Lesson 1Naphthenes (cycloalkanes): structures (cyclohexane, methylcyclopentane), occurrence in naphtha/kerosene, uses and effects on fuel propertiesCovers ring alkane builds and shapes, zeroing on cyclohexane and methylcyclopentane. Checks their spot in naphtha and kero, refinery making paths, and sway on density, octane, and smoke point.
Cycloalkane structures and conformationsCyclohexane and methylcyclopentane examplesOccurrence in naphtha and kerosene cutsRefinery processes forming naphthenesEffects on octane, density and smoke pointLesson 2Olefins (alkenes): sources (cracking units), examples (ethylene, propylene, butenes), reactivity, impact on stability and polymer feedstock useLooks at olefin builds, sources from crackers, and samples like ethylene, propylene, butenes. Talks high reactivity, gum buildup, deposits, and value as polymer and petrochem feeds.
Structural features of olefins and isomersSteam and fluid catalytic cracking sourcesEthylene, propylene and butenes examplesReactivity, oxidation and gum formationPolymer and petrochemical feedstock rolesLesson 3Isoparaffins (branched alkanes): structural features, examples (iso-octane), origin in fractions and catalytic reforming, importance for gasoline octaneZeroes on isoparaffins, branched builds and samples like iso-octane. Explains making in isomerisation and reforming, and why they're key for high-octane, knock-free petrol mixes.
Structural features of branched alkanesIso-octane as an octane reference fuelIsomerization and reforming formation pathsVolatility and combustion of isoparaffinsUse in premium and reformulated gasolinesLesson 4Paraffins (n-alkanes): general formula, representative molecules (n-pentane, n-octane), refinery sources and major usesIntroduces straight paraffins, formula, and series. Reviews key bits like n-pentane, n-octane, boiling spans, refinery sources, roles in petrol, kero, diesel, wax.
General formula and homologous series conceptPhysical trends across n-alkane seriesRepresentative n-pentane and n-octane usesRefinery units producing normal paraffinsRoles in gasoline, diesel and wax productsLesson 5Cetane number fundamentals: molecular features that raise or lower cetane and relevance to diesel ignition qualityDives into cetane as diesel start quality measure, tying structure to ignition lag. Covers straights, branching, rings, aromatics, additives, tests, spec ranges.
Definition and significance of cetane numberNormal paraffins and high cetane behaviorBranching, rings, aromatics and low cetaneCetane improver additives and treat ratesEngine and CFR test methods for cetaneLesson 6Analytical methods for molecular-class determination: GC, simulated distillation (SIMDIS), PIONA analysis (Paraffins, Isoparaffins, Olefins, Naphthenes, Aromatics)Describes ways to sort hydrocarbon classes in fuels. Compares GC, simdist, PIONA, principles, outputs, limits, guiding blends.
Gas chromatography principles and columnsSimulated distillation for boiling profilesPIONA methodology and class separationData interpretation for refinery blendingLimitations, calibration and quality controlLesson 7Other property correlations: flash point, viscosity, hydrogen content, and how molecular structure controls theseLinks structure to flash, viscosity, H content, safety, performance. Shows chain, branch, aromatic sway on handling, burn, emissions.
Flash point trends with volatility and cutsViscosity versus chain length and shapeHydrogen to carbon ratio and emissionsLubricity, wear and molecular structureSpecification limits and property tradeoffsLesson 8Functional relationships: how chain length affects volatility, boiling point, and vapor pressureExplains chain length control on volatility, boil, vapour pressure. Ties forces, area to phase, dist curves, cold flow, evap loss.
Intermolecular forces in hydrocarbon chainsBoiling point trends with carbon numberVapor pressure and volatility relationshipsImpact on distillation curves and cut pointsCold flow, evaporation loss and safetyLesson 9Aromatics: benzene, toluene, xylenes — structure, formation routes, distribution in crude fractions, role as petrochemical feedstocks and octane contributorsDetails aromatics like benzene, toluene, xylenes, builds, making paths. Reviews spots in crude cuts, octane boost, petrochem feed roles.
Benzene, toluene and xylene ring structuresFormation in reforming and pyrolysis unitsDistribution in naphtha and heavier cutsOctane contribution in gasoline blendingPetrochemical and solvent applicationsLesson 10Branching vs straight chain: influence on octane number and volatility; use of Research Octane Number (RON) and Motor Octane Number (MON) conceptsChecks branching vs straight on octane, volatility, knock resist. Explains RON MON defs, tests, sensitivity, fuel design balance.
Straight chains and low octane behaviorBranching patterns and octane enhancementVolatility changes with branching degreeDefinitions of RON, MON and sensitivityFuel design using RON and MON targetsLesson 11Rings and aromaticity: influence on density, energy content, soot tendency, and octane; effects on cetane number for dieselLooks at rings, aromaticity to density, energy, soot, octane. Compares aroms naphs, petrol octane diesel cetane contrasts.
Aromaticity criteria and ring stabilizationDensity and volumetric energy relationshipsOctane enhancement by aromatics in gasolineSoot and particulate formation tendenciesEffects on diesel cetane and ignition delay
