In petroleum refining terminology, what does the “stabilization” of gasoline (petrol) specifically aim to achieve in order to make the product safer to store and ship?

Introduction:
Gasoline stabilization is a routine finishing step in refineries before storage and distribution. The primary purpose is to make the product safe and consistent by controlling the tendency to form excessive vapour, which can cause operational issues like vapour lock and increase flammability risk. Understanding what “stabilization” actually removes helps distinguish it from other quality-improving treatments such as oxidation stability improvement or lead susceptibility modification.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Product: motor gasoline (petrol).
• Operation occurs after initial fractionation/blending.
• Stabilization is carried out in a stabilizer column or flash system.

Concept / Approach:
Stabilization reduces the Reid Vapour Pressure (RVP) by flashing off and stripping dissolved gases and the most volatile hydrocarbons (C3–C4 range and lighter). This decreases vapour formation at ambient conditions and improves handling safety. It is different from adding antioxidants (oxidation stability) or octane enhancement measures; those are separate treatments.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Define stabilization goal: reduce excessive volatility for storage and transport safety.Identify method: remove dissolved gases and very light ends via flashing/stripping in a stabilizer column.Result: lower RVP, fewer vapour emissions, reduced vapour-lock risk.

Verification / Alternative check:
Material balance around a stabilizer shows light ends leaving overhead (fuel gas/LPG), with stabilized gasoline withdrawn from the bottom at a specified RVP suitable for marketing or further blending.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Increasing oxidation stability: relevant to gum formation control but not the definition of stabilization.
• Improving lead susceptibility: legacy octane-upgrading concept, unrelated to stabilization.
• Increasing vapour pressure: opposite of the stabilization objective.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing stabilizer service with debutanizer/depropanizer units; while similar, the goal here is finished product RVP control, not pure LPG recovery alone.

Final Answer:
Removal of dissolved gases and very light ends from it