Kerosene is a clear or yellowish liquid that results from the distillation of oil. It has a specific odor and an oily consistency. There are several types of this compound. It is used in industry and in everyday life. It also serves as aviation fuel kerosene. The price for it is much lower than, for example, gasoline or diesel fuel.
Among the produced types of this hydrocarbon, a significant proportion is occupied by illuminating kerosene. It will be discussed further in the article.
Getting Kerosene
The amazing properties of oil to change its characteristics as a result of distillation were noticed many centuries ago. But only in the XVIII century, they began to use products obtained as a result of this process. Even then, scientists wrote that as a result of distillation, oil changes its color from dark to light yellow. It was noted that, unlike the starting material, the light substance ignites very easily. These observations formed the basis for the further use of oil and the production of kerosene.
Kerosene is obtained from oil by distillation (or rectification). The second option is the recycling of the same “black gold”. In some cases, the composition is further hydrotreated. This process improves the quality of the substance. As a result of these processes, the content of aromatic hydrocarbons in the substance becomes equal to 14-30%.
Lighting kerosene is obtained from simple kerosene. For this, the latter is hydrotreated. If we consider this process from a chemical point of view, then the hydrogen atoms are attached to the hydrocarbon molecules that make up kerosene. As a result of this, the bonds of aromatic hydrocarbon molecules with sulfur and other chemical elements are broken. Thus, unnecessary components are removed.
Composition
The composition of kerosene does not have a clear "recipe". It can vary depending on the type of oil from which it is made, as well as on the method of its processing. Substances in the composition remain unchanged. Only their percentage ratio changes. The main part is occupied by hydrocarbons of various kinds. Depending on the composition, the characteristics of the substance itself also change.
The components of kerosene are the following types of hydrocarbons:
- Ultimate aliphatic, the content of which can vary from 20 to 60% of the total volume.
- Naphthenic (from 20 to 50%).
- Bicyclic aromatic - from 20 to 30%.
- The unsaturated hydrocarbon content can be up to 2%.
The remainder consists of impurities of oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen compounds. The sulfur content in the lighting kerosene does not exceed 0.1 percent due to the hydrogenation process.
Area of ​​use
Lighting kerosene is used in lamps. Regardless of the name, this is its main, but not the only area of ​​use.
It is also used in household appliances for heating or cooking. This may include:
- Kerogas is a heating device that used to be widespread. At its work there is no direct burning of kerosene, it just evaporates. Due to this, no soot formation occurs.
- Kerosene, which differs from the previous type in that kerosene is already burning in it. Therefore, you cannot use other kerosene Vedas because of the possible formation of soot.
- Primus, which is similar to a gas burner. It differs only in another type of fuel. It is often taken by tourists and fishermen.
Another area of ​​use is in machines that cut metal. The prevalence in these areas is mainly due to the fact that the flame does not smoke during the burning of kerosene.
In addition, kerosene of this type can be used as a solvent. It is used in the manufacture of glue, paints and varnishes, rubber, in everyday life (when cleaning clothes, leather products, and so on).
"Bat"
Kerosene lamps for many have become greetings from the past, which I want to recall at times. Few people use them now at home. But do you forget this? For example, the kerosene lamp “Bat”. Who doesn’t remember her? She is something native, that reminds of the childhood. This, of course, is not an official name. But that’s exactly what they called it among the people. And it was connected with a trembling light. It flickered, enveloping the wick, which was usually cut out of felt. These are those memories that I do not want to forget about. Many will call them lyrics. Therefore, back to the essentials.
The “Bat” kerosene lamp is currently sold. It can be a nice decoration for your home or porch. Its cost today is about eight and a half thousand rubles.
Characteristics of the substance
Russia has developed a clear system of standards that define the basic properties of all materials and substances. Lighting kerosene is no exception. GOST 11128-65 and GOST 4753-68 specify the main parameters that this combustible liquid must correspond to.
If kerosene is used for lighting, it is important to consider the height of the smoke-free flame, sulfur content, flash point and cloud point. The latter indicator characterizes the ability of a hydrocarbon to burn at low temperatures. In addition, kerosene for lamps should contain the maximum possible amount of light fractions (i.e. saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons).
Types of lighting kerosene
This compound can have several types, each of which differs in its characteristics. The most common is kerosene lighting KO-25. When it burns, a bright flame is formed in which soot and other harmful compounds are not formed. In addition, there are such types of lighting kerosene as KO-20, KO-22, KO-30.
All species have the same sulfur content, which does not exceed 0.003 percent of the total. The acid number is the same, not exceeding 1.3%.
Lighting kerosene KO-30 has the lowest density, which is 0.790 grams per cm 3 at a temperature of +20 degrees. The same indicator, but with a minimum value of 0.830 grams per cm 3 , applies to KO-20.
The flash point for KO-30 is 48 degrees. For other types of kerosene, this value does not fall below forty degrees. At the same time, the cloud point for all species is -15 degrees. And only kerosene lighting brand KO-20 has a cloud point minus twelve degrees.
Material cost
Let's see how much money you need to spend to purchase kerosene. Its price will depend on many factors, including its characteristics.
So, the cost of kerosene lighting KO-25 starts at 35 rubles per kilogram, or 50 rubles per liter, if purchased in bulk. In a small container, fuel will cost more (about 70-100 rubles per liter).
Kerosene lighting remains a popular commodity to date. Universal qualities allow him to remain in demand in certain areas of industry and transport.