while residue remains sulphur-rich unless subjected to deep conversion (coking, resid hydrodesulphurization). Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Rank sulphur by boiling range: residue > diesel > naphtha ~ gasoline (post-hydrotreating).2) Identify the fraction with the highest sulphur: atmospheric residue.3) Select “Atmospheric residue.” Verification / Alternative check: Assay data consistently show higher sulphur content in residua compared with lighter cuts. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Gasoline/naphtha: normally hydrotreated to very low sulphur.Diesel: contains sulphur pre-treating, but typically far less than residue. Common Pitfalls: Assuming retail diesel sulphur levels reflect untreated streams; finished diesel is hydrotreated to spec. Final Answer: Atmospheric residue

Question 16

Domestic LPG is stored and delivered in cylinders as a liquid. Estimate the density of liquid LPG relative to water (1 g/cc): is it about one fourth, one third, half, or one eighth that of water?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in household cylinders exists largely as liquid under pressure. Knowing its density relative to water helps in safe handling, storage design, and fill calculations. Given Data / Assumptions: Water density ≈ 1 g/cc at ambient conditions. LPG composition: mixtures of propane and butane. Question seeks an approximate fraction of water density. Concept / Approach: Typical liquid-phase densities: propane ≈ 0.50–0.52 g/cc (ambient), butane ≈ 0.57–0.60 g/cc. Commercial LPG blends fall near the middle of this range depending on season and locale, roughly about half the density of water. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Recall representative liquid densities for propane/butane.2) Average for blended LPG lies around 0.50–0.58 g/cc.3) Therefore, choose “Half” as the best approximation versus 1 g/cc for water. Verification / Alternative check: Cylinder mass/volume calculations used by distributors align with ~0.5–0.55 g/cc, validating the “half” estimate. Why Other Options Are Wrong: One fourth / one eighth: far too low for typical LPG blends.One third: still low versus common blend densities (closer to 0.5). Common Pitfalls: Confusing LPG vapour density with liquid density; vapour density is relative to air, not water. Final Answer: Half

Question 17

Specify the typical absolute pressure range (mm Hg abs) maintained in the vacuum distillation tower of a crude distillation plant to enable separation without thermal cracking.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Vacuum towers operate at low absolute pressures to depress boiling temperatures for heavy hydrocarbons, preserving quality and limiting undesirable reactions. Selecting the right pressure window is key to balancing separation and equipment constraints. Given Data / Assumptions: Pressure expressed as absolute mm Hg. Industrial-scale VDU with steam ejectors or dry vacuum systems. Goal: minimize thermal stress and coking. Concept / Approach: Operating in the tens of mm Hg absolute provides adequate temperature reduction for vacuum gas oils and residue cuts. Going too high compromises separation; going too low is impractical for capacity and cost. Hence, the canonical operating window is ~30–80 mm Hg abs in many designs. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Recognize vacuum lowers boiling points substantially.2) Identify the industry-typical range in tens of mm Hg abs.3) Choose 30–80 mm Hg abs as the practical operating range. Verification / Alternative check: Refinery references report similar pressure bands at the flash zone and rectifying sections, enabling target cut points. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 5–10: overly deep vacuum for most crude towers.150–250 or 350–400: too high; would require high temperatures and risk cracking. Common Pitfalls: Mixing up absolute and gauge pressure reporting. Final Answer: 30-80

Question 18

In catalytic reforming, reformate is a high-octane gasoline component. For unleaded reformed gasoline, select the typical upper-end research octane number (RON) value achievable.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Catalytic reforming upgrades naphtha by dehydrogenation and aromatization, creating high-octane reformate used in gasoline blending. Understanding typical octane ranges helps in product slate optimization and compliance with gasoline specs. Given Data / Assumptions: Unleaded reformate (no TEL/lead additives). RON basis considered for comparison. Modern Pt/bi-metal catalysts under standard severity. Concept / Approach: Reforming boosts octane substantially, with reformates commonly in the upper 80s to 90+ RON depending on feed severity and constraints (hydrogen balance, coke formation, aromatics limits). For a general upper-end typical value in an exam context, 90 is a reasonable benchmark for unleaded reformate blending quality. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Recall that straight-run naphtha has modest octane.2) Reforming increases aromatics/isoparaffins, elevating RON markedly.3) Choose 90 as a representative upper-end value for unleaded reformate. Verification / Alternative check: Plant data often show reformate pools at ~88–95 RON; precise values depend on severity and feed quality. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 60/70/80: too low for typical reformate outputs under normal severity. Common Pitfalls: Confusing motor octane number (MON) with RON; RON values are higher. Final Answer: 90

Question 19

Lane and Garton proposed a way to classify crude oils/petroleum streams. Their classification is primarily based on which fundamental aspect among composition, specific gravity, optical properties, or viscosity?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Crude oil classification systems help predict behavior during processing and product quality. Lane and Garton’s approach focuses on the hydrocarbon family make-up of the petroleum material rather than a single physical property like density or viscosity. Given Data / Assumptions: Classification aims to indicate predominant hydrocarbon types. Options include bulk properties and compositional focus. Used historically for refinery planning and product expectations. Concept / Approach: Composition-based schemes distinguish paraffinic, naphthenic, and aromatic bases, which strongly influence yields and product qualities (e.g., wax content, smoke point, solvency). While properties like specific gravity correlate with composition, Lane and Garton emphasize the actual hydrocarbon family distribution—the compositional fingerprint. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify intent: categorize by hydrocarbon family dominance.2) Recognize that bulk properties are proxies, not the primary basis.3) Select “Composition” as the classification basis. Verification / Alternative check: Refinery literature associates Lane–Garton with paraffinic/naphthenic/aromatic descriptors rather than pure density or viscosity classes. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Specific gravity: correlates but is not the core basis.Optical properties/viscosity: secondary measurements, not primary categorization. Common Pitfalls: Equating API gravity with composition; many crude families overlap in density ranges. Final Answer: Composition

Question 20

Identify the component class that is desirable in petrol (gasoline) for high octane but undesirable in kerosene because it depresses smoke point: paraffins, aromatics, mercaptans, or naphthenic acid.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Fuel performance metrics differ between gasoline and kerosene. Gasoline prioritizes octane rating to prevent knock in spark-ignition engines, while kerosene emphasizes clean burning and high smoke point for lamps and turbine/household uses. Given Data / Assumptions: Gasoline requires high octane (aromatics are beneficial). Kerosene quality is penalized by aromatics due to soot/smoke. Other species (mercaptans, acids) also impact quality but differently. Concept / Approach: Aromatics raise octane in gasoline because of their low tendency to autoignite under SI conditions. Conversely, aromatics reduce smoke point and worsen burning quality in kerosene, making them undesirable for that pool. Thus, the same class has opposite desirability across the two fuels. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Link aromatics → higher octane in gasoline.2) Link aromatics → lower smoke point in kerosene.3) Conclude aromatics fit the “desirable in petrol, undesirable in kerosene” description. Verification / Alternative check: Specification trends show gasoline octane responds to aromatics content, while kerosene smoke point specifications demand lower aromatics. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Paraffins: help kerosene smoke point; gasoline octane benefit is modest.Mercaptans: undesirable odor/corrosivity in both fuels.Naphthenic acid: corrosive/acidic species, undesirable broadly. Common Pitfalls: Assuming one fuel’s desirable trait automatically applies to all fuels; performance criteria differ. Final Answer: Aromatics

Petroleum Refinery Engineering Questions