6.1.Introduction

Unit 6 : Oil pollution

6.1.Oil Pollution (Petroleum Hydrocarbons)
Crude oil is a complex mixture hydrocarbons with 4-26 or more carbon atoms in the molecule. Crude oil is extracted usually from the upper strata of the earth. Non-hydrocarbons such as sulphurs, nitrogen, oxygen and vanadium may represent upto 25% of the oil.

Classification:
  • Based on the Chemical Structure:
    • Aliphatic compounds
    • Aromatic compounds
  • Based on Uses:
    • Fuel
    • Lubricants
    • Coatings
    • Solvents
    • Hydraulic fuels
    • Cutting and rolling fluids
Properties of Crude Oil:
  • Lighter than water
  • Immiscible with water
  • Highly flammable
  • Spreads on water forming slicks
  • Generally liquid at room temperature.
Crude oil must be refined before it can be used. Refining is essentially a distillation process with different fractions taken at different boiling range.

Last modified: Monday, 13 June 2011, 10:10 AM