Mineralölfraktion

Mineralölfraktion refers to a complex mixture of hydrocarbons derived from crude oil through fractional distillation. Crude oil itself is a naturally occurring liquid fossil fuel found in geological formations beneath the Earth's surface. Fractional distillation separates crude oil into different fractions based on their boiling point ranges. These fractions include gases like propane and butane, light distillates such as gasoline (petrol) and naphtha, middle distillates like kerosene and diesel fuel, and heavier fractions such as lubricating oils, fuel oils, and bitumen (asphalt).

The specific composition and properties of a mineralölfraktion depend on the boiling point range it was collected from and the source crude oil. For example, gasoline fractions are volatile and have low boiling points, while lubricating oil fractions have higher boiling points and are more viscous. These fractions serve as base materials for a vast array of products. Light fractions are primarily used as fuels for transportation and heating. Middle distillates are also used as fuels, particularly for diesel engines and jet aircraft. Heavier fractions are important for lubricants, industrial fuels, and asphalts for road construction.

Beyond fuels and lubricants, mineral oil fractions are also processed further to produce petrochemicals, which are the building blocks for plastics, synthetic fibers, solvents, and many other chemicals essential to modern industry and daily life. The environmental impact of extracting and processing mineral oil fractions, including greenhouse gas emissions and potential for spills, is a significant area of concern and research.