Petroleum-Based Chemicals – What You Need to Know
Petroleum, like all fossil fuels, primarily consists of a complex mixture of molecules called hydrocarbons. Petrochemical plants convert the components of oil and gas, such as ethane, propane, and more into chemicals like ethylene, propylene, and methanol. Two of the most common petrochemical classes, olefins and aromatics, are the building blocks for plastics, industrial chemicals, agricultural pesticides, and many other materials.
Petroleum Refineries
Petroleum refineries are entities that separate crude oil into a vast array of petroleum products through a series of physical and chemical separation techniques. These techniques such as fractionation, cracking, and hydrotreating are responsible for supplying everyday products like petroleum gas, diesel fuel, kerosene, motor oil and asphalt. Some fragrances, food additives, inks and dyes are also made from petroleum-derived chemicals.
Although petroleum refineries are one of the largest industries in the US and a vital part of the National economy, there are several potential environmental hazards involved with them, and an increased cause for concern in areas in close proximity to them.
Environmental Hazards of Petroleum-Based Chemicals and Refineries
Substantial quantities of toxic and non-toxic waste are generated during the extraction, refinement and transportation stages of oil and gas. Some industry by-products, such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen, sulfur compounds and spilled oil can pollute air, water and soil. Below are the most common forms of pollution caused by petroleum-based chemicals and refineries.
Air Pollution
Emissions or air pollutants result from the burning of oil or gas and during all other stages of the oil-producing process from extraction to consumption. In the extraction phase gas venting and flaring release methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides and aerosols. The refinement and consumption phases of the oil-producing process produce several other pollutants that are released into the air.
Oil Spills
Oil spills occur when crude oil is released from tankers, pipelines and drilling rigs as well as spills of refined petroleum products and their byproducts into the ocean or coastal waters. Recovery and cleanup from an oil spill can be quite difficult and depends on many factors including location, the type of oil spilled and the temperature of the water.
Produced Water and Drilling Water Discharge
Produced water discharge results in polyaromatic hydrocarbon emission in the ocean and is considered the largest emission event in the marine environment. It is the direct result of offshore oil and gas production.
Why Is This Important?
The extraction and refinement of oil, gas and petroleum-based products affects air, water and soil. To limit those impacts, the industry must implement measures to ensure that the process is completed in the most safe and efficient manner.
Get your water tested today if you have any questions or concerns regarding your water quality! A Culligan expert can test your water and recommend the right system for your home. Testing for specific petroleum-related compounds, such as benzene or MTBE, requires a certified laboratory, and the right treatment depends on what is found; check a system’s performance data sheet for what it is certified to reduce.
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