GLOSSARY OF OIL AND GAS TERMS.docVIP

GLOSSARY OF OIL AND GAS TERMS. Chemical Alkylation Refining process for converting light, gaseous olefins into high-octane gasoline components (reverse of cracking). ? Aromatics Class of hydrocarbons that have at least one benzene ring as part of their structure. Generally describes benzene and benzene derivatives. ? Associated Gas Natural gas associated with oil accumulations, either dissolved in oil or found as a cap of free gas above oil in reservoir. ? Benzene An aromatic hydrocarbon present to a minor degree in most crude oils. (Products manufactured from benzene include styrene, phenol, nylon and synthetic detergents.) ? Butane (C4H10) Either of two saturated hydrocarbons, or alkanes, with chemical formula. In both compounds carbon atoms are joined in an open chain. ? Carbon Atomic number is 6; element is in group 14 (or IVa) of periodic table. Carbon content of a hydrocarbon determines, to a degree, hydrocarbons burning characteristics and qualities. ? Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Colourless, odourless, and slightly acid-tasting gas, sometimes-called carbonic acid gas, molecule of which consists of one atom of carbon joined to two atoms of oxygen. Carbon dioxide in atmosphere tends to prevent escape of outgoing long-wave radiation from Earth to outer space; as more heat is produced and less escapes, temperature of Earth increases. Most important man-made greenhouse gas in UK accounting for 81% of direct global warming potential from national greenhouse emissions in 1990. ? Carbon Monoxide (CO) Chemical compound of carbon and oxygen. ? Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) Synthetic chemical that is odourless, non-toxic, non-flammable, and chemically inert. Released into atmosphere, chlorine-containing chemicals rise and are broken down by sunlight, whereupon chlorine reacts with and destroys ozone molecules. ? Coal During Carboniferous period much of world was covered with vegetation growing in swamps. This vegetation died and became submerged under