Crude oil, often simply called "crude," is an unrefined
petroleum product composed of hydrocarbon deposits and other
organic materials. It is a liquid found underground that can be
refined to produce various fuels, including gasoline, diesel,
and jet fuel, as well as other products like plastics and
chemicals.
Classification:
Based on its specific gravity (API gravity) and sulfur content,
crude oil can be classified into:
Light or Heavy: Determined by its API gravity with light crude
oil being less dense and, therefore, more valuable than heavy
crude oil.
Sweet or Sour: Based on its sulfur content. Sweet crude has
less than 0.5% sulfur, while sour crude has a higher sulfur
content.
Physical Characteristics:
Color varies from yellow to black.
Viscosity can range from water-like to thick and
tar-like.
Distinctive odor, often pungent.
Applications:
Fuel Production: Main source for gasoline, diesel, kerosene,
and jet fuel after refining.
Petrochemicals: Base for manufacturing chemicals, plastics,
synthetic materials, and more.
Lubricants: Processed to produce motor oil, grease, and other
lubricating products.
Asphalt: Used in road construction.
Storage & Handling:
Crude oil is typically stored in large tanks or transported in
pipelines, tankers, or rail cars. Proper care is needed during
transportation to prevent spills and environmental
contamination.
Note: Crude oil's quality and characteristics can vary widely
based on its geographical origin and the conditions under which
it was formed. Before refining or using, a detailed analysis is
usually performed to understand its composition and how best to
process or utilize it