Why is the total volume of petroleum products made from crude oil > the volume of crude oil you started with?

Question

> = "greater than"
"you" = "the refiner or refinery"

Short way to ask the same Q: Why is there a volumetric gain when processing crude oils through a refinery?

TWH 08182006

Total mass out in products< Total mass in as crude oil
Total volume out of products> Total volume in as crude oil
note:mass is less because part of the incoming crude ends up being used in the processing ie LNG and heavy fuel oil to power the refinery boilers heaters and thermal cracking units. TWH 08242006

Answer 1

When you crack heavy molecules you increase the total number of molecules. These have varying densities and ability to work as solvents/solutes. Thus they occupy more space. Note the volume changes but you will lose weight as there isnt a market for some of the lighter fractions. They flare those off. Ever notice the tall pipe with a fire on top?

Answer 2

I'm assuming noting is added, mass remains constant?

When you physically and/or chemically alter matter, a consequence is that you'll form different compounds in different states. The chances that these new compounds and/or different states will have the overall same density is pretty low.
Example: When you freeze water, Volume increases.
When water is electrolyzed, Volume increases.
Etc...

Answer 3

"And in case you learn the origins of oil, many are beginning to question it truly is starting place besides. do not anticipate that you've each and every of the solutions about it. you do not." @cris only to correctly perfect some stupidity "The Nazis might want to disagreeeeee" considering that they had flora to synthesize gas from carbon(mandatory with the aid of grease shortages).

Answer 4

It's probably due to the things they add to the crude oil as it goes through the refinining process.

Answer 5

Because of the miscability, ability of substances to disolve in each other.

Answer 6

I dunno. I don't drink the stuff.