Mercedes Mullins
The refining process of crude oil yields a diverse array of products, from gasoline to kerosene to asphalt, each serving distinct purposes across various industries. A single barrel of crude oil can produce a large number of useful petroleum products, with an overall increase in volume due to an effect known as processing gain. The amount of refined fuel obtained from a barrel of crude oil varies depending on the density and sulfur content of the crude oil, as well as the specific refining techniques employed. Understanding the composition and allocation of these refined products within a barrel of crude oil is crucial for major fuel consumers and provides insight into their respective roles and importance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Volume of refined products from a barrel of crude oil | 170 litres or 45 gallons |
| Volume of crude oil input | 159 litres or 42 gallons |
| Gasoline | 73 litres or 19-20 gallons or 45% |
| Diesel and heating oil | 40 litres or 11-12 gallons |
| Kerosene-type jet fuel | 15.5 litres or 4 gallons |
| Hydrocarbon gas liquids | 2 gallons or 4% |
| Residual fuel | 1 gallon or 2% |
| Asphalt | N/A |
| Propane | N/A |
| Still gas | N/A |
| Petroleum coke | N/A |
| Heavy fuel oil | N/A |
| Lubricants | N/A |
| Aviation gasoline | N/A |
| Naphthas | N/A |
| Waxes | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Gasoline/petrol: 19-20 gallons per 42-gallon barrel
Gasoline, or petrol, is one of the most important and prevalent refined products derived from crude oil in the US. It is used to fuel standard passenger vehicles, boats, power tools, and small engines.
A 42-gallon barrel of crude oil can yield approximately 19 to 20 gallons of gasoline. This is equivalent to about 45% of the total volume of refined fuels. The exact amount can vary, depending on the month and the demand for different products.
The refining process separates the different hydrocarbons in crude oil, primarily by boiling point in a fractional distillation tower. This process results in a diverse array of products, each serving distinct purposes. For example, other products derived from crude oil include ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), kerosene/jet fuel, hydrocarbon gas liquids, residual fuel, asphalt, lubricants, and waxes.
The density of crude oil, or its API gravity, determines how refineries process it. Lighter crude oils with higher API gravity generally have more light hydrocarbons and can produce high-value products such as gasoline through simple distillation. On the other hand, heavier crude oils with lower API gravity require additional processing to produce high-value products.
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Diesel: 11-12 gallons per 42-gallon barrel
The amount of refined fuel that can be obtained from a barrel of crude oil depends on the type of fuel and the density of the crude oil. Crude oil is classified by density (API gravity) and sulfur content. Less dense crude oils (with higher API gravity) generally contain more light hydrocarbons.
A 42-gallon barrel of crude oil can yield approximately 45 gallons of salable refined crude oil products. This includes ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), kerosene/jet fuel, hydrocarbon gas liquids, residual fuel, and others. The amount of diesel that can be obtained from a 42-gallon barrel of crude oil is 11-12 gallons. This is also referred to as ultra-low-sulfur distillate fuel oil (ULSD), and most of it is sold as diesel fuel or heating oil.
The refining process of crude oil involves separating the different hydrocarbons, mainly by their boiling points in a fractional distillation tower. This process results in a diverse array of products, each serving distinct purposes across various industries. For example, gasoline is one of the most important and prevalent refined products derived from crude oil in the US, accounting for 20 gallons or 45% of a 45-gallon barrel of refined fuels.
The production of diesel fuel from crude oil is similar to that of gasoline. However, the specific refining techniques and specifications may vary depending on the intended use and regional requirements. Diesel fuel is a crucial product derived from crude oil, powering vehicles, machinery, and other applications.
It is worth noting that the refinery yields of individual products can vary over time. Refiners adjust their operations to meet changing demands and maximize profits. Additionally, the total volume of products produced (output) is typically greater than the volume of crude oil processed (input) due to processing gain. This increase in volume occurs because most refined products have a lower density than the original crude oil.
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Kerosene: 4 gallons per barrel
A 42-gallon crude oil barrel typically contains approximately 45 gallons of salable refined crude oil products. These include ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), kerosene/jet fuel, hydrocarbon gas liquids, residual fuel, gasoline, asphalt, propane, lubricants, aviation gasoline, naphthas, and waxes. Gasoline, which is used to fuel daily commutes, accounts for 20 gallons or 45% of a 45-gallon barrel of refined fuels.
Kerosene is a light petroleum distillate that is commonly used as fuel in heaters, lamps, cooking stoves, and water heaters. It is also used as jet fuel for aircraft engines. Kerosene accounts for roughly 4 gallons, or about 9%, of the refined products derived from a barrel of crude oil.
The production of kerosene oil is a straightforward process nowadays. It is produced by separating the compounds that make up crude oil through a process known as fractional distillation. This leaves a clear and thin oil with a density of about 0.81 g/cm³. The density of kerosene is important as it determines the mass of fuel that can be stored and pumped, which is crucial for industries that rely on kerosene for their operations.
Kerosene is widely used around the world, with approximately 1.2 million barrels of kerosene consumed daily. This amounts to nearly 20 billion gallons of kerosene fuel used annually. In the UK alone, an estimated 1.5 million homes rely on kerosene for heating, and it is also used by approximately 200,000-250,000 rural businesses for space heating.
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$10.49
Hydrocarbon gas liquids: 2 gallons per barrel
A barrel of crude oil, typically containing 42 US gallons (roughly 159 litres), can be refined into a larger volume of useful petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and hydrocarbon gas liquids. This increase in volume is known as "processing gain".
The refining process separates the different hydrocarbons in crude oil, primarily by their boiling points, to produce a diverse array of products, each serving distinct purposes across various industries. One of the products derived from this process is hydrocarbon gas liquids (HGL), which typically make up approximately 2 gallons (about 7.3 litres) or 4% of the total refined products from a barrel of crude oil.
HGL are an important feedstock for various chemicals, plastics, and synthetic rubber. They are also used as fuels for heating, cooking, and transportation, as well as additives for gasoline and blending agents for crude oil products.
The amount of HGL produced from a barrel of crude oil can vary depending on the specific composition of the crude oil and the refining techniques employed. The physical characteristics of crude oil, such as density and sulfur content, play a significant role in determining the output of refined products.
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Residual fuel: 1 gallon per barrel
A barrel of crude oil, typically containing 42 gallons, can be refined into a large number of useful petroleum products. The refining process separates the different hydrocarbons in a number of ways, one of which is by boiling point in a fractional distillation tower. This process results in a diverse array of products, each with distinct purposes across various industries.
Residual fuel is one of the smallest portions of refined output from a barrel of crude oil. It is a general classification for fuel oils that remain after distillates and lighter hydrocarbon gas liquids (HGL) have been refined away. Residual fuel accounts for just 1 gallon, or 2%, of the refined output from a barrel of crude oil.
Residual fuels are divided into two main categories: Number 5 and Number 6. Number 5 residuals are used in power plants and steam-powered vessels, while Number 6 residuals are used for electric power generation, space heating, and as bunker fuel for ocean vessels. The use of Number 6 residuals in marine shipping has been significantly impacted by changes in the regulatory landscape.
While residual fuel production from a barrel of crude oil is relatively small, it is important to note that the refining process as a whole results in a range of valuable products, with gasoline being one of the most significant in the United States. Gasoline accounts for 20 gallons, or 45%, of a 45-gallon barrel of refined fuels and is integral to daily life, powering standard passenger vehicles, boats, power tools, and small engines.
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Frequently asked questions
A 42-gallon barrel of crude oil can yield approximately 45 gallons of refined fuel.
The yield of individual products from a barrel of crude oil can vary due to factors such as market demand and refineries' focus on maximising profitability.
Common refined fuels derived from crude oil include gasoline, diesel, heating oil, kerosene-type jet fuel, ultra-low sulfur distillate fuel oil, hydrocarbon gas liquids, and residual fuel.
Yes, a barrel of crude oil can also yield non-fuel products such as asphalt, lubricants, waxes, and petrochemical feedstocks used to make pharmaceuticals and plastics.
