The separation of petroleum fractions depends on the differences in their

The separation of petroleum fractions is based on their boiling points. The different fractions of petroleum are separated by a process called fractional distillation, where crude oil is heated and vaporized. As the vapor rises through a column, it gradually cools down. As it cools, the vapor condenses into a liquid, and the different fractions with different boiling points condense at different levels in the column. The lighter fractions with lower boiling points, such as gases and liquids like gasoline, condense at the top of the column, while the heavier fractions with higher boiling points, such as liquids like diesel and lubricating oil, condense at lower levels. Thus, the separation of petroleum fractions is dependent on the differences in their boiling points.