Products Created by the Petroleum Industry
The petroleum industry, also known as the oil industry or oil patch, encompasses the process of exploration, extraction, refining, transporting and marketing of petroleum products. Petroleum products are derived from crude oil and play a big part in everyday life.
What is Petroleum?
Petroleum is a mixture of oil and natural gas – it is considered a fossil fuel because it is formed naturally from decaying prehistoric plants and animal remains.
Modern technology has made it easier to located petroleum. Geologists study the surface and underground of the Earth in order to predict where oil may be found. Drilling rigs are then used to drill a well under the Earth’s surface – if successful, the rig is removed and a pump placed in order to suction the oil from the ground.
The petroleum is then processed at an oil refinery where the crude oil is transformed into more useful products.
Fuel Oil
Fuel oil is any liquid fuel that is burned in order to generate heat or used in an engine to create power. Fuel oils account for the largest volume of petroleum products and is used to make jet oil, diesel oil, heating oil and gasoline/petrol.
Pharmaceuticals and Health Care
Petroleum is used widely in health care. When it comes to pharmaceuticals, oil is often used in the manufacturing of pills, capsules and disposable syringes. It is also vital in the production of physical aids such as hearing aids, pacemakers, artificial hips, prosthetic limbs, crutches, eyeglasses and wheelchairs.
Fertilizers and Pesticides
Synthetic fertilizers are usually derived from petroleum by-products. Petroleum chemicals are also the source of many pesticides used for insect control. Our world’s agriculture depends on the use of pesticides and fertilizers in order to grow healthy crops.
Detergents and Solvents
Some cleaning solvents contain petroleum because it quickly dissolves grease, grime and burnt-on materials. Most modern detergents contain petroleum-derived products and/or chemicals derived from fats and other oils.
Artificial Scents and Perfumes
Synthetic and artificial scents are composed of man-made materials such as petroleum that produces a longer lasting and stronger scent since they don’t break down easily over time.
Asphalt and Tar
Petroleum oil is used as a binder for gravel to form asphalt concrete. This is then used to pave roads, etc. It is also used in tar, a dark brown or black sticky substance used to seal roofs and other waterproofing needs.
Lubricants
Light machine lubricants, motor oils and greases are all products derived from petroleum. The lubricating nature of petroleum helps to reduce the friction, heat and wear between mechanical components.
Plastic
Plastic is created by using natural, organic materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt as well as crude oil.
Petroleum Jelly
Known more commonly by its commercial name “Vaseline”, this petroleum by-product is commonly used for burns, scrapes, cracked skin and lubrication.
The Future of Petroleum Products
Since its inception, petroleum and its by-products have become a crucial component of many of the products we use today. Even as our world moves toward more sustainable fuel and energy options, there will still be a large range of products dependent upon petroleum.
While the world may be headed toward the use of cleaner resources, the need for petroleum and its by-products in manufacturing is likely to remain the same.
Apache Pipelines Products is dedicated to manufacturing high quality pipeline cleaning and maintenance equipment used around the world for oil, natural gas and industrial pipelines.
For more information, contact us today!