In this note, we are going to learn about a topic called “What is Petroleum?” and Its Composition. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for Engineering Notes for Diploma and Degree Engineering Students.
Author Name: Arun Paul.
What is Petroleum?
Petroleum, also known as crude oil or mineral oil, is a thick, brown-colored liquid with high viscosity. It consists primarily of various hydrocarbons along with small amounts of organic compounds containing oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. Most of the hydrocarbons in crude oil are straight-chain paraffins. Ethylene and acetylene are not naturally present in crude oil but are produced during petroleum processing.
Composition of Petroleum
The typical composition of crude petroleum is as follows –
- Carbon: 80–87%
- Hydrogen: 11–15%
- Sulfur: 0.1–3.5%
- Oxygen: 0.1–1%
- Nitrogen: 0.3–1%
What is petroleum? It is a critical natural resource and the foundation of the global energy the economy. What is petroleum if not the foundation for an extensive variety of fuels, chemicals, and materials that power modern life? Its rich blend of hydrocarbons and small quantities of other organic molecules make it an essential raw material for the production of energy and industrial products. The question of “What is Petroleum” extends beyond its physical attributes; it is a driving factor behind technological innovation and economic expansion. In summary, understanding what petroleum means underlines its importance in shaping the globe we know today.