Everyday Science Academy

Understanding Petroleum

 

UNDERSTANDING PETROLEUM

Composition, Formation, Uses, and Environmental Impact

Prepared By: Ma. Johanna B. Testa, LPT

 

WHAT IS PETROLEUM?

Petroleum, also known as crude oil, is a naturally occurring liquid found in rock formations. It consists of hydrocarbons and other organic compounds formed from the remains of ancient marine organisms.

 

PETROLEUM COMPOSITION

Mainly composed of hydrocarbons (alkanes, cycloalkanes, aromatic hydrocarbons) and small amounts of sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, and metals.

 

FORMATION OF PETROLEUM

Formed from the remains of marine microorganisms that settled on the seafloor millions of years ago. Buried under sediment and subjected to heat and pressure, they transformed into oil and gas.

 

PETROLEUM DRILLING

Drilling is the process of accessing petroleum reserves by boring a hole into the earth’s surface using a drilling rig. Casing and cementing secure the well.

 

HYDRAULIC FRACTURING (FRACKING)

A technique where high-pressure fluid is injected into rocks to create fractures, allowing petroleum and natural gas to flow out more easily.

 

OIL REFINERY PROCESS

Petroleum refineries convert crude oil into useful products. Key processes include distillation, cracking, reforming, and treating.

 

FRACTIONAL DISTILLATION

A process that separates crude oil into fractions based on boiling points. Each fraction has different hydrocarbon chain lengths.

 

DIFFERENT FRACTIONS OF PETROLEUM

1. Gases (LPG)

2. Gasoline

3. Naphtha

4. Kerosene

5. Diesel

6. Lubricating oil

7. Fuel oil

8. Residue (bitumen, asphalt)

 

PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

By-products include sulfur, petroleum coke, tar, and chemical feedstocks. These are used in fertilizers, road construction, and industrial processes.

1. Sulfur
  • Definition: Sulfur is extracted during the hydrodesulfurization process used to remove impurities from crude oil.
Uses:
  • Fertilizer production (as sulfuric acid): A major component in making phosphate fertilizers like superphosphate.
  • Manufacture of chemicals: Used to make dyes, detergents, and batteries.
  • Pesticides and fungicides: Sulfur compounds help protect crops.

 

2. Petroleum Coke (Pet Coke)
  • Definition: A carbon-rich solid residue obtained from oil refining, particularly during thermal cracking processes.
Uses:
  • Fuel for cement kilns and power plants (especially in developing countries).
  • Electrode production: High-grade pet coke is used in aluminum and steel industries.
  • Carbon anodes: Essential for electric arc furnaces and battery production.

 

3. Tar and Bitumen
  • Definition: Heavy, sticky residues from the bottom of the distillation column; also known as asphalt in the U.S.
Uses:
  • Road construction: Mixed with gravel to form asphalt concrete.
  • Waterproofing: Used in roofing and pipeline coatings.
  • Railway ties and telephone poles: Traditionally preserved with creosote, a tar-derived product.

 

4. Paraffin Wax
  • Definition: A white or colorless soft solid derived from saturated hydrocarbons.
Uses:
  • Candle making
  • Food packaging and coatings
  • Cosmetics: Used in creams and lotions as a moisturizer.

 

5. Chemical Feedstocks
  • Definition: Raw materials for petrochemical industries derived from naphtha, ethane, and other lighter petroleum fractions.
Uses:
  • Plastics: Polyethylene, PVC, polystyrene.
  • Synthetic fibers: Nylon, polyester, acrylic.
  • Industrial chemicals: Methanol, ammonia, acetic acid, solvents.

 

6. Lubricants and Greases
  • Definition: Derived from heavier fractions of crude oil.
Uses:
  • Automotive engines
  • Machinery and gear systems
  • Metal forming and cutting processes

 

ADVANTAGES OF PETROLEUM

  • High energy content
  • Easily transported
  • Supports economies
  • Used in a wide range of industries

 

DISADVANTAGES OF PETROLEUM

  • Air pollution
  • Acid rain
  • Global warming
  • Oil spills
  • Land and water pollution

 

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

  • Burning petroleum products releases greenhouse gases (CO₂, NOₓ, SO₂), contributing to global warming and acid rain. Oil spills damage ecosystems.

 

SOURCES

1. Encyclopedia Britannica: 'Petroleum' - britannica.com

2. Khan Academy: 'Fossil fuels and the carbon cycle' - khanacademy.org

3. McGraw-Hill Education: 'Introduction to Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering'

4. U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) - eia.gov

5. NASA Climate Change: 'The Effects of Fossil Fuels on Climate' - climate.nasa.gov

6. Oxford Academic Journals - academic.oup.com

7. NC State University Libraries: 'Energy Resources' - lib.ncsu.edu