What is the first step in the fractional distillation process of crude oil?

In the fractional distillation process of crude oil, the first step involves heating the crude oil to create vapor. This is essential because crude oil is composed of a mixture of hydrocarbons with varying boiling points, and to separate these components, they must first be converted into vapor. By heating the oil, the different hydrocarbons reach their boiling points and transition to a gaseous state.

Once the crude oil has been heated and vaporized, the next stages of the process—like cooling the vapor to condense it back into liquids and collecting those liquids—can take place. The initial heating step is crucial as it initiates the separation process necessary for obtaining the useful components, such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, from the crude oil mixture. This foundational step makes it possible to later effectively separate and collect the distinct fractions based on their boiling points.