Gasoline is one of the most important discoveries transcendental of modern history, a fuel that has driven everything from cars to industrial revolutions. However, despite being part of an essential of our daily lives, few stop to reflect on its origin, evolution and the people behind this invention. Who were the pioneersHow did a dark, viscous liquid become the engine of our society?
Various cultures throughout history have used oil in different ways. curious, but it was in the industrial era that refining methods were perfected and gasoline as we know it emerged. This article reviews its history, its advances and the role crucial that plays in today's world.
The origin of gasoline: from oil to a revolutionary fuel
The gas comes from petroleum, a mixture of hydrocarbon created by the decomposition of fossil organisms over millions of years. However, petroleum alone had no practical use as a fuel in its early stages. It was thanks to the technique of fractional distillation that gasoline was obtained as a crucial by-product of petroleum.
The first documented distillation of oil is attributed to the Persian sage Al-Razi, in the 9th century. This scientist, inventor of the still, managed to separate components of crude oil, although at that time its main use was not as a fuel, but as a medicine and sealant. Later, in the 18th century, the French chemist GA Hirn would perfect refining methods, allowing extract useful derivatives that would lay the groundwork for the development of advanced fuels.
Milestones in the evolution of gasoline
Was in the year 1857 when fractional distillation of petroleum gained industrial relevance. From then on, scientists and inventors began to explore broader applications for this new product. One of the key moments came in 1859, when the colonel Edwin Drake drilled the first oil well in Pennsylvania, marking the beginning of the oil industry modern
En 1846, the Canadian Abraham Gesner had developed the kerosene from petroleum distillates. This fuel was mainly used for Street lighting before internal combustion engines required higher performance fuels. Later, in 1860, the inventor Jean Joseph Etienne Lenoir He created the first gas-powered internal combustion engine, paving the way for the design of adapted engines specifically to the use of gasoline.
Another significant breakthrough took place in 1876When Nikolaus August Otto built the first four-stroke internal combustion engine designed to run on gasoline. 1885, Karl benz He adapted this engine to be used in his first car, marking a revolution in personal mobility.
The environmental impact and controversy of leaded gasoline
While gasoline quickly positioned itself as the most efficient fuel, it also brought with it serious environmental problems. In 1921, the scientist Thomas Midgley developed the tetraethyl lead as an additive to reduce engine "knock" caused by premature combustion of gasoline. Although this advance improved engine performance, it also introduced huge amounts of toxic lead to the environment.
Lead in gasoline was responsible for numerous health problems, including an increased incidence of neurological diseases and developmental problems in children. For this reason, many countries, such as Japan in 1986, began to ban the use of leaded gasoline. In the case of Europe, unleaded gasoline was fully adopted towards the end of the 20th century.
Types of gasoline and how they work
Modern gasoline is classified based on its fuel number. octane, a measure of its ability to resist compression without detonating prematurely. The most common types are gasoline, 95 octane and of 98 octaneThe choice between them depends on the specifications of a vehicle's engine, with higher octane gasoline being ideal for gasoline engines. high performance.
In addition, today's gasoline contains additive designed to improve their fuel properties, reduce polluting emissions and clean engine components. These additives include detergents and antioxidants.
Fractional Distillation: How Gasoline is Made
The process of obtaining gasoline begins with the extraction of crude oil. This is transported to refineries, where it passes through a fractional distillation tower. In this process, the oil is heated to temperatures of 400 ° C, allowing compounds with fewer carbon atoms to be separated in different stages.
Gasoline emerges as one of the fractions lighter, along with other derivatives, such as kerosene and flue gases. It is then subjected to additional processes, such as catalytic cracking, to improve its quality and adapt its characteristics to the regulations of each region.
Alternatives and the future of transport
In a world increasingly concerned about climate change, the dependence fossil fuels is being questioned. Technologies such as electric motors, hydrogen and biofuels are emerging as sustainable alternativesWhile these options still face challenges in terms of cost and scalability, they represent a necessary shift to reduce the environmental footprint of transportation.
It is important to note that the transition to cleaner energy sources will depend on advances in infrastructure, as well as the commitment of governments and industries to promote responsible use of resources.
The history of gasoline is a perfect example of how innovation can transform the world. From the experiments of Al-Razi From the electric motors of the 21st century, this fuel has reflected both human ingenuity and the global challenges to come. Knowledge about its origin and evolution, beyond its daily utility, invites us to reflect on the importance of developing sustainable energy solutions for the future.