Como é feita a GASOLINA #Boravê

Summary

In the final episode of the SuperTech series, we take a deep dive into the intricate process of refining oil into gasoline at the Presidente Bernardes Refinery in Cubatão. From the crude oil arriving by tanker, it undergoes complex distillation and catalytic cracking processes, ultimately producing high-quality gasoline, including aviation fuel and special high-octane formulations. Along the way, we explore the role of sulfur removal, octane testing, and the refinery’s environmentally conscious efforts, including renewable diesel. A fascinating look at one of Brazil’s most advanced technological operations, showcasing the journey from crude to fuel.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video explains how oil is transformed into gasoline, specifically focusing on the process at the Petrobras Presidente Bernardes Refinery in Cubatão.
• 😀 The refinery processes nearly 30 million liters of oil per day, accounting for 11% of the total oil refined by Petrobras.
• 😀 Oil is transported by ship from platforms to São Sebastião and then through pipelines to the refinery, where it is stored in large tanks known as 'Maracanãs'.
• 😀 The refinery produces a variety of products, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, plastics, solvents, and sulfur for industrial use.
• 😀 The process begins by separating the oil into different molecular groups through distillation, with the petroleum vapor rising through a giant distillation column.
• 😀 In the distillation columns, the vapor cools and condenses at different levels, allowing the separation of molecules based on their boiling points.
• 😀 Gasoline is primarily composed of molecules with 6-12 carbon atoms and is obtained from the distillation of heavier fractions, which undergo further processing.
• 😀 To improve the quality of gasoline, sulfur is removed using hydrogen and catalysts at high temperatures and pressure, making the gasoline suitable for use in vehicles.
• 😀 The gasoline undergoes additional testing to ensure its quality, including octane tests that check its ability to resist engine knocking, a critical factor for vehicle performance.
• 😀 The refinery is unique for producing high-performance gasoline (Podium) and aviation fuel, both with different additives to improve their performance in specific engines.
• 😀 Petrobras is also working on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by developing biofuels, like diesel R, which includes vegetable oil and absorbs CO2 during its production cycle.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video in the script?

The video explains how crude oil is transformed into gasoline at the Petrobras Presidente Bernardes Refinery, detailing the entire refining process.

Where is the Petrobras Presidente Bernardes Refinery located?

The refinery is located in Cubatão, São Paulo, Brazil.

What are some of the products produced at the Petrobras Presidente Bernardes Refinery?

The refinery produces gasoline, diesel, aviation gasoline, sulfur, plastics, and other industrial chemicals.

What is the role of the large towers and flames seen in the refinery?

The large towers are distillation columns, and the flames are part of the flare system, which safely burns off excess gases.

What does the distillation process in the refinery do?

Distillation separates crude oil into different fractions based on the boiling points of the molecules, helping to isolate products like gasoline and diesel.

Why is the 'nafta' from the first distillation not ideal as gasoline?

The 'nafta' from the first distillation has the correct number of carbon atoms for gasoline but lacks the right molecular structure, making it low quality and unsuitable without further processing.

What is the purpose of the 'cracking' process in the refinery?

The cracking process breaks down larger hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more useful molecules, such as those needed for high-quality gasoline.

How does the refinery remove sulfur from gasoline?

Sulfur is removed from gasoline using a process involving hydrogen and a catalyst at high temperature and pressure, improving the quality of the fuel.

What is the difference between gasoline Podium and aviation gasoline produced at the refinery?

Gasoline Podium has a high anti-knock rating and is designed for higher performance vehicles without additives, while aviation gasoline has a higher anti-knock rating, includes lead additives, and is formulated for the demanding needs of aircraft engines.

What is diesel R, and why is it significant?

Diesel R is a type of diesel that contains a percentage of vegetable oil, which helps absorb CO2 during its production cycle, making it a more environmentally friendly fuel.