THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY OF CANADA 



To separate these from each other three independent prin- 

 ciples are applied. 



First the crude oil is placed in a still or retort and 

 gradually heated and vaporized, the vapors pass through 

 the condensing pipes and the resultant fluid is divided at 

 several stages into the parts required, as volatile benzine or 

 naphtha, kerosene or coal oil, the intermediate or gas oils 

 and finally a mixture of crystallizable and heavy oils. The 

 temperature to which the retorts are raised determines 

 what oil will be produced. As the temperature rises the 

 more volatile compounds come off first, that is naphtha, 

 then the others in rapid succession. 



Between O degrees Centigrade and 150 degrees naph- 

 tha is obtained, from 150 to 300 illuminating oils, above 

 300 degrees the heavy lubricating oils and waxes, and 

 lastly coke. 



Second of the three principles applied. The heavy oils 

 are divided into parafiiine wax on one hand and lubricating 

 oils and vaseline on the other, b}^ passing the mixture 

 through a freezing process and subjecting the chilled mass 

 enclosed in stout linen bags to an immense pressure when 

 the liquid parts flow out and the wax is retained. 



The third principle, is the further purification of the 

 respective parts by repeated washings with chemicals, the 

 chief of which are sulphuric acid, lye, lead oxide which 

 combine with and remove the off"ensive impurities, such as 

 sulphur. 



Such are the methods employed to prepare the pro- 

 ducts for general rse, but the application of them to the 

 best advantage has required much investigation, experience 

 and outlay. The solution of many problems have eluded 

 the most persistent of those who have spent years of labor 

 and thought on the subject and have onl)- within the last 

 few years succeeded in producing results which enable the 

 refiner of Canadian crude oil to remove those objectional 

 impurities which pertain to all oils drawn from the old 

 geological formations. 



