Petroleum Chemistry

Description

Geologists use the science of petroleum chemistry to assist in exploration. From the composition of the oil and variations of properties in a trend or basin, they may find clues on how the crude was formed millions or hundreds of millions of years ago. Reservoir engineers use it to determine how the liquid and gas properties will change in the reservoir in response to fluid withdrawals. For the production and facility engineers, petroleum chemistry is vital in the design of wells, artificial lift and facilities. Corrosion and toxicity of the produced gas may be a critical factor in the design of facilities and wells.
Petroleum Chemistry is made of a mixture of different hydrocarbons. The most prolific hydrocarbons found in the chemistry of petroleum are alkanes, which are also termed as paraffins. Also known as saturated hydrocarbons and they exhibit either branched or straight molecule chains. For fuel purposes only the alkanes from the following groups are used: Pentane and Octane will be refined into Gasoline, Hexadecane and Nonane will be refined into Kerosene or Diesel or used as a component in the production of jet fuel, Hexadecane will be refined into fuel or heating oil. This book explores the various uses and significance of Petroleum Chemistry.