Crude oil and petrochemicals

Theme: YOU AND ENERGY

Basic science    J.S.S.2   Third Term

WEEK 8

Crude oil and petrochemicals

Performance Objectives

The student should be able to:

1. Explain what crude oil and petrochemicals are.

2. Describe the process of refining crude oil.

Content

Crude oil

Crude oil (petroleum) is a liquid fuel source located underground. It is extracted through drilling. It is the principal source of hydrocarbons which is formed in remains of aquatic animals and plants. It is a dark viscous liquid, found in huge underground deposits in many countries of the world e.g. Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Australia, Venezuela etc. to be relatively sulphur-free and this makes it very marketable. Countries like Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela, have oils with high sulphur…