Petroleum Flashcards
what is petroleum?
a complex mixture of alkanes, cycloalkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons
how is petroleum separated into useful components?
by fractional distillation in a fractionating tower
describe the features of the fractionating tower
16m high and has a series of trays at various levels The trays have holes which are covered with caps called bubble caps.
process of fractional distillation
The crude oil is heated to 350 - 400oC and it is pumped into the tower through an opening close to the base.
The vapour rises and applies a pressure on the bubble cap and enters a higher level, which is cooler.
Part of the vapour condenses and the descending liquid collects in a tray at that level. This liquid is piped off to a storage tank.
The rising vapour applies a pressure on a bubble cap and enters a higher level, which is cooler.
The residue obtained at the base can be further distilled to produce fuel oil, wax, lubricating oil, and bitumen.
what is cracking?
process by which long chain alkane molecules are broken up into smaller, more useful alkane molecules and alkenes
benefits of cracking
smaller alkanes are better fuels
alkenes are used as monomers in addition polymerization
types of cracking
catalytic heat to 600oC using aluminium oxide catalyst
thermolytic- heat to 800oC
what is reforming?
the process by which straight chain alkane molecules are converted into aromatic hydrocarbons and alkane molecules with more branches
benefits of reforming
the alkane molecules with more branches are better fuels since when they are burnt, they do not produce large amounts of knocking
factors affecting the location of an industrial plant
presence of raw materials nearby
close to water source
cheap source of energy and electricity
availability of additional land
cost of labour
close to major markets
goo telecommunications services
safety requirements for an industry
Have emergency exits, which are well labelled
Have an emergency evacuation plan
Access to medical aid
Education on the dangers of the workplace
Education on the use of safety equipment
boiling point for the components of petroleum
gas= <40
gasoline= 40-100
naptha= 80-100
kerosine= 160-250
gas oil= 250-350
residue= >350
number of carbon atoms in the components of petroleum
gas= 1-4
gasoline= 4-8
naptha= 5-12
kerosine= 10-16
gas oil= 16-25
residue= >25
uses of gas
heating
cooking
uses of gasoline
fuel for cars
uses of naphtha
making chemicals
uses of kerosine
fuel for jets and aircrafts
heating
uses of gas oil
fuel for lorries, tractors and cars
fuel for ships, power stations, and home heating
uses of residue
light:
lubricants, waxes, polishes
heavy:
bitumen for road surfaces and sealing roofs
effects of petroleum on the environment
oil spills
incomplete combustion
lead
acid rain
plastic and metals
plastic and metals
Plastics cause problems with their disposal in the environment → affects wildlife
Some metals can escape into the air during catalyst change.
acid rain on the environment
Sulphur + Oxygen + Water in the air → Acid rain
Nitrogen oxides formed when fossil fuels are burnt also contribute
incomplete combusion
Results in toxic carbon monoxide + carbon particles + unburnt hydrocarbons.
oil spills on the environment
Can kill wildlife, especially sea birds and fish through ingesting the toxic components.
Tar on bird feathers reduces their ability to fly and reduces their insulation and ability to float on water.
Can form a layer on the sea → reduces oxygen in the water → fish die.
