As an expert in the field of energy and commodities, I can provide you with a detailed explanation on the measurement of oil in barrels and gallons.

Oil, particularly crude oil, is typically measured in barrels. The barrel is a unit of volume that is widely used in the oil industry. One barrel of oil is equivalent to 42 US gallons. This standard measurement has been in use for many years and is recognized globally in the oil trading markets.

Now, when we talk about refining crude oil, the process involves converting crude oil into various products such as gasoline, diesel, and other distillates. The conversion rate can vary significantly depending on the type of crude oil and the refining process used. For instance, in 2016, US refineries were able to produce an average of about 20 gallons of motor gasoline and about 11 gallons of ultra-low sulfur distillate fuel oil from one 42-gallon barrel of crude oil. This ultra-low sulfur distillate fuel oil is primarily sold as diesel fuel and in some states as heating oil.

It's important to note that the yield of different products from a barrel of crude oil can differ based on several factors. These factors include the quality and composition of the crude oil, the technology and efficiency of the refinery, and the demand for different types of oil products in the market. Additionally, not all barrels of crude oil will be converted into fuel products. Some will be used to produce other types of products such as lubricants, waxes, and petrochemicals.

The refining process is complex and involves several stages. Crude oil is first heated and then distilled to separate its components based on their boiling points. This process yields various fractions, each with a different boiling point range. The lighter fractions, such as gasoline, have lower boiling points and are distilled off first. Heavier fractions, like diesel and heating oil, have higher boiling points and are distilled later in the process.

After the distillation process, further refining steps may be required to produce specific types of fuel products. For example, catalytic cracking is a process used to break down larger, heavier molecules into smaller, more valuable ones, such as gasoline. Hydrocracking is another process that can convert heavy fractions into lighter, more desirable products.

In summary, the number of gallons of oil products that can be derived from a barrel of crude oil depends on the efficiency of the refinery and the specific types of products being produced. While the figures from 2016 provide a snapshot of the yields from US refineries at that time, it's crucial to understand that these numbers can fluctuate and are not static.

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In 2016, refineries in the United States produced an average of about 20 gallons of motor gasoline and about 11 gallons of ultra-low sulfur distillate fuel oil (most of which is sold as diesel fuel and in several states as heating oil) from one 42-gallon barrel of crude oil.May 10, 2017read more >>