Fossil FuelsFossil Fuels

By: Mike TsangBy: Mike Tsang

What are fossil fuels?What are fossil fuels? There are three major forms of fossil fuels: coal, oil and natural There are three major forms of fossil fuels: coal, oil and natural

gas. All three were formed many hundreds of millions of years ago gas. All three were formed many hundreds of millions of years ago before the time of the dinosaurs - hence the name fossil fuels. The before the time of the dinosaurs - hence the name fossil fuels. The age they were formed is called the Carboniferous Period. It was age they were formed is called the Carboniferous Period. It was part of the Paleozoic Era. "Carboniferous" gets its name from part of the Paleozoic Era. "Carboniferous" gets its name from carbon, the basic element in coal and other fossil fuels.carbon, the basic element in coal and other fossil fuels.

What are the different types on What are the different types on fossil fuels?fossil fuels?

The three main types of fossil fuel is coal, natural gas, and The three main types of fossil fuel is coal, natural gas, and petroleum. Coal is created by the decomposed plants. Natural gas petroleum. Coal is created by the decomposed plants. Natural gas is formed by marine microorganisms. Petroleum, also known as is formed by marine microorganisms. Petroleum, also known as crude oil, is used for generating electricity and for manufacturing. crude oil, is used for generating electricity and for manufacturing. Petroleum is formed from the remains of biodegraded organic Petroleum is formed from the remains of biodegraded organic marine microorganisms. When the microorganisms compressed marine microorganisms. When the microorganisms compressed they became oil. they became oil.

How is coal formed?How is coal formed? Coal is a hard, black colored rock-like substance. It is made up of Coal is a hard, black colored rock-like substance. It is made up of

carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and varying amounts of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and varying amounts of sulphur. There are three main types of coal - anthracite, sulphur. There are three main types of coal - anthracite, bituminous and lignite. Anthracite coal is the hardest and has bituminous and lignite. Anthracite coal is the hardest and has more carbon, which gives it a higher energy content. Lignite is the more carbon, which gives it a higher energy content. Lignite is the softest and is low in carbon but high in hydrogen and oxygen softest and is low in carbon but high in hydrogen and oxygen content. Bituminous is in between. Today, the precursor to coal - content. Bituminous is in between. Today, the precursor to coal - peat - is still found in many countries and is also used as an peat - is still found in many countries and is also used as an energy source.energy source.

Describe the different stages of Describe the different stages of coal formation?coal formation?

The story of how coal is created is very similar to that for oil. However, it does vary in several The story of how coal is created is very similar to that for oil. However, it does vary in several key respects. In the case of coal, the original organic material that is buried in the ground is key respects. In the case of coal, the original organic material that is buried in the ground is plant material. Most of the coal that is found in the world today originates from the plant material. Most of the coal that is found in the world today originates from the Carboniferous Period over 300 million years ago (In the U.S., the Carboniferous is broken up Carboniferous Period over 300 million years ago (In the U.S., the Carboniferous is broken up into the Pennsylvanian, in which the coal originates, and the Mississippian, in which limestone into the Pennsylvanian, in which the coal originates, and the Mississippian, in which limestone was deposited). During this period, there were many low-lying swamps that had large was deposited). During this period, there were many low-lying swamps that had large numbers of tree ferns and leafy trees. When these trees died, they fell into the swamp and numbers of tree ferns and leafy trees. When these trees died, they fell into the swamp and were fairly quickly covered with sediments. Because of the low oxygen levels in the water in were fairly quickly covered with sediments. Because of the low oxygen levels in the water in the swamps, this plant material did not decay much and was preserved for later conversion. the swamps, this plant material did not decay much and was preserved for later conversion.

Another way in which coal differs from oil in creation has to do with the process of conversion. Another way in which coal differs from oil in creation has to do with the process of conversion. Since the coal started out as wood, it was always a possible fuel source. Even the lowest Since the coal started out as wood, it was always a possible fuel source. Even the lowest grade of coal can be burned to produce heat, unlike the microscopic organism that comprised grade of coal can be burned to produce heat, unlike the microscopic organism that comprised oil. The more conversion that the coal undergoes, the better the grade of coal and the more oil. The more conversion that the coal undergoes, the better the grade of coal and the more energy per pound that it can deliver. The process of conversion is similar to oil in that it energy per pound that it can deliver. The process of conversion is similar to oil in that it requires the high temperatures and pressures that are achieved by burial deposition. As the requires the high temperatures and pressures that are achieved by burial deposition. As the coal gets buried deeper in the earth, water is squeezed from the wood, leaving behind coal gets buried deeper in the earth, water is squeezed from the wood, leaving behind material that is higher in carbon content. material that is higher in carbon content.

The different amounts of conversion result in different types of coal. There are four main The different amounts of conversion result in different types of coal. There are four main categories of coal: anthracite, bituminous, subbituminous, and lignite. These different categories of coal: anthracite, bituminous, subbituminous, and lignite. These different varieties are rated upon the percentage of carbon in the coal and on their heating value varieties are rated upon the percentage of carbon in the coal and on their heating value (amount of energy released when burned), which are related to the heat and pressure that (amount of energy released when burned), which are related to the heat and pressure that the coal underwent in being formed. the coal underwent in being formed.

How is coal used as a fossil fuel?How is coal used as a fossil fuel? Coal does get used for other purposes, although some of these Coal does get used for other purposes, although some of these

uses get mixed with generating electricity. About 6% of the coal uses get mixed with generating electricity. About 6% of the coal used in the U.S. goes toward other industrial uses, which can used in the U.S. goes toward other industrial uses, which can include those that create electricity for use on site or for combined include those that create electricity for use on site or for combined heat-power generation. Another .5% is designated as heat-power generation. Another .5% is designated as residential/commercial use, which is mostly used for heat, but can residential/commercial use, which is mostly used for heat, but can be used for generating electricity at universities and hospitals. The be used for generating electricity at universities and hospitals. The remaining 3% of the coal consumed in the U.S. goes toward remaining 3% of the coal consumed in the U.S. goes toward making coke, which is used in the refining of metal ores. making coke, which is used in the refining of metal ores.

Top Coal-Producing States (2001) Top Coal-Producing States (2001) (Thousand Short Tons) (Thousand Short Tons) State State Amount Amount Wyoming Wyoming 368,749 368,749 West Virginia West Virginia 162,416 162,416 Kentucky Kentucky 133,834 133,834 Pennsylvania Pennsylvania 74,146 74,146 Texas Texas 45,042 45,042

How is oil formed?How is oil formed? Begins with plants using solar energy to convert carbon dioxide Begins with plants using solar energy to convert carbon dioxide

and water into oxygen and carbohydrates through a process and water into oxygen and carbohydrates through a process known as photosynthesis. When the plants die, the sediments known as photosynthesis. When the plants die, the sediments containing them become buried and, as the depth of burial containing them become buried and, as the depth of burial increases, heat and pressure transform the carbohydrates into increases, heat and pressure transform the carbohydrates into hydrocarbons. This takes place in source rocks, usually very fine-hydrocarbons. This takes place in source rocks, usually very fine-grained rocks known as black shale's. Coal is a solid hydrocarbon grained rocks known as black shale's. Coal is a solid hydrocarbon derived from land plants. Oil is a liquid hydrocarbon derived derived from land plants. Oil is a liquid hydrocarbon derived primarily from simple marine plants and animals, and natural gas primarily from simple marine plants and animals, and natural gas is a gaseous hydrocarbon derived from either terrestrial or marine is a gaseous hydrocarbon derived from either terrestrial or marine materials at a higher temperature and pressure than coal or oil. materials at a higher temperature and pressure than coal or oil. The other way oil is made: speculates that hydrocarbons were The other way oil is made: speculates that hydrocarbons were trapped inside the earth as it formed and are migrating to the trapped inside the earth as it formed and are migrating to the surface.surface.

How is oil used as a fossil fuel?How is oil used as a fossil fuel? When we think of crude oil, gasoline naturally pops right into out heads. For most people, the two are inseparable. There When we think of crude oil, gasoline naturally pops right into out heads. For most people, the two are inseparable. There

is good reason for this connection in the U.S.: we use 45% of our crude oil to produce gasoline for use in our is good reason for this connection in the U.S.: we use 45% of our crude oil to produce gasoline for use in our automobiles. This is necessary for the ever-burgeoning number of cars on the roads and miles that they drive. There automobiles. This is necessary for the ever-burgeoning number of cars on the roads and miles that they drive. There were over 235 million registered vehicles in the U.S. in 2001, which were driven, on average, almost 12,000 miles each were over 235 million registered vehicles in the U.S. in 2001, which were driven, on average, almost 12,000 miles each year.year.4 4 Of this number, 137 million consisted of passenger vehicles that got an average of 22 miles per gallon. The most Of this number, 137 million consisted of passenger vehicles that got an average of 22 miles per gallon. The most striking feature, though, was that this number includes 84 million light duty trucks (includes SUV’s), which got an striking feature, though, was that this number includes 84 million light duty trucks (includes SUV’s), which got an average of 17.6 miles per gallon. This represents a tremendous increase in fuel inefficient vehicles, as there were only average of 17.6 miles per gallon. This represents a tremendous increase in fuel inefficient vehicles, as there were only 48 million light duty trucks on the road in 1990. 48 million light duty trucks on the road in 1990. Gasoline is not the only product that comes from crude oil, as Figure 2 shows. A Gasoline is not the only product that comes from crude oil, as Figure 2 shows. A little over one-fifth of the oil that we use goes toward making fuel oil that is used in industrial processes and to heat homes in the winter. little over one-fifth of the oil that we use goes toward making fuel oil that is used in industrial processes and to heat homes in the winter. Jet aircraft fly over 5 billion miles in the U.S. each year, which accounts for almost 10% of the crude oil used. The remaining 25% of the Jet aircraft fly over 5 billion miles in the U.S. each year, which accounts for almost 10% of the crude oil used. The remaining 25% of the crude oil goes to a number of uses such as asphalt for roads, coke for use in the metals industry, propane for use in cooking and heating, crude oil goes to a number of uses such as asphalt for roads, coke for use in the metals industry, propane for use in cooking and heating, and waxes and lubricants for industrial processes. About 3% of the oil finds its way into petrochemical feed stocks, which are used to and waxes and lubricants for industrial processes. About 3% of the oil finds its way into petrochemical feed stocks, which are used to create plastics for many of the things that you find around you everyday. It is important that we keep these other uses in mind when we create plastics for many of the things that you find around you everyday. It is important that we keep these other uses in mind when we discuss the oil industry. Even if we find alternative methods for transportation and heating, our modern way of life still depends upon oil for discuss the oil industry. Even if we find alternative methods for transportation and heating, our modern way of life still depends upon oil for many other uses. many other uses.

How is natural gas formed?How is natural gas formed? In the world of fossil fuels, natural gas is often the overlooked ugly duckling. It gets In the world of fossil fuels, natural gas is often the overlooked ugly duckling. It gets

lumped in with oil, as in “oil and gas industry”, even though the discussion usually lumped in with oil, as in “oil and gas industry”, even though the discussion usually centers upon oil. It does not help that gasoline, which is derived from oil, is shortened centers upon oil. It does not help that gasoline, which is derived from oil, is shortened to “gas”. In many people’s mind, the “gas” in “oil and gas” refers to gasoline, and to “gas”. In many people’s mind, the “gas” in “oil and gas” refers to gasoline, and not natural gas. Natural gas is composed primarily of methane (CHnot natural gas. Natural gas is composed primarily of methane (CH44). It does contain ). It does contain other chemical species, such as butane and propane. If the mixture is comprised only other chemical species, such as butane and propane. If the mixture is comprised only of these species, it is called dry natural gas, as there will be no liquid components at of these species, it is called dry natural gas, as there will be no liquid components at standard pressure and temperature. There might also be some other organic standard pressure and temperature. There might also be some other organic components, such as pentanes, that are mixed in with these species. These heavier components, such as pentanes, that are mixed in with these species. These heavier species are normally liquid at standard temperature and pressure, and comprise species are normally liquid at standard temperature and pressure, and comprise what is called natural gas liquids. Natural gas might also be mixed in with non-what is called natural gas liquids. Natural gas might also be mixed in with non-hydrocarbon compounds, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide. hydrocarbon compounds, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide. If so, it forms what is called wet natural gas, and requires some processing before it If so, it forms what is called wet natural gas, and requires some processing before it can be used. Natural gas comes from the decomposition of organic matter, just like can be used. Natural gas comes from the decomposition of organic matter, just like oil and coal. Unlike oil and coal, though, it can come from almost any organic matter, oil and coal. Unlike oil and coal, though, it can come from almost any organic matter, whereas coal comes only from plant matter and oil comes almost exclusively from whereas coal comes only from plant matter and oil comes almost exclusively from plankton and micro plankton remains. Natural gas can come from both of these plankton and micro plankton remains. Natural gas can come from both of these sources as well. This is why you often find it associated with both oil wells and sources as well. This is why you often find it associated with both oil wells and coalmines. coalmines.

How is natural gas used as a fossil How is natural gas used as a fossil fuel?fuel?

Over the last century, the use of natural gas has become more diversified. Over the last century, the use of natural gas has become more diversified. In 2002, 22.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas were used in the U.S. Table In 2002, 22.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas were used in the U.S. Table 1 shows a list of the different uses of this amount of natural gas. As you 1 shows a list of the different uses of this amount of natural gas. As you can see, natural gas has come a long way from being used primarily to can see, natural gas has come a long way from being used primarily to provide lighting. The greatest use today is in the industrial sector as an provide lighting. The greatest use today is in the industrial sector as an energy source and as a chemical feedstock for such things as fertilizer. energy source and as a chemical feedstock for such things as fertilizer. The second greatest use is for generating electricity. This is a growing The second greatest use is for generating electricity. This is a growing sector, as the creation of new turbine generators that burn the gas in an sector, as the creation of new turbine generators that burn the gas in an engine and then use the exhaust to boil water results in power plant engine and then use the exhaust to boil water results in power plant efficiencies of 50-60%. Most of the remaining natural gas is used for efficiencies of 50-60%. Most of the remaining natural gas is used for heating, hot water, and cooking in homes and companies. heating, hot water, and cooking in homes and companies.

Use Use Percent Percent Residential Residential 21.7 21.7 Commercial Commercial 14.0 14.0 Industrial Industrial 31.8 31.8 Electricity Generation Electricity Generation 25.0 25.0 Automobiles Automobiles .1 .1 Pipeline Pipeline 2.8 2.8 Lease and plant Lease and plant 4.6 4.6

What are refineries and how are they What are refineries and how are they important to production of fossil fuels?important to production of fossil fuels?

Oil is stored in large tanks until it is sent to various places to be Oil is stored in large tanks until it is sent to various places to be used. At oil refineries, crude oil is split into various types of used. At oil refineries, crude oil is split into various types of products by heating the thick black oil. Oil is made into many products by heating the thick black oil. Oil is made into many different products - fertilizers for farms, the clothes you wear, the different products - fertilizers for farms, the clothes you wear, the toothbrush you use, the plastic bottle that holds your milk, the toothbrush you use, the plastic bottle that holds your milk, the plastic pen that you write with. They all came from oil. There are plastic pen that you write with. They all came from oil. There are thousands of other products that come from oil. Almost all plastic thousands of other products that come from oil. Almost all plastic comes originally from oil. The products include gasoline, diesel comes originally from oil. The products include gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation or jet fuel, home heating oil, oil for ships and oil to fuel, aviation or jet fuel, home heating oil, oil for ships and oil to burn in power plants to make electricity. burn in power plants to make electricity.

Exxon Valdzen Oil SpillExxon Valdzen Oil Spill The Exxon Valdzen spilled 11 million gallons of oil into the The Exxon Valdzen spilled 11 million gallons of oil into the

Mississippi river. In 1989, the Exxon Valdzen leaked 500 gallons of Mississippi river. In 1989, the Exxon Valdzen leaked 500 gallons of crude oil per second. Environmental control used floating orange crude oil per second. Environmental control used floating orange balloons filled with air to keep the oil back from land. This worked, balloons filled with air to keep the oil back from land. This worked, due to the fact that oil is less dense than water. So it floated. But due to the fact that oil is less dense than water. So it floated. But these balloons didn’t work for long. The oil soon destroyed eco these balloons didn’t work for long. The oil soon destroyed eco systems. The old oil that was left behind on beaches were systems. The old oil that was left behind on beaches were hardened up and turned pudgy. The waters of the Mississippi River hardened up and turned pudgy. The waters of the Mississippi River was very acidic during this time, due to the oil. Over 1,000 boating was very acidic during this time, due to the oil. Over 1,000 boating vessels were brought to clean the mess up.vessels were brought to clean the mess up.

Deep water horizon oil catastropheDeep water horizon oil catastrophe On April 20, 2010, an explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon, a On April 20, 2010, an explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon, a

drilling rig leased by the oil company BP,drilling rig leased by the oil company BP, set off a blaze that killed set off a blaze that killed 11 crew members. Two days later, it sank about 50 miles off the 11 crew members. Two days later, it sank about 50 miles off the Louisiana coast and crude oil began gushing out of a broken pipe. Louisiana coast and crude oil began gushing out of a broken pipe. Attempts to shut down the flow, at first estimated at about 1,000 Attempts to shut down the flow, at first estimated at about 1,000 barrels per day, failed when a safety device called a blowout barrels per day, failed when a safety device called a blowout preventer could not be activated. On April 28, government officials preventer could not be activated. On April 28, government officials said there were three leaks and the well was spilling over 5,000 said there were three leaks and the well was spilling over 5,000 barrels of oil per day — over 200,000 gallons — nearly a mile barrels of oil per day — over 200,000 gallons — nearly a mile below sea level. On May 17, BP officials said they had succeeded below sea level. On May 17, BP officials said they had succeeded in inserting a mile-long, 4-inch wide tube into the 21-inch-wide in inserting a mile-long, 4-inch wide tube into the 21-inch-wide burst pipe, siphoning off a little more than 1,000 barrels a day.burst pipe, siphoning off a little more than 1,000 barrels a day.