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Fractions of crude oil and their uses

The fractions from crude oil each have their own name and use. Taking them in the order they come off from the top of the column to the bottom, they are gases, petrol, kerosene, diesel oil, fuel oil and bitumen.

The gases fraction is used for domestic heating and cooking. Petrol is used as fuel for cars. Kerosene is used as fuel for aircraft. Diesel oil is used as fuel for some cars and trains.

Fuel oil is used as fuel for large ships and in some power stations. Bitumen is not burned as a fuel. It is used to surface roads and roofs.

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