Kerosene is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid derived from petroleum. It serves as a versatile fuel and an important energy source across various sectors worldwide.
How Kerosene is Made and What It’s Like
Kerosene is produced from crude oil through fractional distillation. This involves heating crude oil, vaporizing its components, which then condense at different levels in a distillation column based on their boiling points. Kerosene typically condenses between 150 and 275 °C (300 and 525 °F), placing it as a middle distillate between lighter gasoline and heavier diesel fuels.
The resulting liquid is generally clear or pale yellow with a characteristic petroleum odor. Kerosene is a mixture of hydrocarbons, primarily containing carbon atoms ranging from 9 to 16 per molecule. It has a density ranging from 0.78 to 0.81 grams per cubic centimeter at room temperature. Its flash point, the minimum temperature at which its vapors can ignite, is typically above 38 °C (100 °F), making it less volatile than gasoline.
Where Kerosene is Used
Kerosene serves diverse applications due to its energy content and stability. Historically, and in many remote areas, it is a primary fuel for lighting in kerosene lamps. It is also widely used for heating purposes in portable heaters and furnaces, especially in regions without access to natural gas pipelines.
Kerosene’s major application is in aviation, as a primary component of jet fuels like Jet A, Jet A-1, and JP-8. These refined versions meet strict specifications for clean burning and performance at varying altitudes and temperatures. Beyond these, kerosene also serves as a solvent for greases and waxes, a degreaser, and a base in some agricultural pesticide formulations.
Safe Use and Storage of Kerosene
Given its flammable nature, proper handling and storage are important to prevent accidents. It should always be stored in clearly labeled, approved containers made of materials like metal or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These containers should have tight-fitting, child-resistant caps and be kept away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ignition points.
When using kerosene indoors, adequate ventilation is important to disperse fumes and maintain air quality. Direct skin contact should be avoided, and kerosene should never be used as a substitute for gasoline or other fuels due to differences in their properties and potential hazards. Ingestion or inhalation of kerosene can lead to serious health issues, requiring careful handling and storage away from children and pets.