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resource.
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.