Cruel Oil
Cruel Oil
28/2/23, 10:00 pm
Crude oil, often referred to as "black gold," is a vital natural resource formed from ancient organic materials. Through a process of geological pressure and heat over millions of years, these materials have transformed into hydrocarbon deposits. When extracted via drilling, it is usually accompanied by other substances like natural gas and saline water. It serves as the primary feedstock for the production of various fuels and petrochemicals upon refinement. Crude oil reserves are exhaustible. The refining process begins with distillation, where it is heated and separated into its constituent components based on their boiling points. This process is essential for producing a wide array of products, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and asphalt, which are integral to modern economies and industries.
NATURE AND COMPOSITION
Crude oil, a naturally occurring unrefined petroleum product, comprises hydrocarbon deposits and organic materials. As a fossil fuel, it's indispensable for producing gasoline, diesel, and various petrochemicals. Being nonrenewable, its extraction and refining are vital yet finite processes.
EXTRACTION AND REFINEMENT
Obtained through drilling, crude oil is often found alongside natural gas and saline water. Refining transforms it into various forms such as gasoline, kerosene, and asphalt, catering to consumer needs. Distillation, the initial refining stage, separates oil into different components based on their properties.
TYPES OF CRUDE OIL
WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE (WTI)
Known for its low sulfur and density, WTI is sweet and light crude oil, with 0.24% sulfur content and 39.6
degrees gravity. It's favored for refining in Gulf regions and the United States.
BRENT BLEND
Derived from its extraction site, Brent Blend is sweet with 0.37% sulfur and 38.06 degrees gravity, primarily used for petroleum and gasoline production.
DUBAI CRUDE
Hailing from Dubai, this light-density crude boasts 31 degrees gravity and minimal sulfur content of 2%.
RUSSIAN EXPORT BLEND (REBCO)
A standard for Russian crude oil, REBCO is notably sour due to its high sulfur content, predominantly exported to Italy and the Netherlands.
BONNY LIGHT CRUDE OIL (BLCO)
High-grade Nigerian crude oil with high API gravity, BLCO is produced in the Niger Delta basin and named after the region around Bonny city.