Pertoleum Reining as a Chemical Industry

Abstract

IN an address delivered to a joint meeting of the Society of Chemical Industry (Manchester Section) and of the Institute of Petroleum (Northern Branch) on February 4, Dr. P. Kind outlined the way in which it has become possible for petroleum refiners to adjust production to market requirements, irrespective of raw material. The average crude oil contains 20–25 per cent of hydrocarbons o suitable for motor spirit. Invention and development of the chemical cracking process has increased the potential yield to 50–70 per cent of the crude oil. In fact it has furnished a means of adjusting production of motor spirit and gas oil, kerosene and fuel oil from any given crude to meet demands. Similarly, development of the process of solvent extraction has made possible adjustment of chemical composition to market requirements.