Crude Oil and Its Extraction Process

Crude Oil  

Crude oil is a dark, viscous liquid composed of many different hydrocarbon compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon only. The term viscous means that the liquid does not flow easily.  

Crude oil was formed millions of years ago from the decomposition of plants and animals buried under layers of rock and subjected to intense heat and pressure. Over time, these organic materials transformed into the fossil fuel we know as crude oil.  

Extraction of Crude Oil  

Massive oil rigs are used to drill deep underground to extract crude oil. These rigs may be located on land or offshore (out at sea).  

- Once extracted, the crude oil is piped ashore or transported in huge oil tankers to oil refineries.  

- At the refinery, crude oil undergoes a process called fractional distillation, which separates it into different fractions based on boiling points.  

- Each fraction is then used to produce useful products such as petrol, diesel, kerosene, lubricants, and other petrochemicals.  

Insight:  

Crude oil is one of the most valuable natural resources powering industries, transportation, and daily life. Its refining process transforms a raw, viscous mixture into the fuels and materials that drive modern civilisation.