CHEMISTRY PROJECT WORK
PETROLEUM
DENZEL ENEOJO MUSA
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The Origin and Composition of Petroleum
Origin
Petroleum, often referred to as crude oil, is a fossil fuel formed over millions of years from the
remains of microscopic organisms, primarily marine plants and animals. These organisms, such
as plankton and algae, lived in ancient oceans and lakes. When they died, their remains settled to
the bottom, where they were buried under layers of sediment.
Over time, intense heat and pressure from the overlying sediment transformed the organic matter
into a waxy substance called kerogen. As temperatures continued to rise, kerogen underwent a
process called catagenesis, breaking down into hydrocarbons, the primary components of
petroleum and natural gas.
Composition
Petroleum is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, which are compounds composed of carbon and
hydrogen atoms. The specific composition of petroleum can vary widely depending on factors
such as the source material, the conditions of formation, and the degree of maturation.
The main components of petroleum include:
● Alkanes: These are saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds between carbon atoms.
They are the most common type of hydrocarbon found in petroleum.
● Cycloalkanes: These are cyclic hydrocarbons with single bonds between carbon atoms.
They are also known as naphthene.
● Aromatic hydrocarbons: These are hydrocarbons that contain one or more benzene
rings. They have a ring structure with alternating double bonds.
● Asphaltenes: These are complex, high-molecular-weight compounds that are rich in
sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen. They are the least soluble components of petroleum.
In addition to hydrocarbons, petroleum also contains small amounts of other elements, such as
sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, and metals. These impurities can affect the quality and refining of
petroleum.
Key Points:
● Petroleum is a fossil fuel formed from the remains of microscopic organisms.
● The main components of petroleum are hydrocarbons, including alkanes, cycloalkanes,
and aromatic hydrocarbons.
● The composition of petroleum can vary widely depending on various factors.
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NIGERIAN AND WORLD CRUDE OIL RESERVES
Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, boasts an impressive 37.2 billion barrels of proven
oil reserves, ranking 12th globally. The Niger Delta region accounts for approximately 77% of the
country’s total reserves, with other notable oil-producing states including: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa,
Rivers and Delta.
Globally, the total proven oil reserves stand at an astonishing 1.47 trillion barrels. With
the top reserve holders being:
1. Venezuela (17.6%)
2. Saudi Arabia (16.2%)
3. Canada (10.2%)
4. Iran (9.5%)
5. Iraq (8.4%)
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EXPLORATION AND DRILLING OF CRUDE OIL
The search for crude oil involves sophisticated exploration and drilling methods and
techniques:
● Seismic Surveys: Using soundwaves to find potential oil deposits
● Drilling exploratory wells: Extracting samples to confirm oil presence
● Offshore and onshore drilling: Employing distinct techniques for varied environments
Advances in technology have significantly enhanced exploration accuracy and oil
recovery:
● 3D Seismic Imaging: Providing high resolution images of subsurface structures
● Horizontal drilling: Increasing oil recovery rates
● Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Implementing innovative techniques to extract more oils
from existing wells
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FRACTIONAL DISTILLATION AND THE MAJOR
COMPOUNDS
Fractional distillation is a separation technique for miscible liquids which have varying
boiling temperatures. It is a crucial process in the manufacturing and production of major
compounds of crude oil based on their boiling points.
BOILING POINTS FOR SOME COMPOUNDS OF CRUDE OIL
⮚ Gasoline (Petrol): 40-2000C boiling point
⮚ Naphtha: 200-2500C
⮚ Kerosene: 250-3000C
⮚ Diesel: 300-3700C
⮚ Fuel Oil: 370-4200C
⮚ Lubricating Oil: 420-5000C
⮚ Bitumen/Asphalt: >5000C
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LOCATION OF NIGERIAN REFINERIES
Nigeria’s refineries are strategically located to facilitate efficient production and
distribution:
● Kaduna Refinery (1980): 110,000 barrels per day capacity
● Port Harcourt Refinery (1989): 150,000 barrels per day capacity
● Warri Refinery (1988): 125,000 barrels per day capacity
Planned refurbishment and expansion aim to increase capacity and optimize operations.
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CRACKING AND REFORMING
Cracking and reforming processes convert complex hydrocarbons into valuable products:
● Cracking is the decomposition of hydrocarbons into smaller units with the use of heat
energy.
✔ Thermal Cracking: This is the usage of heat to break down (crack) hydrocarbons
✔ Catalytic Cracking: This is the employment of catalysts to crack the hydrocarbons
● Reforming is the conversion of naphtha into higher-octane petrol
✔ Catalytic Reforming: Using platinum-based catalysts could transform naphtha
into higher-octane.
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PETROCHEMICALS
These are chemical products derived from petroleum
Types of Petrochemicals, include:
- Olefins (ethylene, propylene)
- Aromatics (benzene, toluene)
- Synthesis gas (syngas)
Examples of Petrochemicals
● Plastics (Polyethylene, polypropylene)
● Fertilizers (Ammonia, Urea)
● Synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon)
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QUALITY OF PETROL (OCTANE NUMBER)
This is defined as the measure of petrol’s resistance to engine knocking. These units are
gotten when petrol becomes cracked and reformed. As cracking increases the quantity and
reforming increases the quality.
Types of octane number:
- Research Octane Number
- Motor Octane Number
Standards for a high quality of petrol varies across the world due to differences in
temperature and climate in general. Some countries’ standards for Octane Number like Nigeria
are 91-98 RON (Research Octane Number). While in some other countries, the range falls
between 87-93 RON (Research Octane Number), an example of this country is USA
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NATURAL GASES
Natural gases are fossil fuels (hydrocarbons) in their gaseous state, used for cooking or
heating, generally. A fundamental hydrocarbon here is methane.
TYPES OF NATURAL GAS
- Associated Gases (with crude oil)
- Non-associated gases (Stand-alone deposits)
Some uses of hydrocarbons include: Electricity Generation, Industrial Processes (fertilizers,
chemicals), Cooking and heating
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PETROCHEMICAL AGENCIES
Petrochemical Agencies are the organizations regulating and overseeing the petroleum
industry. Key agencies regulating Nigeria’s oil industry include:
● NNPC (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation)
● DPR (Department of Petroleum Resources)
● PPPRA (Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency)
● NMDPRA (Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority)
● PETAN (Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria)
These agencies ensure compliance with regulations, oversee exploration and production
of petrochemicals, and promote industry growth
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ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF PETROL
1. Revenue Generation
- Government revenue: Petrol Contributes significantly to government revenue through
taxes, royalties and dividends.
- Export Earnings: Petrol exports generate substantial foreign exchange earnings for oil-
producing countries.
2. Employment Opportunities
- Direct Employment: The petroleum industry employs millions worldwide, from
extraction to reefing and distribution.
- Indirect Employment: Petrol supports industries like transportation, manufacturing, and
construction.
3. Infrastructure Development
- Transportation: Petrol fuels transportation networks, enabling movement of goods,
services, animals and people.
- Industrial Development: Petrol-based products (e.g., plastics, fertilizers) support various
industries.
- Energy Generation: Petrol contributes to electricity generation, powering homes and
businesses.
4. Economic Growth
- GDP Contribution: Petrol contributes significantly to GDP in oil-producing countries
- Economic Stability: Petrol Prices influence inflation rates and overall Economic stability
- Investment Opportunities: Petrol attracts investments in exploration, production and
refining.
- Technology Development: The petroleum industry drives technological advancements
- Trade Balance: Petrol exports can improve trade balances for oil-producing countries
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