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Processes of Oil

Oil is formed from marine organisms over millions of years and is found in porous sedimentary rocks. The process of finding, drilling, and refining oil involves scientific surveys, drilling rigs, and refineries to produce fuels and various industrial products. The government of Pakistan focuses on oil for power generation, manages its import expenses, and supports infrastructure projects for efficient transportation of petroleum products.

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5 views

Processes of Oil

Oil is formed from marine organisms over millions of years and is found in porous sedimentary rocks. The process of finding, drilling, and refining oil involves scientific surveys, drilling rigs, and refineries to produce fuels and various industrial products. The government of Pakistan focuses on oil for power generation, manages its import expenses, and supports infrastructure projects for efficient transportation of petroleum products.

Uploaded by

maryum.samiii
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Processes of Oil

Formation: Oil is formed over millions of years from the remains of tiny marine
animals and plants that get buried under layers of sediment. Over time, heat
and pressure turn this organic matter into mineral oil (petroleum).
Location: This oil is usually found trapped in porous (rock with tiny holes)
sedimentary rocks. Often, it accumulates in dome-shaped geological structures
called anticlines, trapped between layers of non-porous rocks.
Finding Oil (Prospecting): Finding oil usually starts with scientific surveys to
understand the underground rock structures. If oil is suspected, the first deep
hole is drilled to see if it's there.
Drilling: Once oil is found, a derrick (a large steel structure) is set up for drilling.
Pipes are drilled deep into the ground to reach the oil reservoir. The pressure
from underground helps the oil flow up, or it might need to be pumped out.
(Figure 8.18 shows a drilling rig in Pakistan.)
Refining: The crude oil that comes out of the ground cannot be used directly. It
needs to be processed in oil refineries. Refining separates the crude oil into
different useful products like petrol (for cars and airplanes), kerosene, and diesel
(for trucks and buses). This process makes the fuel cleaner-burning.
(Figure 8.13 shows part of an oil refinery in Karachi.)
Uses of Oil
Fuel: Oil is a very important fossil fuel and is primarily used as a source of
energy. It is refined into fuels like petrol and diesel for vehicles (cars, buses,
lorries, motorcycles). It is also used as jet fuel for airplanes and fuel for rail
engines and ships. Oil provides fuel for tractors and other agricultural
machinery. In some areas, it is used for heating.
Industrial Uses: Besides fuel, oil by-products are used in many industries. It is
used to increase the efficiency of coal use in industries like cement, fertilizers,
and sugar. Oil is a source for lubricants to reduce friction in machines. It is used
in the production of waxes, polishes, synthetic fibers, detergents, insecticides,
pharmaceuticals, and various chemical products. In construction, oil-based
products are used for roofing, road surfacing, and waterproofing.
Power Generation: In Pakistan, government policy has focused on using oil for
power generation, aiming for it to be a cheaper fuel source.
Transportation of Oil
Crude Oil Transportation: Crude oil is often transported from the oil wells to
refineries through pipelines. (Figure 8.15 shows PARCO's oil refining and
transportation projects, which include pipelines.) Sea tankers are used to
transport both crude oil and refined products, especially for international trade.
Major ports like Karachi and Port Qasim in Pakistan handle this.
Refined Petroleum Products Transportation: From the refineries, the processed
fuels are transported to different parts of the country through various means.
Pipelines are a cost-effective, efficient, and safer way to transport large
quantities of refined products over land. PARCO has established a pipeline
network in Pakistan for this purpose, including the White Oil Pipeline Project to
the central and northern areas. (Figure 8.20 shows the natural gas pipeline
network in Baluchistan, which gives an idea of such infrastructure.) Road tankers
and rail tankers are also used to distribute refined petroleum to petrol stations
and other consumers, especially to areas not directly connected by pipelines.
Government Organization:
Policy and Focus: The government of Pakistan's energy policy has focused on
power generation through coal and gas, aiming to reserve oil for use as a
cheaper fuel.
Strategic Importance: The government recognizes the importance of oil, as a
large portion of Pakistan's import expenses are due to petroleum products.
Managing this import bill is crucial for the country's foreign exchange reserves.
Infrastructure Development: The government has supported projects like the
White Oil Pipeline Project, undertaken by PARCO, to improve the transportation
infrastructure for refined petroleum products.
Public Sector Involvement: Organizations like the Oil & Gas Development
Corporation (OGDC) have been involved in the exploration and extraction of oil
and gas resources in Pakistan. This highlights the government's direct
participation in the oil sector.
Location of Refineries: The government considers the location of oil refineries in
relation to industrial and urban centers and ports to ensure convenient and cost-
effective distribution of petroleum products. Refineries located at or near ports
like Karachi facilitate both the import of crude oil and the distribution of refined
products.

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