CRUDE OIL AND PETROCHEMICALS

Crude Oil ( Black Gold): This is a dark brown sticky liquid substance found under the
ground or sea. Crude oil is made of hydrocarbons and is found in large deposit in the Niger
Delta areas of Nigeria.
ORIGIN OF CRUDE OIL
Crude oil occurs from the remains of plants and animals buried for many years. The search
for crude oil is called oil exploration and is carried out by geologist and geophysics. Crude is
sucked out of the ground with the use of oil drilling rig. Crude oil occurs on land ( on-shore
deposit) and in water ( off-white deposit).
REFINING OF CRUDE OIL
Crude oil is the liquid form of unrefined petroleum and can be refined through a process
know as fractional distillation. Product obtained from refining of crude oil are petrol,
kerosene, diesel, petroleum gas, bitumen, lubricating oil and naphtha.
PETROCHEMICALS : They are chemical compounds manufactured from bye-products of
petroleum examples are ethylene, ethanol' benzene etc.
USES OF PETROCHEMICALS.
1. They are used in the manufacturing of detergents, adhesive, and solvents.
2. They are used in the production of fertilizers and herbicides.
3. Plastic bottles are made from petrochemicals.
4. They are used in the manufactured of food additives and preservatives.
USES OF CRUDE OIL
1. Petrol is used as fuel for cars.
2. Kerosene is used for cooking and as fuel for jet planes.
3. Bitumen is used for road construction.
4. Lubricating oil is used as grease for machines.
IMPORTANCE OF CRUDE OIL
1. It is a source of revenue for Nigeria.
2. It is a source of energy.
3. It is a source of raw material for industrials.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Distinguish between crude oil, petroleum and petrochemicals.
2. List two uses of ; A, Petrochemicals B, Crude oil
3. Mention two importance of crude oil to Nigeria.