Crude oil is a thick, dark liquid usually found underground. As you know, gasoline is made from crude oil. But that’s not the only petroleum-based product, (petro product) we use in our everyday lives! You might be surprised to learn how many different types of fuels and products are made from "black gold."
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After oil is removed from underground, it’s sent to a refinery, where the crude oil is separated into its different parts, or fractions, by heat. Each type of hydrocarbon boils at a different temperature. When crude oil is boiled at low temperatures, for example, petroleum gases boil off of the crude oil and can be collected. As the temperature increases, other products, such as gasoline and kerosene turn into gas and can be separated from the oil. As the oil heats up, each type of hydrocarbon is stripped out, layer by layer. Some of those layers are made into different fuels that can be used for energy. Petroleum is made into common fuels like the gasoline used in most cars, the diesel fuel used in many trucks and trains, and the jet fuel that powers airplanes. The petroleum gases that are removed during the first stage of the refining process can be made into propane, which is often used to heat homes. Petroleum is made into nonfuel products, too. Petroleum gases that are made into propane can also be used to make plastics. Other hydrocarbons, which are separated from crude oil at different temperatures, are used to make other products such as wax and ink. How? After the oil is separated, the fractions are treated to remove impurities. Then different fractions are blended together to make various products, including feedstocks. Petroleum feedstocks are the basic building blocks used for making many chemical products. The feedstocks and other products produced in the refinery are shipped to manufacturers, who turn the chemicals into many familiar products. Some common nonfuel petro products are: - liquids used in paints and printing inks
- oil and greases used to keep car engines and other machines running smoothly
- waxes used in making candles, packages, matches, polishes, crayons, and candy
- petroleum jelly used in medical products, skin-care products, and make-up
- asphalt used for paving roads, and materials for roofing and flooring
- synthetic rubber used in hoses
- synthetic fibers used in carpets, clothing, and shoes
- medicine, such as aspirin and antihistamines
- life-saving medical supplies, such as artificial hearts, heart valve replacements, and pacemakers
- chemicals, such as pesticides
- detergents, such as laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid
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