Uses of oil and gas

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Uses of oil and natural gas: Oil and natural gas are mineral resources with a wide range of uses. Their use has gradually expanded as human production practices and scientific and technological capabilities have improved. Since ancient times and for a long period of history, people have simply used it directly, in a basic manner, and on an occasional basis for purposes such as fuel, lubrication, construction, and medicine. As people gained more experience, by the end of the 18th century, it became apparent that oil could be separated into different fractions such as kerosene and gasoline through distillation followed by sequential cooling and condensation. In the early days, refining was abandoned or the resulting products were burned due to the lack of uses for gasoline and heavy oil; thus, the main product was kerosene, whose demand surged sharply after the invention of the kerosene lamp in 1782. Since the 19th century, the invention of the internal combustion engine has led to increased use of petroleum products, thereby strongly driving the development of petroleum processing technologies. With the rapid development of internal combustion engine technology, the number of vehicles powered by such engines – such as cars, diesel engines, airplanes, ships, etc. – has increased dramatically. Moreover, the emergence of tanks, armored vehicles, and warships has led to not only the need for different types of fuels but also an increase in their consumption; thus, the uses of petroleum continue to expand. In the mid-20th century, the emergence and development of organic synthesis techniques further expanded the applications of petroleum and natural gas. Therefore, oil has become an extremely important source of energy and raw material for the chemical industry in modern human society. As a strategic resource, it is used more widely in various fields such as industry, agriculture, **, and people’s daily lives. Oil and natural gas are mixtures of various hydrocarbon compounds; using them simply as fuel represents a great waste. Only by processing them to produce different products can their substantial economic value be fully realized. After processing, petroleum can be transformed into several main categories of products: gasoline types (aviation gasoline, military gasoline, solvent gasoline) ； Kerosene (lamp kerosene, diesel kerosene, aviation kerosene) ； Diesel (light diesel, medium diesel, heavy diesel) ； Fuel oil ； Lubricating oil ； Lubricating greases and other petroleum products (vaseline, paraffin wax, asphalt, petroleum coke, etc.). Some oils are further processed to yield products of higher quality or new types of products. Petroleum processing mainly refers to the processing of crude oil. Countries around the world generally produce fuel oils through primary and secondary processing, while tertiary processing is mainly used to produce chemical products. Before being processed in refineries, crude oil must undergo pretreatment processes such as desalination and dehydration, so that by the time it enters the distillation units, the total salt content in it is below 5 mg/L. This is done primarily to prevent corrosion and blockages in the processing equipment and pipelines. In the primary processing of crude oil, simple physical methods such as atmospheric and vacuum distillation are used to separate the crude oil into various petroleum fractions with different boiling points and densities. The order of separation of the various fractions mainly depends on molecular size and boiling point. During atmospheric distillation, gasoline molecules are small and have low boiling points (50–200°C), so they are distilled first, followed by kerosene (60–150°C), diesel fuel (150–200°C), and residual heavy oil. Through vacuum distillation, heavy oil can be converted into a certain amount of base oil for lubricants or semi-finished products (wax oil), with residue oil (heavy oil) remaining at the end. The light petroleum products (gasoline, kerosene, diesel) obtained in a single processing step require further refining and blending before they can be marketed as qualified products. When crude oil is processed in our country, only 25%–40% (30% for Daqing crude) of it yields straight-run light oils, while about 20% results in wax oil. Secondary processing of crude oil involves the use of chemical or chemical-physical methods to further process and transform crude oil fractions, in order to increase the yield of certain products, expand the range of available products, and improve product quality. There are many processes for secondary processing, and the choice should be made based on the properties of the oil and the design requirements. The main processes include catalytic cracking, catalytic reforming, coking, viscosity reduction, hydrocracking, and solvent deasphalting. If the heavy semi-finished product (wax oil) obtained from a single processing step is subjected to catalytic cracking, approximately 40% of the wax oil can be converted into high-octane automotive gasoline, about 30% can be converted into diesel, and around 20% can be converted into liquefied gas, gaseous hydrocarbons, and dry gas. If light gasoline (naphtha) is used as the raw material and processed through catalytic reforming, high-octane gasoline components (aviation fuel) or aromatic compounds used as chemical feedstocks (benzene, xylene, etc.) can be produced, with hydrogen as a by-product. The third processing of oil involves using the intermediate products resulting from the first and second stages of oil processing (including light oil, heavy oil, various types of petroleum gases, paraffin, etc.) to produce chemical products through chemical processes. Producing propanol, butanol, octanol, acrylonitrile, and acrylic fiber from propylene in the dry gas obtained via catalytic cracking processes ； Producing cumene phenol copolymer using propylene and benzene ； Producing maleic anhydride and cis-butadiene rubber from C4 fractions ； Benzene, toluene, and xylene are used to produce products such as phthalic anhydride, polyesters, and polyester fibers. The most important and largest-scale method is the production of ethylene from naphtha and diesel. Oil refining is an important process in petroleum processing. It mainly involves the removal, through chemical or chemico-physical methods, of sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen compounds, as well as undesirable components such as resins and asphaltenes, and harmful impurities present in crude petroleum products. Various petroleum products obtained through the processing of oil have a wide range of different uses in various fields. Petroleum products (gasoline, kerosene, diesel), as high-quality fuel sources, have become an indispensable \"food for engines\" for various machines used in industry, agriculture, transportation, and **other fields today. Without \"fuel,\" all kinds of vehicles will come to a standstill. According to statistics, a four-ton truck consumes 5 kg of fuel per 100 tons-kilometers ； A 4-ton diesel vehicle consumes 3 kg of diesel per 100 tons-kilometer ； A standard tractor consumes over 4 tons of diesel per year ； A jet airliner (such as a Boeing 707) consumes 6 tons of jet fuel to fly 1,000 km. In 1994, China’s main oil and gas consumption: 26.97 million tons of gasoline ； Kerosene is 4.52 million tons ； Diesel: 38.03 million tons ； The fuel oil amount is 35.9489 million tons, for a total of 105.472 million tons. Especially with the rapid economic development and technological advancements, not only does the consumption increase and the variety of oils expand, but there are also higher demands regarding the quality and grade of these oils. Among petroleum products, gasoline types include aviation gasoline, automotive gasoline, and solvent gasoline. Aircraft gasoline is the fuel for propeller-driven aircraft ； Automotive gasoline is primarily used as fuel for internal combustion engines, and its grade is determined by the octane rating, which indicates the gasoline’s resistance to detonation ； Solvent gasoline is a solvent required in industries such as rubber, paint, leather, and oilcloth, and can be used to clean machines and parts. Kerosene includes household kerosene, which is mainly used for lighting and as a solvent in insecticides ； Diesel kerosene is also used as fuel for the internal combustion engines of certain tractors; aviation kerosene is primarily used as fuel for jet aircraft. Diesel fuels are primarily used as fuel for diesel engines; light diesel is generally used as fuel for high-speed diesel engines, while heavy diesel is used for low-speed diesel engines. Medium-speed diesel engines usually use bituminous heavy diesel as fuel. Diesel is used in large quantities; warships, ocean-going ships, large vehicles, and exploration drilling rigs all rely on diesel engines to power their systems, while tractors, pumps, and other equipment also use diesel as a fuel source. Light diesel is named according to the degree of its freezing point. The residue oil resulting from petroleum cracking (fuel oil) can be used as fuel for various boilers equipped with burner systems. Lubricants and greases in petroleum products are essential lubricants for various types of sliding, rotating, and rolling machinery and instruments; they help maintain proper operating speeds and reduce wear, while also serving functions such as lubrication, heat dissipation, sealing, and even insulation. There are a wide variety of lubricants with complex specifications, each serving different purposes. High-quality engine oils used in large quantities are primarily applied to the cylinders of engines with carburetors or internal combustion engines fueled by gas; their grade is determined by their dynamic viscosity at 100°C. Diesel engine oil is mainly used in the combustion chambers of diesel engines. Cylinder oil is mainly used in the cylinders of steam engines, as well as in certain machines that operate at low speeds under heavy loads, and in the reducers of some motor vehicles. Mechanical oil is a widely used industrial lubricant, primarily applied to the various rotating and frictional parts of different machinery. Its grade is determined by the dynamic viscosity value at 50°C. Transformer oil is mainly used for heat dissipation in transformers, and it also serves an insulating function. Turbine oil is used for the lubrication and cooling of steam turbines, turbine engines, turbine compressors, and other similar equipment. Compressor oil is used to lubricate the cylinders and pistons of air compressors and blower compressors. Gear oil is used to lubricate the transmissions and gearboxes of various machinery. Grease (butter) is used in mechanical friction parts that operate at low speeds, under heavy loads, and are prone to being squeezed out, as well as to provide some degree of rust and dust protection. In 1994, China’s annual production of lubricants was 1.74 million tons. Paraffin in petroleum products has a wide range of uses. Such as candles for lighting, colored crayons for drawing, various wax papers, coatings for matchsticks, wax-sealing devices, for moisture prevention, for making molds, and as raw materials for synthetic rubber, detergents, etc. It is closely related to people's daily lives. Oil and its products, as well as petrochemical products manufactured using natural gas as raw materials, including synthetic fibers, synthetic rubbers, plastics, fertilizers, pesticides, **, cosmetics, and synthetic detergents, are experiencing rapid growth, possess great potential, and cover a wide range of applications. Synthetic fibers (such as nylon, polyester, vinylon, and polypropylene) have a broad market because they can be used to weave textiles in various patterns. Nylon (polyamide fiber), also known as nylon fiber, is a good material for making ropes, fishing nets, etc., due to its strength and durability, resistance to insect damage, and resistance to mold. Polyester (polyester fiber), also known as Dacron, is wear-resistant and wrinkle-free, dries quickly, does not mildew, and is not damaged by insects. It is an excellent material for making clothing, as well as for use in artificial blood vessels and as an electrical insulating material. Acrylic fiber (acrylonitrile fiber) has high tensile strength and can be used to weave various mixed textiles such as sweaters; it is characterized by being soft and elastic. Polypropylene (polypropylene fibers) and vinylon (polyvinyl alcohol fibers) are also widely used in many fields. In 1994, China’s annual production of synthetic fibers was 2.4672 million tons. Synthetic rubber produced from petroleum and natural gas can be used to manufacture tires for cars, airplanes, tractors, as well as various other rubber products. It can also be used to create rubbers tailored to specific requirements, such as those resistant to acid and alkali corrosion or with high oil resistance, including special rubbers like neoprene and nitrile rubber. China’s natural rubber production areas are limited (Hainan and certain regions in Yunnan), so expanding the production of synthetic rubber will be the most important supplement. In 1994, China’s annual production of synthetic rubber was 443,500 tons. A variety of plastic products made from petroleum are among the most common goods in the market. Plastics are lightweight, strong, wear-resistant, and have good electrical insulation properties; they are increasingly replacing metal products. Polyvinyl chloride, a petrochemical product, can be used to manufacture mechanical parts, seedling cultivation films, pipes, sandals, and other items for industrial, agricultural, and daily use ； Polyethylene plastic is non-toxic, breathable, and waterproof, and is mainly used to produce food and pharmaceutical packaging as well as drinking utensils. Polypropylene plastic can be used to manufacture devices that can withstand high temperatures (150°C), such as medical equipment and heat-resistant pipelines. Phenolic plastics (bakelite) can be used to manufacture various electrical enclosures, sockets, switches, etc ； Acrylic is widely used in making hatches, windshields, clocks, and various decorations. In 1994, our country produced 4.014 million tons of plastics. Agricultural production requires large amounts of chemical fertilizers. Synthetic ammonia is produced using petroleum and natural gas as raw materials, which is then used to manufacture ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and urea. In 1994, China’s annual production of synthetic ammonia was 24.368 million tons. Petroleum products demonstrate their role and presence in almost every aspect of human society. Therefore, oil is not only hailed as the “blood of industry,” but even more commendably, every part of it is useful, with no waste at all. With the development of science and technology, its scope of application will continue to expand. Natural gas is a high-quality, clean, and easy-to-use energy source, as well as an excellent raw material for the chemical industry; its applications are becoming increasingly widespread as technology advances. The development of natural gas chemicals is progressing rapidly. Using natural gas as a raw material, it is possible to produce products such as synthetic ammonia, acetylene, methanol, hydrocyanic acid, liquid hydrocarbons, methane chlorides, carbon disulfide, and carbon black. Natural gas power generation is developing rapidly in the developed countries around the world. In 1994, natural gas generated 466.8 TW·h of electricity in the United States, accounting for 13.6% of total electricity production ； Japan accounts for 220.0 TW·h, ranking first in terms of thermal power generation. It is reported that a combined cycle power generation system using gas turbines and steam turbines is employed, with a construction period of 30 to 36 months, which is 70% of the time required to build a coal-fired power plant ； The construction cost is approximately $400–500 per kilowatt of installed capacity, with investment costs being only about 2/3 of those for coal and nuclear power generation facilities ； Process water usage reduced by 50% ； It emits almost no SO2, CO2 emissions are reduced by 50%, there is no dust, and the power supply efficiency is above 45%, with the best values exceeding 55%. The proportion of gas-fired power plants in our country is very small; as natural gas development expands, gas-fired power plants will play a special role. Natural gas vehicles are **growing rapidly in many parts of the world. The number of vehicles powered by compressed natural gas has now reached 800,000. It is said that the advantages of using natural gas instead of gasoline as a fuel include: the same efficiency, but a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions ； SO2 emissions are 0 ； The molecular weight of CH4 is lower than that of air on average; therefore, even in the event of a leak, it will disperse quickly and not remain accumulated on the ground in large quantities, thereby avoiding accidents ； Wide combustible depth range ； The natural ignition temperature is high, making ignition easy ； High octane rating, which can increase the engine’s compression ratio ； It can burn in a diluted manner, resulting in less NOX production ； The engine has good low-temperature performance. Our country has established pilot CNG filling stations in Sichuan and Beijing; for example, the compressed natural gas filling station in Langfang, Hebei, began serving more than 30 vehicles in 1995, and by 1996 that number had risen to over 100. To facilitate residents and protect the urban environment, the amount of natural gas used for urban purposes is continuously increasing. “Since the 85th Five-Year Plan, large and medium-sized cities such as Beijing, Tianjin, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhengzhou, Shenyang, and Qiqihar, as well as cities with oil fields, have begun to use natural gas. “During the Ninth Five-Year Plan period, some larger and medium-sized cities will also start using natural gas.