Burton+Process

= Questions & Answers =

Who developed this process?
The process used in the Burton Process was previously discovered by Benjamin Silliman, but had " no commercial value at the time" and wasn't pursued further. __William Merriam Burton__ and __Robert Humphrey__ developed better equipment and techniques to enhance Silliman's work during a time when it would have greater commercial value.

What does it produce?

 * Gasoline
 * Jet fuel
 * Heating oil
 * Feedstocks

Where is it used in industry?
Any sort of industry that relies on gasoline as fuel, such as cars and airplanes, also relies on the Burton Process.

When was it discovered?
Benjamin Silliman discovered the original process in the mid-19th century, but the updated version was first used in industry in 1913.

Why is it important?
Gasoline is important in industry to fuel cars, and to run other methods of transportation. At the time that the process was developed (during the early 1900s), the development and production of the car was on a sharp incline. The need for gasoline and a better way to obtain gasoline increased, and was found with the Burton Process as it doubles the amount of gasoline able to be taken from petroleum to 30%.

How does it work?
Heavy Petroluem + Catalyst --> High Octane Gasoline (72) + Carbon Residue (coke)

By using high temperatures and high pressures (700kPa), the Burton Process breaks down large hydrocarbons into smaller, easier to use molecules. The gas oil is held in a container and then heated to 800 degrees C to produce the desired results. This is a large scale application process that produces a high yield of gasoline.

= Technology = media type="custom" key="5739131" media type="custom" key="5739133"

= = = Sources = //Burton Process//. N.d. //Today in Science//. Today in Science History, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . "Cracking (chemisty)." //NationMaster//. NationMaster.com, 2005. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . Favor, Andrew. "Engineering Education 'Today in History' Blog: Burton Patents Thermal Cracking." //Engineering Pathway//. "Today in History" Engineering Education Blog of the Engineering Pathway, 2007. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . Freudenrich, Craig. "How Oil Refining Works." //How Stuff Works//. HowStuffWorks Inc., 30 Oct. 2008. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . "Thermal Cracking Patent." //Today in Science History//. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . Volti, Rudi. "Catalytic Cracking." //The Facts On File Encyclopedia of Science, Technology, and Society//. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 1999. //Science Online//. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com /activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE41&SID=5&iPin= ffests0154&SingleRecord=True (accessed March 25, 2010). Volti, Rudi. "Thermal Cracking." //The Facts On File Encyclopedia of Science, Technology, and Society//. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 1999. //Science Online//. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com /activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin= ffests0852&SingleRecord=True (accessed March 25, 2010).