Petroleum for heating purposes

Petroleum is a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons that is used for various applications, particularly as a fuel for heating. It is often processed with additives into kerosene and has historical significance as a lamp fuel.

Definition
The term "petroleum" describes a mixture of hydrocarbons whose chemical properties can be modified by additives. It is primarily used as a fuel, especially in the form of kerosene, and is also used in industry and as a cleaning agent.

Background / Origin
Petroleum has its origins in its use as a fuel for kerosene lamps, particularly between 1870 and 1900, when it was known as "illuminating oil". The introduction of the electric light bulb led to a decline in its use in industrialized countries. However, it often remains an important source of light in rural areas of less industrialized countries.

In addition, special petroleum variants with a low sulphur content are used in households, especially in the UK, as the main source of energy for heating. According to the UK 2011 Census, more than 1 million households used kerosene. Legislation in the UK requires labeling for tax-privileged products to prevent misuse.

In English, petroleum is often referred to as kerosene or kerosene, while "petroleum" in common usage also means mineral oil or crude oil. The name "kerosene" comes from Abraham Gesner in 1846, who developed the product as a highly flammable liquid.

Properties
Petroleum is obtained from crude oil by fractional distillation. The composition consists of middle distillates with hydrocarbon molecule chains between 10 and 16. Physically, the colorless mixture has an average density of around 0.8 g/cm³, which makes it thicker than many kerosenes. The boiling temperature is between 175 °C and 325 °C, and the energy density is 43.1 MJ/kg.

For lamps, kerosene should contain as few aromatic compounds as possible in order to avoid the formation of soot.

Application and importance in the market
Petroleum is used as heating oil in households and in industry. In Great Britain, kerosene is divided into two categories as heating oil: BS 2869 Class C1 and C2, the latter being heavier and used for domestic purposes.

In addition, kerosene is also used as a cleaning agent, as it removes grease and dirt from metal surfaces. Other uses were as an additive to diesel fuels for better flow properties at low temperatures, although this is no longer considered necessary in modern agriculture.

Distinction from similar terms
- Kerosene: In contrast to petroleum, which is generally regarded as a mixture, kerosene usually refers specifically to aviation fuels, which are referred to as "jet fuel".
- Mineral oil/petroleum: While petroleum is often used interchangeably, it specifies a form of crude oil that is processed, while mineral oil is used in a broader context.

Summary
Petroleum is a versatile fuel that is mainly used in the form of kerosene, particularly in households for heating. Its historical use as a lamp fuel has declined, but it remains particularly relevant in rural areas. It is obtained by fractional distillation and its properties vary depending on the specific processing. The classification and use of petroleum, particularly in the UK, plays an important role in energy supply.