About Pipelines
Quick Facts:
- The first known product created from a chemical reaction of petroleum or natural gas was in 1864, when “carbon black” was created from the combustion of “sour” gas. Carbon black is used as a reinforcing agent in automobile tires.
- Today, approximately two hundred petrochemicals created from the refining of petroleum and the processing of natural gas are used in the manufacture of industrial products.
Background
During the refining of petroleum products and the processing of natural gas, many chemical by-products are produced. These by-products are known as petrochemicals. Chemical plants convert petrochemicals into industrial products, which in turn are used in the manufacture of a wide range of familiar household and consumer products.
Prior to the 1940’s, “petrochemistry” was a tentative, somewhat experimental sector of industry. Although it had some notable successes, such as synthetic rubbers, Bakelite – an early plastic material -- and solvents, it wasn’t until World War II that the industry really took off. Driven by high demand and new uses for synthetic materials, the petrochemical industry became a major component of industry, and petrochemicals are now integral to thousands of products.
Processes
As noted, the petrochemical industry obtains its raw materials – also known as “feedstocks” – from refineries and natural gas processing plants. Feedstocks include naphtha, components of natural gas such as butane, and by-products of oil refining such as ethane and propane.
These feedstocks are further processed through an operation known as cracking. Cracking is simply the breaking down of heavy molecules into lighter, more valuable molecules. This molecular breakdown can be effected through “steam cracking” (the application of very high temperatures), or through “catalytic cracking”, which employs catalytic conversion.
In catalytic cracking, a catalyst is used in the chemical reaction. A catalyst is an agent that contributes to a chemical reaction but is not consumed in the reaction.
Once these operations are concluded, new petrochemical products are derived. Petrochemicals can be classified as olefins or aromatics.
Aromatics get their name from their distinctive smells. The main substances in this group – benzene, toluene and the xylenes – are basic chemicals used as starting materials for a wide range of consumer products. Almost all aromatics come from the refinement of crude oil.
The main olefin products - ethylene, propylene, butadiene and others - are produced from the processing of petroleum or natural gas.
Products
The steps involved in converting petrochemicals into useful manufacturing products can be simple, or very complex. For example, to go from ethylene to the well-known plastic polyethylene only takes one conversion step, although the process is complex. On the other hand, it takes more than seven conversions to go from benzene to the nylon used in our clothes and sports equipment.
Petrochemicals are used to produce a broad range of products. Synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester; pharmaceuticals; cosmetics; computers; paints; vehicle components; cooking utensils; household fabrics and sporting goods, all contain petroleum or natural gas-based petrochemicals. Some of the products made using aromatics help to reduce energy consumption, and have a positive impact on the environment. Lightweight plastic components in vehicles and aircraft, for example, and insulating foams in houses and offices are made with the help of aromatics. Products manufactured from olefins include commonly-used plastics, film, wire and cable, flooring, detergents, synthetic lubricants and industrial solvents.
Where can I learn more?
- Petrochemistry Online - https://www.petrochemistry.net.
- American Chemistry Council
- American Petroleum Institute
Date of Revision: 12012011