Petroleum Products
Bitumen
Bitumen is manufactured from crude oil. Bitumen is obtained as the last residue in fractional distillation of crude petroleum. Crude petroleum is a mixture of hydrocarbons of different molecular weights. In the petroleum refineries the individual components like LPG, naphtha, Kerosene, Diesel etc. are separated through the process of fractional distillation.
The heaviest material obtained from the fractional distillation process is further treated and blended to make different grades of paving grade bitumen.
Bitumen is a common binder used in road construction, it is Black or Brown in colour and possess water proofing & adhesive properties.
This material is further treated and blended to make different grades of paving grade bitumen. ie Bitumen VG-10, VG-30 and VG-40 and meets IS 73-2006 specification.
Bitumen is widely used in:
For civil engineering works:
- Constructions of roads, runways and platforms.
- Water proofing to prevent water seepage.
- Mastic floorings for factories and godowns.
- Canal lining to prevent erosion.
- Dump-proof courses for masonry.
- Tank foundation.
- Joint filling material for mason
For Industries:
- Electrical cables and junction boxes.
- In battery manufacture as sealing compound.
- Paint industries for manufacturing black paints and anti-corrosive paints.
- Ceramics.
- Printing inks.
- Water proof papers.
- Electrical capacitors.
- Bituminous felts.
Crude Oil
Crude Oil is a naturally occurring, a raw petroleum product which is refined to produce gasoline, heating oil, diesel and many other petrochemicals. Crude oil is popularly known as 'Black Gold'.
Directly or indirectly, we are all consumers of crude oil. From petrochemicals being used in Laptops, PCs, to the oil used in medicines, recreational sports items, cosmetics and even tea. Crude oil is an important part of our lives.
48% of crude oil reserves are in middle eastern countries. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries or OPEC controls almost 40% of the world's crude oil production.
Diesel
Diesel fuel also called diesel oil, is any liquid fuel specifically designed for use in a diesel engine, a type of internal combustion engine in which fuel ignition takes place without a spark as a result of compression of the inlet air and then injection of fuel. Therefore, diesel fuel needs good compression ignition characteristics.
Bunker Oil
Bunker oil is oil loaded into bunker tanks for use as fuel, as distinguished from oil carried as cargo.
Bunker oils contain metals and contaminants that can cause corrosion in commercial ships, cruise ships and cargo. Since it carries a range of contaminants, it can lead to a serious environmental hazard when it spills.
Bunker oil is also known as residual fuel oil (RFO).