Kerosene
Oil production
Everything you need to know about kerosene. Kerosene is an important type of fuel. Extraction and refining of oil products in Ghana.
How much information do you know about kerosene and what it even is? Many of us don't even give it a second thought, even though the word is on everyone's lips.
Kerosene ... kerosene has an incredible influence in the world.Kerosene is a liquid form of fossil fuel that was once the most used fuel for lighting. Then came electricity. For production, a method of refining crude oil or separating the composition into fractions is used. The substance is an oily liquid, which under the influence of ultraviolet light gets a tinge of yellowness. It is one of the most popular petroleum products used in all industries.
The word "kerosene" comes from the Greek word "keroselaion", which means "wax oil". This is because in the past kerosene was made from wax. This is a very interesting fact. In the past, when kerosene was not yet talked about, the fuel for lamps was whale oil. For a while whale oil was the main fuel for lamps and also the material for making candles, because it did not give as strong an odor when burned like lard, and also gave less smoke.
This continued until the 1850s, but then the whaling fleet began to shrink: from 735 ships in 1846, the American whaling fleet shrank to 39 by 1876. The reason for this decline was kerosene. Kerosene was originally developed in 1846 by Canadian chemist Abraham Gesner. He later obtained a patent for a process to make kerosene from coal, shale oil and petroleum. This was an important discovery, as kerosene proved to be an efficient and safer substitute for candle gas and tar oil, used mainly for lighting at the time.
Kerosene is a flammable compound. Its vapors create an explosive mixture together with oxygen, therefore, it must be handled carefully. It is not allowed to get the liquid on the skin and in the eyes. This can lead to irritations and other unpleasant consequences.
As for the composition of the fuel itself, it differs depending on the technology and method of production. It may include nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur compounds, and other impurities. The basis of the fuel may also include various types of hydrocarbons. Depending on the distillation method and temperature, the properties of the energy carrier differ.
Total kerosene consumption for all purposes worldwide is approximately 1.2 million barrels per day. A barrel holds 45 gallons or 205 liters, which equates to about 54,000,000 gallons and 246,000,000,000 liters respectively.
Technical kerosene has a wide range of applications, viz:
- medical sphere (for lice removal, for lung treatment, for stomach therapy, for treatment of cardiovascular diseases and nervous system)
- jet fuel for airplanes;
- clothing cleaner, impregnation of natural leather;
- refueling liquid for household appliances;
- fuel for equipment;
- lubricant for machine tools and apparatus;and many other areas!
One of the main advantages of kerosene is considered to be its environmental safety. This type of fuel emits a small volume of vapor in the form of paraffin, so it is cleaner than wood or coal. But it also emits toxic substances, in particular, nitrogen and sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, etc. These elements can be harmful to the body if inhaled. It is better to use this fuel outdoors or in ventilated buildings.
As mentioned above, kerosene emits toxic substances, so you should be careful with it. Inhalation of kerosene vapors can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. At high concentrations, headache, dizziness and nausea may occur. Skin contact with kerosene may cause dryness, irritation and redness of the skin. In some cases, dehydration of the skin may occur.
In general, proper handling of kerosene and adherence to safe use practices reduce the risk of toxicity. In the event of contact with kerosene, especially if serious symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
The most common type is aviation fuel. As the name implies, it is used to fuel and lubricate aircraft and other flying equipment. It can also be used as a refrigerant for heat exchangers. The level of wear resistance and low-temperature characteristics are the main advantages of this type of fuel.There is also rocket kerosene. Its features consist in chemical stability and a minimum amount of impurities in the composition.
These advantages make it the cleanest type of fuel. The reverse thrust from the energy carrier is quite high, as well as the specific heat of combustion, which makes it possible to use it in rockets.
Kerosene is often used in the entertainment industry for fire performances such as fire-breathing, fire juggling or poi and fire dancing. Because of the low flame temperature, there is less risk of the performer coming into contact with the flames when burning outdoors.
Thanks to the work of Abraham Gesner, kerosene became a widely available fuel that transformed lighting methods and had a significant impact on industrial development. Kerosene is considered a relatively safe fuel because its vapors are difficult to ignite at room temperature. In some countries kerosene is also used in heating systems to warm homes (Japan, Ireland).
Main features of kerosene:
- high durability;
- chemical stability;
- resistance to thermal oxidation;
- minimal formation of sulfur during combustion.
Kerosene is one of the most important fuels that exist on the planet. Many people don't even realize the importance of kerosene, although they should. It is an essential part of our lives.
