What information does a TBP (True Boiling Point) curve provide about a crude oil sample?

A True Boiling Point (TBP) curve provides a detailed representation of the boiling point distribution of the various hydrocarbon components within a crude oil sample. It shows the percentage of the crude oil that vaporizes at different temperatures under equilibrium conditions. The TBP curve is generated by carefully distilling the crude oil in a laboratory setting using a highly efficient distillation column that minimizes fractionation inefficiencies. The curve plots the cumulative volume percentage of the distillate recovered against the corresponding boiling point temperature. From the TBP curve, one can determine the initial boiling point (IBP), the final boiling point (FBP), and the volume percentage of the crude oil that boils within specific temperature ranges. This information is crucial for characterizing the crude oil's composition, predicting its behavior during refining processes, and determining the potential yields of various petroleum products, such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and heavy fuel oil. The TBP curve is considered a more accurate representation of the boiling point distribution than simulated distillation because it is based on actual physical distillation.