Petroleum fractions – typical distillation range for kerosene In crude-oil fractional distillation, kerosene (paraffin) is generally drawn off within which approximate temperature range (cut points vary by crude and refinery practice)?

Introduction / Context:
Refinery fractionation separates crude oil into products by boiling range. Knowing the approximate temperature windows helps map products to process units and end uses (e.g., gasoline, kerosene/jet, diesel/gasoil, vacuum gas oil, residue). This question asks for the typical kerosene cut range.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Simple atmospheric distillation column without deep conversion.
• Cut points depend on crude type and specifications (smoke point, freezing point, flash point, sulfur).
• Ranges are approximate and overlapping.

Concept / Approach:

Industry texts commonly place kerosene (jet/lighting kerosene) between the heavier end of naphtha and the lighter end of diesel/gasoil. While many refineries target ~150–300°C, a widely taught educational bracket places kerosene around 220–345°C in simplified question banks, distinguishing it clearly from lighter naphtha (below ~200°C) and heavier diesel (often starting ~250–350°C). Given the provided options, 220–345°C is the best match for the kerosene cut.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Jet fuel specifications (e.g., Jet A/kerosene-type) align with mid-distillate ranges overlapping ~150–300+°C; many curricula adopt a broader 220–345°C window to separate from gasoline and gasoils in MCQ contexts.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

65–220°C corresponds more to light naphtha through light kerosene transition and is commonly associated with gasoline and light kerosene overlaps.345–470°C and 470–550°C represent heavy gas oils and atmospheric residue ranges, not kerosene.20–80°C is too light (light ends) and not a kerosene cut.

Common Pitfalls:

Assuming fixed boundaries; in practice, refineries adjust cut points based on product slate and quality, but educational ranges remain useful approximations.

Final Answer:

220° to 345°C