KEROSINE

  Kerosine, a distillate fraction heavier than naphtha, is normally a product from distilling crude oils under atmospheric pressures. It may also be obtained as a product from thermal and catalytic cracking or hydrocracking units. Kerosines from cracking units are usually less stable than those produced from atmospheric distillation and hydrocracking units due to presence of variable amounts of olefinic constituents.

  Kerosine is usually a clear colorless liquid which does not stop flowing except at very low temperature (normally below–30°C). However, kerosine containing high olefin and nitrogen contents may develop some color (pale yellow) after being produced.

  The main constituents of kerosines obtained from atmospheric and hydrocracking units are paraffins, cycloparaffins, and  aromatics. Kerosines with a high normal-paraffin content are suitable feedstocks for extracting C₁₂-C₁₄ n-paraffins, which are used for producing biodegradable Detergents. Currently, kerosine is mainly used to produce jet fuels, after it is treated to adjust its burning quality and freezing point. Before the widespread use of electricity, kerosine was extensively used to fuel lamps, and is still used for this purpose in remote areas. It is also used as a fuel for heating purposes.