Petroleum Products
Petroleum products are a broad category of products derived from crude oil. Crude oil is a fossil fuel formed from the remains of ancient marine plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. It is extracted from underground reservoirs and undergoes various refining processes to produce different petroleum products.
Some common petroleum products include:
- Gasoline (Petrol): Gasoline is the most widely known petroleum product and is used as fuel for cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. It is a volatile mixture of hydrocarbons that are refined to meet specific octane ratings.
- Diesel: Diesel fuel is used in diesel engines, commonly found in trucks, buses, trains, and some cars. It is a heavier, less refined product compared to gasoline and contains higher energy content.
- Jet Fuel: Jet fuel, also known as aviation turbine fuel (ATF), is used to power aircraft. It needs to meet strict specifications and performance requirements to ensure safe and efficient flight.
- Heating Oil: Heating oil is used for residential and commercial heating purposes, particularly in colder regions. It is similar to diesel fuel but with different additives to improve its performance in heating systems.
- Propane: Propane is a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) commonly used for heating, cooking, and powering appliances like gas grills and generators. It is stored under pressure in tanks and can easily convert between gas and liquid states.
- Lubricants: Lubricants are used to reduce friction and wear between moving parts of machinery and engines. They include motor oils, hydraulic fluids, greases, and specialty lubricants for various applications.
- Petrochemicals: Petrochemicals are chemical compounds derived from petroleum products. They are used as raw materials in the manufacturing of plastics, polymers, synthetic fibers, fertilizers, detergents, and many other products.
