Petroleum refining – primary fractions obtained by distillation Crude (natural) petroleum can be separated into which of the following principal fractions?

Introduction / Context:
Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons that is separated in refineries by fractional distillation and subsequent processing. Recognizing the main product streams is foundational for energy engineering and industrial chemistry.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Atmospheric and vacuum distillation towers are used.
• Products are grouped by boiling-range cuts.
• Further conversion (cracking, reforming) can adjust yields and qualities.

Concept / Approach:
At atmospheric pressure, lighter fractions such as gases (LPG), naphtha/petrol (gasoline), kerosene, and diesel are withdrawn at various trays. Heavier residues proceed to vacuum distillation to yield heavy gas oils, fuel oils, and base stocks for lubricating oils and bitumen. Therefore, petrol, kerosene, fuel oil, and lubricating oil are all legitimate fractions obtained from crude.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify separation method: fractional distillation by boiling range.List common fractions: LPG/naphtha (petrol), kerosene/jet, gasoil/diesel, heavy fuel oils, lube distillates, residues.Match with options: petrol, kerosene, fuel oil, and lubricating oil all appear in standard refinery slates.Therefore select “all of the above.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Refinery flow diagrams consistently show draw-offs corresponding to these fractions, sometimes with regional naming differences (gasoline/petrol, furnace oil/fuel oil).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
None individually capture the complete list; the refinery yields all of them, making “all of the above” the only fully correct choice.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing primary distillation products with cracked or reformed products; while upgrading units change compositions, the principal fractions remain as listed.

Final Answer:
all of the above