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Petroleum
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Detail
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- It is one of the most important natural resources
- The term “petroleum” originates from “petra” (rock) and “oleum” (oil), highlighting its extraction from beneath the Earth’s rocks.
- Light automobiles such as motorcycles, scooters, and cars use petrol as fuel.
- Heavy motor vehicles like trucks and tractors are powered by diesel.
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Formation
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- Petroleum originates from organisms that once lived in the sea.
- Over millions of years, these dead organisms transformed into petroleum and natural resources(gas) due to high temperature, high pressure, and absence of air.
- Since oil and gas are lighter than water, their layer is situated above water.
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Discovery and Location
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- The world’s first oil well was drilled in Pennsylvania, USA, in 1859.
- In India, oil was first discovered in Assam (Makum) in 1867.
- Other locations include Gujarat, Mumbai High, and the river basins of Godavari and Krishna.
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Refining
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- Petroleum, characterised by its dark and oily appearance, possesses an unpleasant odour.
- It comprises various constituents including petroleum gas, petrol, diesel, lubricating oil, and paraffin wax.
- Refining involves the process of separating these constituents.
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Products and Petrochemicals
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- The substances derived from petroleum and natural gas are termed as ‘Petrochemicals’.
- They are instrumental in producing detergents, fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, as well as polythene and plastics.
- Hydrogen gas, sourced from natural gas, is pivotal in the production of fertilisers like urea.
- Black Gold: Due to its significant commercial value, petroleum is often dubbed ‘black gold’.
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Natural Gas
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Details
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- Natural gas stands as an essential fossil fuel, mainly because of the ease with which it can be transported through pipes.
- It is stored under high pressure to form compressed natural gas (CNG), which is utilised for power generation.
- It’s preferred as a fuel for transport vehicles due to its less polluting nature, marking it as a cleaner fuel.
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Direct Usage
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- Natural gas can be directly burned in homes and factories.
- A network of pipelines facilitates its supply in locations like Vadodara (Gujarat) and certain parts of Delhi.
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Applications
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- Natural resources like gas also serve as a foundational material for producing several chemicals and fertilisers.
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Indian Reserves
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- Natural gas reserves in India are abundant, with significant deposits in Tripura, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and the Krishna Godavari delta.
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