Rajan Wilcox
A barrel of oil, which is equal to 42 gallons, can produce a large number of different petroleum products. The refining process separates different hydrocarbons in several ways, including separation by boiling point in a fractional distillation tower. This process results in a diverse array of products, each serving distinct purposes across various industries. The amount of each product type varies year-to-year and depends on the refinery's location and market demands. On average, one barrel yields about 19 to 20 gallons of gasoline and 11 to 13 gallons of distillate, which can be further distributed into different diesel fuels and fuel oils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Barrel of oil in litres | 159 |
| Refined petroleum products from 159 litres of crude oil | 170 litres |
| Gasoline | 73 litres or 19-20 gallons |
| Diesel and heating oil | 40 litres or 11-13 gallons |
| Kerosene-type jet fuel | 15.5 litres |
| Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) | 11 gallons |
| Residual fuel | 1 gallon or 2% of refined output |
| Liquefied gases (propane) | 12 small (14.1-ounce) cylinders |
| Asphalt | 1 gallon |
| Lubricants | 1 quart |
| Distillate fuel | Enough to drive a large truck (5 miles per gallon) for almost 40 miles |
| Electricity at a power plant generated by residual fuel | 70 kilowatt hours |
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What You'll Learn
- A barrel of oil yields 19-20 gallons of gasoline
- Other products include asphalt, lubricants, waxes, and distillate fuel
- The refining process separates different hydrocarbons
- Residual fuel is a general term for fuel oils remaining post-refinement
- Gasoline is the most prevalent refined product derived from crude oil in the US
A barrel of oil yields 19-20 gallons of gasoline
A barrel of oil, which is equal to 42 gallons, yields 19 to 20 gallons of gasoline on average. This amount can vary based on market demands and the location of the refinery. The refining process separates the different hydrocarbons in crude oil, resulting in a range of useful petroleum products. Gasoline, which is used to fuel standard passenger vehicles, accounts for a significant portion of the final product.
In addition to gasoline, a barrel of oil yields around 11 to 13 gallons of distillate fuel, which includes diesel fuels and fuel oils. Other products derived from a barrel of oil include liquefied gases such as propane, asphalt, lubricants, jet fuel, residual fuel, and waxes. The lighter materials in a barrel of oil are used for paint thinners and dry-cleaning solvents, while the miscellaneous fraction can be used in medicinal oils, still gas, road oil, and plant condensates.
The refining process increases the overall volume of products obtained from a barrel of crude oil. For example, 170 liters of refined petroleum products can be obtained from 159 liters of crude oil. This increase in volume is known as processing gain. The specific products and quantities obtained from a barrel of oil can vary depending on various factors, but the versatility of crude oil and its refined derivatives makes it an essential resource in numerous industries.
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Other products include asphalt, lubricants, waxes, and distillate fuel
On average, one barrel of oil produces about 19 to 20 gallons of gasoline and 11 to 13 gallons of distillate fuel. Distillate fuel is a general term for fuels that are distributed into different diesel fuels and fuel oils. For example, No. 1 Distillate is a light petroleum distillate that can be used as either a diesel fuel or a fuel oil.
Now, let's take a closer look at some of the other products that can be derived from a barrel of oil:
Asphalt
Asphalt is a semi-solid form of petroleum mixed with crushed stone, gravel, sand, and a material called bitumen, which is a sticky, black byproduct of petroleum. Asphalt is commonly used for paving roads, driveways, and parking lots. There are several types of asphalt, including hot mix asphalt, warm mix asphalt, and cold mix asphalt, each with its own unique characteristics and applications.
Lubricants
Lubricants are substances that help reduce friction between surfaces, thereby reducing heat generation. They have various industrial applications and are also used in cooking to prevent food from sticking to pans. Lubricants can be derived from crude oil, with the American Petroleum Institute designating several types of lubricant base oils based on their composition and properties. Natural lubricants include vegetable oils, lanolin, and historically, whale oil.
Waxes
Waxes are substances synthesized by both plants and animals. Plant waxes, such as carnauba wax, are secreted by plants to control evaporation and hydration. Animal waxes, like beeswax, are derived from fatty acids and carboxylic alcohols. Waxes have a variety of uses, including candle-making, waterproofing, coatings, cosmetics, and lubrication.
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The refining process separates different hydrocarbons
A barrel of oil is equal to 42 gallons and can be refined into a large number of different petroleum products. The refining process separates different hydrocarbons in several ways, with the most common method being fractional distillation. This process involves heating the crude oil to vaporize it and feeding it into the bottom of a distillation tower. As the vapour rises through the tower, the temperature decreases, causing certain hydrocarbons to condense and run off at different levels. Each fraction that condenses contains hydrocarbon molecules with a similar number of carbon atoms. The lightest fractions, including gasoline and liquefied refinery gases, condense back to liquids at the top of the tower, while medium-weight liquids like kerosene and distillates remain in the middle. Heavier liquids, such as gas oils, separate lower down, and the heaviest fractions settle at the bottom.
Fractional distillation is used to separate, join, or split the various lengths of hydrocarbon chains in crude oil. Crude oil is composed of complex organic hydrocarbon structures, specifically chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms, known as alkanes or paraffins. These chains vary in length and structure, resulting in different types of hydrocarbons such as alkenes, naphthenes, and aromatics. By separating these chains into similar lengths through fractional distillation, we can refine crude oil into useful products.
The distillation process results in an increase in volume, known as processing gain. For example, 170 litres of refined petroleum products can be obtained from 159 litres of crude oil. This increase in volume is due to the separation of the various hydrocarbons present in crude oil. The refined products include vehicle fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, as well as other useful substances like lubricants, waxes, and asphalt.
After distillation, further refinement can be performed to enhance the quality of the fuel. This includes processes like cracking, which breaks down heavy hydrocarbon molecules into lighter ones through the application of heat, pressure, catalysts, and sometimes hydrogen. Alkylation, the reverse of cracking, combines the gaseous byproducts of cracking to create gasoline components. Reforming is another process that uses heat, moderate pressure, and catalysts to transform naphtha, a low-value fraction, into high-octane gasoline components.
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Residual fuel is a general term for fuel oils remaining post-refinement
A 42-gallon barrel of crude oil can yield 45 gallons of refined crude oil products, including gasoline, kerosene/jet fuel, hydrocarbon gas liquids, residual fuel, and many others. The refining process separates the different hydrocarbons in crude oil, resulting in a diverse array of products, each serving distinct purposes. Residual fuel is a general term for the heavier fuel oils that remain after the distillates and lighter hydrocarbons have been refined away during the refining process.
Residual fuels are segmented into two key categories: Number 5 and Number 6. Number 5 residuals, also known as Navy Special, are used in power plants and steam-powered vessels. They have a medium viscosity and conform to specific ASTM and military specifications. Number 6 residuals are used for electric power generation, space heating, and as bunker fuel for ocean vessels.
The production of residual fuels accounts for a small portion of the refined output from a barrel of crude oil, typically just 1 gallon or 2%. Residual fuel oil is the least valuable product of the refining process, selling at a price below that of crude oil. It is difficult to pump, heavier than water, and prone to forming tar balls, lumps, and emulsions. The two most critical properties of residual fuels are viscosity and low sulfur content for environmental control.
The chemical composition of residual fuel oil can influence its stability and compatibility. An increase in viscosity due to degradation during storage can decrease the value of the fuel oil as more distillate material is needed to restore it to the reference viscosity level. Residual fuel oil also contains organometallic compounds, with vanadium being particularly significant due to its potential to form corrosive high-melting-point ash when combined with sodium.
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Gasoline is the most prevalent refined product derived from crude oil in the US
A single barrel of crude oil, equal to about 42 gallons or 159 litres, can be refined into about 170 litres of useful petroleum products. The refining process separates the different hydrocarbons in crude oil, resulting in a diverse array of products, each serving distinct purposes across various industries.
Gasoline is one of the most important and prevalent refined products derived from crude oil in the US. It accounts for about 19 to 20 gallons or 45% of a 45-gallon barrel of refined fuels. Gasoline is primarily used as fuel for standard passenger vehicles, but it is also used in boats, power tools, and small engines. In 2022, the US consumed about 20.28 million barrels per day of petroleum products, including about 1.17 million barrels per day of biofuels. Gasoline accounts for the largest share of total petroleum products produced annually in US petroleum refineries.
Other significant refined products derived from crude oil include ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), kerosene/jet fuel, distillate fuel oil, hydrocarbon gas liquids (HGLs), residual fuel, and many others. ULSD is the second-largest portion of a refined product barrel, accounting for about 11 gallons or 25% of the finished product. Distillate fuel oil, which includes diesel fuel and heating oil, was the second-most-consumed petroleum product in the US in 2022, averaging about 3.96 million barrels per day. Kerosene accounts for roughly 4 gallons or 9% of refined products and is used as fuel in heaters, lamps, cooking stoves, and water heaters. HGLs make up approximately 2 gallons or 4% of refined products and are used as feedstock for chemicals, plastics, and synthetic rubber.
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Frequently asked questions
A barrel of oil is equal to 42 gallons and can yield a large number of petroleum products. On average, one barrel produces about 19 to 20 gallons of gasoline.
A barrel of oil can also produce about 11 to 13 gallons of distillate fuel, which can be used to drive a large truck.
The refining process increases the volume of products, so 159 litres of crude oil can result in 170 litres of refined petroleum products.
Other products include liquefied gases like propane, asphalt, lubricants, jet fuel, wax, and petrochemicals.
In the United States, refiners can produce about 19 gallons of gasoline from a barrel of oil.
