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Study Guide: Naphtha: Properties, History, and Applications

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Naphtha: Properties, History, and Applications Study Guide

Naphtha: Definition, Sources, and Chemical Composition

Naphtha is fundamentally defined as a flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture, primarily derived from crude oil but also obtainable from natural-gas condensates and fractional distillation of coal tar.

Answer: True

Explanation: The fundamental definition of naphtha describes it as a flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture, primarily sourced from crude oil, but also derivable from natural-gas condensates and fractional distillation of coal tar.

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According to 'Chemistry of Hazardous Materials,' light naphtha primarily consists of straight-chained and cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons with five to six carbon atoms per molecule.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to 'Chemistry of Hazardous Materials,' light naphtha is primarily composed of straight-chained and cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons, with molecules typically containing five to six carbon atoms.

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Petroleum naphtha typically constitutes a significant portion of crude oil, ranging from 15-30% by weight.

Answer: True

Explanation: Petroleum naphtha, which includes both heavy and light fractions, typically constitutes 15-30% of crude oil by weight.

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Naphtha is a liquid hydrocarbon mixture, meaning its primary chemical composition includes hydrogen and carbon atoms.

Answer: True

Explanation: Naphtha is indeed a liquid hydrocarbon mixture, fundamentally composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms.

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Besides crude oil, naphtha can also be produced from natural-gas condensates and through the fractional distillation of peat.

Answer: True

Explanation: In addition to crude oil, naphtha can also be produced from natural-gas condensates and through the fractional distillation of coal tar and peat.

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Naphtha is considered a 'fraction' of crude oil because it is chemically synthesized from crude oil components.

Answer: False

Explanation: Naphtha is considered a 'fraction' of crude oil because it is separated from crude oil through fractional distillation, not chemically synthesized from its components.

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Aliphatic hydrocarbons are organic compounds characterized by their aromatic ring structures.

Answer: False

Explanation: Aliphatic hydrocarbons are organic compounds characterized by carbon and hydrogen atoms arranged in straight chains, branched chains, or non-aromatic rings, not aromatic ring structures.

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What is the fundamental definition of naphtha?

Answer: A flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture, typically a fraction derived from crude oil.

Explanation: Naphtha is fundamentally defined as a flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture, typically a fraction derived from crude oil, but also obtainable from other natural sources.

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According to 'Chemistry of Hazardous Materials,' what is the primary composition of light naphtha?

Answer: Straight-chained and cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons with five to six carbon atoms.

Explanation: According to 'Chemistry of Hazardous Materials,' light naphtha is primarily composed of straight-chained and cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons with five to six carbon atoms per molecule.

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What percentage of crude oil by weight does petroleum naphtha typically constitute?

Answer: 15-30%

Explanation: Petroleum naphtha typically constitutes 15-30% of crude oil by weight.

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From what natural sources can naphtha be produced, in addition to crude oil?

Answer: Natural-gas condensates, petroleum distillates, and fractional distillation of coal tar and peat.

Explanation: In addition to crude oil, naphtha can be produced from natural-gas condensates, petroleum distillates, and through the fractional distillation of coal tar and peat.

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Why is naphtha considered a 'fraction' of crude oil?

Answer: It is separated from crude oil through fractional distillation based on boiling points.

Explanation: Naphtha is considered a 'fraction' of crude oil because it is separated from crude oil through fractional distillation based on the different boiling points of its components.

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What is the primary significance of fractional distillation in the production of naphtha?

Answer: It is the method used to separate naphtha as a specific fraction from crude oil and other sources.

Explanation: Fractional distillation is the primary method used to separate naphtha as a specific fraction from crude oil and other sources based on boiling points.

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According to 'Chemistry of Hazardous Materials,' what types of hydrocarbons primarily constitute light naphtha?

Answer: Straight-chained and cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons with five to six carbon atoms.

Explanation: According to 'Chemistry of Hazardous Materials,' light naphtha is primarily constituted by straight-chained and cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons with five to six carbon atoms.

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Historical Context and Etymology of Naphtha

The word 'naphtha' has its etymological roots in Latin, which in turn assimilated the term from the Ancient Greek word 'νάφθα'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The etymological origin of 'naphtha' traces from Latin, through Ancient Greek (νάφθα), and ultimately from Middle Persian and Akkadian roots.

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In the ancient text of II Maccabees, 'Nephthar' was described as a 'thick water' that ignited when exposed to sunlight, signifying 'Purification'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The book of II Maccabees describes 'Nephthar' as a 'thick water' that ignited upon exposure to sunlight, a term interpreted to mean 'Purification'.

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The Mishnah explicitly prohibits the use of naphtha in lamps on Shabbat, allowing only olive oil for this purpose.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mishnah, specifically Mishnah Shabbat 2, generally permits naphtha for use in lamps on Shabbat, though Rabbi Tarfon specifically allowed only olive oil.

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In the Roman period, naphtha was primarily valued for its lubricating properties in machinery rather than its flammability.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Roman period, naphtha was primarily valued for its extreme flammability and was a key ingredient in incendiary devices, not for lubrication.

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The definition of 'naphtha' has remained largely unchanged from antiquity, where it broadly referred to petroleum, to the modern period.

Answer: False

Explanation: The definition of 'naphtha' has evolved significantly from antiquity, where it broadly referred to any petroleum or pitch, to the modern period, where it denotes a more specific fraction of petroleum.

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Which Semitic language uses 'nafṭ' to mean 'petroleum'?

Answer: Arabic

Explanation: The Semitic language Arabic uses the term 'nafṭ' to mean 'petroleum'.

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What was a primary use of naphtha in the Roman period?

Answer: As a primary ingredient in incendiary devices.

Explanation: In the Roman period, naphtha was a primary ingredient in incendiary devices due to its highly flammable nature.

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What was the historical significance of the term 'Nephthar' mentioned in II Maccabees?

Answer: It was a term for a 'thick water' that ignited when exposed to sunlight, meaning 'Purification'.

Explanation: The term 'Nephthar' in II Maccabees referred to a 'thick water' that ignited when exposed to sunlight, signifying 'Purification'.

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Naphtha Classifications and Modern Industrial Applications

Since the 19th century, 'solvent naphtha' has referred to products like xylene or trimethylbenzenes obtained from petroleum distillation, also known as mineral spirits.

Answer: True

Explanation: Since the 19th century, 'solvent naphtha' has specifically referred to products like xylene or trimethylbenzenes, which are obtained from petroleum distillation and are also known as mineral spirits or 'Stoddard Solvent'.

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Fels Naptha laundry soap historically contained mineral spirits, a type of solvent naphtha, but this ingredient was later removed due to concerns about cancer risk.

Answer: True

Explanation: Fels Naptha laundry soap historically contained mineral spirits, a type of solvent naphtha, which was later removed from the product due to concerns about its potential as a cancer risk.

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In modern usage, 'coal tar naphtha' is typically a colorless liquid with an odor similar to gasoline, while 'petroleum naphtha' is reddish-brown.

Answer: False

Explanation: In modern usage, petroleum naphtha is typically a colorless liquid with a gasoline-like odor, whereas coal tar naphtha is a reddish-brown liquid mixture of hydrocarbons.

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Light naphtha boils at a higher temperature range (90-200 °C) and contains more carbon atoms (6-12) than heavy naphtha.

Answer: False

Explanation: Light naphtha boils at a lower temperature range (30-90 °C) and contains fewer carbon atoms (5-6) than heavy naphtha, which boils at 90-200 °C and contains 6-12 carbon atoms.

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A primary use of naphtha in the oil industry is to increase the viscosity of heavy crude oil, making it easier to transport.

Answer: False

Explanation: A primary use of naphtha in the oil industry is to dilute heavy crude oil, thereby *reducing* its viscosity to facilitate transport, not increase it.

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The importance of oil dilutants like naphtha has increased due to a global decline in the production of lighter crude oils.

Answer: True

Explanation: The importance of oil dilutants such as naphtha has indeed increased due to a global decline in the production of lighter crude oils, leading to greater reliance on heavier reserves.

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Naphtha is particularly advantageous as a dilutant for heavy crude oil because it is highly efficient and can be recycled after transport and processing.

Answer: True

Explanation: Naphtha is considered particularly advantageous as a dilutant for heavy crude oil due to its high efficiency and the ability to recycle it from the diluted crude after transport and processing.

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Heavy naphtha is commonly used as 'lighter fluid' in wick-based cigarette lighters like the Zippo.

Answer: False

Explanation: Light naphtha, not heavy naphtha, is commonly used as 'lighter fluid' in wick-based cigarette lighters.

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'White gas' is a common name for kerosene when used as a fuel for camping stoves and oil lanterns.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'White gas' is a common name for naphtha, not kerosene, when used as a fuel for camping stoves and oil lanterns.

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Historically, 'naphtha launches' were small boats that used naphtha as fuel and a working fluid, often to bypass safety regulations for steam launches.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically, 'naphtha launches' were indeed small boats that utilized naphtha as both fuel and a working fluid, often to bypass safety regulations applicable to steam launches.

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Petroleum naphtha is widely used as an internal combustion engine fuel due to its high octane ratings, typically above 90 RON.

Answer: False

Explanation: Petroleum naphtha has limited use as an internal combustion engine fuel due to its lower efficiency and low octane ratings, typically ranging from 40 to 70 RON.

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Beyond its uses as a fuel and dilutant, naphtha is a crucial raw material in the production of plastics.

Answer: True

Explanation: Beyond its applications as a fuel and dilutant, naphtha is indeed a crucial raw material in the production of plastics.

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The image caption for 'Camp fuel.jpg' illustrates that Coleman Camp Fuel is a kerosene-based fuel used in lanterns and stoves.

Answer: False

Explanation: The image caption for 'Camp fuel.jpg' illustrates that Coleman Camp Fuel is a naphtha-based fuel (white gas) used in lanterns and stoves, not kerosene-based.

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Why was naphtha eventually removed from Fels Naptha laundry soap?

Answer: Concerns about its potential as a cancer risk.

Explanation: Naphtha was removed from Fels Naptha laundry soap due to concerns regarding its potential as a cancer risk.

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In modern usage, how does 'coal tar naphtha' typically appear?

Answer: As a reddish-brown liquid mixture of hydrocarbons.

Explanation: In modern usage, 'coal tar naphtha' is typically a reddish-brown liquid mixture of hydrocarbons, contrasting with petroleum naphtha which is colorless.

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According to one source, what is the boiling point range for 'light naphtha'?

Answer: 30 to 90 °C (86 to 194 °F)

Explanation: According to one source, light naphtha boils between 30 and 90 °C (86 and 194 °F).

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What is a primary use of naphtha in the oil industry related to heavy crude oil?

Answer: To dilute it and reduce its viscosity for transport.

Explanation: A primary use of naphtha in the oil industry is to dilute heavy crude oil, reducing its viscosity to facilitate transport.

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Why has the importance of oil dilutants like naphtha increased?

Answer: A decline in global production of lighter crude oils, leading to reliance on heavier reserves.

Explanation: The importance of oil dilutants like naphtha has increased due to a global decline in the production of lighter crude oils, necessitating reliance on heavier reserves that require dilution for transport.

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What advantage does naphtha offer as a dilutant for heavy crude oil compared to other common dilutants?

Answer: It is highly efficient and can be recycled from the diluted crude.

Explanation: Naphtha is advantageous as a dilutant for heavy crude oil because it is highly efficient and can be recycled from the diluted crude after transport and processing.

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In what common consumer product is light naphtha used as a fuel?

Answer: Wick-based cigarette lighters

Explanation: Light naphtha is used as a fuel in common consumer products such as wick-based cigarette lighters, where it is known as 'lighter fluid'.

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Why is naphtha, known as 'white gas,' often preferred over kerosene for camping stoves?

Answer: Its low boiling point makes it easy to ignite and it clogs fuel lines less frequently.

Explanation: Naphtha, known as 'white gas,' is often preferred over kerosene for camping stoves because its low boiling point facilitates easy ignition, and it tends to clog fuel lines less frequently.

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What historical application did naphtha have in small boats?

Answer: As both a fuel and a working fluid in 'naphtha launches'.

Explanation: Historically, naphtha was used as both a fuel and a working fluid in small boats known as 'naphtha launches'.

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What is a significant limitation of petroleum naphtha when used as an internal combustion engine fuel?

Answer: Its lower efficiency and low octane ratings.

Explanation: A significant limitation of petroleum naphtha as an internal combustion engine fuel is its lower efficiency and low octane ratings, typically ranging from 40 to 70 RON.

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Besides fuel and dilutant, what other significant industrial use does naphtha have?

Answer: As a fundamental raw material for plastics production.

Explanation: Besides its uses as a fuel and dilutant, naphtha is a fundamental raw material for plastics production.

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What is the typical octane rating range for petroleum naphtha when used as an internal combustion engine fuel?

Answer: 40-70 RON

Explanation: When used as an internal combustion engine fuel, petroleum naphtha typically has a low octane rating, ranging from 40 to 70 RON.

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What is the role of naphtha in the context of global crude oil production trends?

Answer: Its role as a dilutant has become increasingly important due to declining lighter crude oils.

Explanation: Naphtha's role as a dilutant has become increasingly important due to a global decline in the production of lighter crude oils, leading to greater reliance on heavier reserves.

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'Mineral spirits' and 'Stoddard Solvent' are alternative names for which type of naphtha product?

Answer: Solvent naphtha, derived from petroleum distillation.

Explanation: 'Mineral spirits' and 'Stoddard Solvent' are alternative names for solvent naphtha, which is derived from petroleum distillation.

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Global Terminology and Colloquial Uses of Naphtha

In all industries and regions, the term 'naphtha' exclusively refers to a specific fraction of crude oil with a narrow boiling point range.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'naphtha' is not exclusively used for a narrow fraction of crude oil; its usage varies across industries and regions, sometimes referring to crude oil or other refined petroleum products like kerosene or diesel fuel.

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The older English usage of 'naphtha' to simply mean crude oil is still a common and current usage in the English language.

Answer: False

Explanation: The older English usage of 'naphtha' to simply mean crude oil is now considered obsolete in the English language.

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In Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, 'nafta' colloquially refers to kerosene, similar to its meaning in Poland.

Answer: False

Explanation: In Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, 'nafta' colloquially refers to gasoline or petrol, not kerosene. In Poland, 'nafta' means kerosene.

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The only accepted pronunciation for 'naphtha' is /'næfθə/, with /'næpθə/ being considered incorrect.

Answer: False

Explanation: The provided text indicates two accepted pronunciations for 'naphtha': /'næfθə/ and /'næpθə/, with the latter being recorded as less common or nonstandard, but not incorrect.

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In Australia, by what other name is naphtha known?

Answer: Shellite

Explanation: In Australia, naphtha is also known by the name Shellite.

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In Russian, what does 'neft'' mean?

Answer: Crude oil

Explanation: In Russian, the term 'neft'' means 'crude oil'.

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In which group of countries is 'nafta' colloquially used to refer to gasoline or petrol?

Answer: Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay

Explanation: In Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, 'nafta' colloquially refers to gasoline or petrol.

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What does the word 'nafta' primarily mean in Poland?

Answer: Kerosene

Explanation: In Poland, the word 'nafta' primarily means kerosene.

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Why is it important for outdoor enthusiasts to know trade names and translations for naphtha?

Answer: To ensure they can obtain the correct naphtha-based fuels in various countries.

Explanation: It is important for outdoor enthusiasts to know trade names and translations for naphtha to ensure they can obtain the correct naphtha-based fuels in various countries, given the diverse terminology.

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Health, Safety, and Environmental Considerations of Naphtha

Naphtha offers the benefit of higher emissions during refinement compared to petroleum, with fuel energy losses from 'well-to-tank' being 22%.

Answer: False

Explanation: Naphtha offers the benefit of *lower* emissions during refinement compared to petroleum, with fuel energy losses from 'well-to-tank' being 13%, not 22%.

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The primary health and safety hazards of naphtha include its non-flammability and its ability to act as a potent disinfectant.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary health and safety hazards of naphtha include its flammability, potential carcinogenicity, and its ability to cause irritation to the skin and airways, not non-flammability or disinfectant properties.

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In a workplace setting, human exposure to naphtha is limited to inhalation and ingestion, with dermal contact being a minor concern.

Answer: False

Explanation: In a workplace setting, human exposure to naphtha can occur through inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact, and eye contact, making dermal contact a significant concern, not a minor one.

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OSHA has set a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for naphtha at 100 parts per million (ppm) over an 8-hour workday.

Answer: True

Explanation: OSHA has indeed set a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for naphtha at 100 parts per million (ppm) over an 8-hour workday.

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Naphtha is considered immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) at concentrations of 100 ppm.

Answer: False

Explanation: Naphtha is considered immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) at concentrations of 1000 ppm, not 100 ppm.

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Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for naphtha commonly list flammability, carcinogenicity, and irritation to skin and airways as hazards.

Answer: True

Explanation: Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for naphtha commonly list flammability, potential carcinogenicity, and irritation to the skin and airways as significant hazards.

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What potential benefit does naphtha offer in terms of emissions during refinement?

Answer: It has lower emissions during refinement, with 13% fuel energy losses from 'well-to-tank'.

Explanation: Naphtha offers the potential benefit of lower emissions during refinement, with fuel energy losses from 'well-to-tank' being 13%.

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Which of the following is NOT a primary route of human exposure to naphtha in a workplace setting?

Answer: Auditory exposure

Explanation: Primary routes of human exposure to naphtha in a workplace setting include inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact, and eye contact; auditory exposure is not a route of chemical exposure.

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What permissible exposure limit (PEL) has OSHA set for naphtha in the workplace over an 8-hour workday?

Answer: 100 ppm

Explanation: OSHA has set a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for naphtha at 100 parts per million (ppm) over an 8-hour workday.

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At what concentration is naphtha considered immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)?

Answer: 1000 ppm

Explanation: Naphtha is considered immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) at concentrations of 1000 ppm.

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What is the difference in fuel energy losses between naphtha and petroleum from 'well-to-tank'?

Answer: Naphtha has 13% losses, petroleum has 22% losses.

Explanation: Naphtha has lower fuel energy losses from 'well-to-tank' at 13%, compared to petroleum's 22% losses.

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