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Fractional distillation is the separation of a mixture into its component parts (‘fractions’) by heating them to a temperature at which several components evaporate. As the temperature of crude oil increases, different hydrocarbons are separated. Those with the lowest boiling points evaporate first and those with the highest boiling points, last. A condenser is used to condense and capture each evaporated component.

In this experimental investigation you will set up and operate your own miniature petroleum refinery to perform fractional distillation on a crude oil substitute.