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Petrochemical Technology (CHE1015) : Petrochemical & Precursors: Introduction Petrochemical & Its Precursors
Petrochemical Technology (CHE1015) : Petrochemical & Precursors: Introduction Petrochemical & Its Precursors
Module 1
Petrochemical & Precursors: Introduction; Petrochemical & its
Precursors
• Petroleum occurs in the earth’s crust, in all possible states and varies in colour from light brown to dark
brown to black, exhibiting luminescence in some cases. It is mixture of various hydrocarbons, namely
paraffin, naphthene and aromatics. Petroleum is more homogeneous than coal and occurs mostly in
sedimentary rocks. (Source: Dr. B. K. Bhaskara Rao, Modern Petroleum Refining Processes)
• www.mms.gov/offshore/RenewableEnergy/Definitions.htm :
A mixture of hydrocarbons naturally existing as a liquid in underground reservoirs that remains a liquid at
atmospheric pressure. Crude oil is the raw material which is refined into gasoline, heating oil, jet fuel,
propane, petrochemicals, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and other products.
01/07/2022 Module 1: Petrochem 7
What is Petrochemical?
• Petrochemicals are chemicals derived from petroleum or natural gas. They are an essential part
of the chemical industry as the demand for synthetic materials grows continually and plays a
major part in today's economy and society. Petrochemicals are used to manufacture thousands of
different products that people use daily, including plastics, medicines, cosmetics, furniture,
appliances, electronics, solar power panels, and wind turbines.
• It's important to note that the biggest concern about fossil fuel use is from combustion, turning
these hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water. So while there are environmental concerns
about petrochemical manufacturing of plastics, it doesn't lead to a significant release of
greenhouse gases that can cause climate change. For example, the plastic manufacturing is
capturing the carbon in an inert form (the plastic) and not releasing it to the atmosphere.
• In terms of production volumes the industry represents approximately 10% of the total
petroleum industry. On the basis of product value, however, the petrochemicals industry
represents a larger share of the total industry, reflecting the higher value of petrochemical
products compared to fuels.
Petrochemical, Jordan Hanania, Kailyn Stenhouse, Luisa Vargas Suarez, Jason Donev
https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/oil-and-gas/why-oil-is-going-to-
remain-indias-most-difficult-conundrum-in-times-to-come/65982168
BASF 79
Sinopec 60
Dow 57
Sabic 44
Royal Dutch Shell 42
ExxonMobil 39
Formosa Plastics 38
LyondellBasell 33
Dupont 31
Ineos 27
https://images.app.goo.gl/NSEFqXbXLX21NAkS6
Table Source: Adapted from Chemical & Engineering News
01/07/2022 Module 1: Petrochem 9
Composition of Petroleum/Crude Oil
In general, crude oil or petroleum is made out
of Hydrocarbon and Non-hydrocarbon.
• Hydrocarbons are made out of Carbon,
Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Sulphur.
• The presence of Oxygen, Nitrogen, and
Sulphur is considered as impurities in Crude
Oil.
• Based on the percentage of sulphur present
crude oil, it can be classified into two types:
• Sweet Crude: Sweet crude is a classification
of petroleum that contains less than 0.42%
sulfur.
• Sour Crude: Sour crude is a type of crude oil
known for its relatively high sulfur content
(greater than 1%). The presence of sulfur
makes oil more difficult and costly to refine,
causing sour crude to be viewed as a less
desirable form of crude oil.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=u29wahnp&id
http://www.endofcrudeoil.com/2016/03/the-world-oil-market-march-2016.html https://www.tutorialspoint.com/general_knowledge/general_knowledge
_petroleum_in_india.htm
https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/natural-gas-proved-reserves https://twitter.com/gailindia/status/916641265780850690
Petrochemical, Jordan Hanania, Kailyn Stenhouse, Luisa Vargas Suarez, Jason Donev https://images.app.goo.gl/3fXRAB1DQW2YK2E26
https://images.app.goo.gl/bU8VDKZ6rkeuUT5a9
https://images.app.goo.gl/m9cc4AsVHaapMsCu9
https://images.app.goo.gl/xn429pSFZGiYehec7
https://images.app.goo.gl/xtHPjQjLbK3q99E17