Traditional Fuels as Factors of Anthropogenic Pollution��Lecture 1.

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Energetic Biotechnology

Anthropogenic factors affecting planet:

Video (3 min): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4H1N_yXBiA

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Last centuries, humanity had been using fossil fuels as traditional �sources of energy: coal, natural gas, oil and oil shale.

• Coal is a solid fossil fuel used primarily for electricity generation and industrial processes. It is abundant in various regions, but its use is associated with significant environmental impacts, such as high greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Video (2 min):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqas6KdOgM0

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Video (8 min):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEa36qNo86E

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COAL

• There are four major types (or “ranks”) of coal. Rank refers to steps in a slow, natural process called “coalification,” during which buried plant matter changes into an ever denser, drier, more carbon-rich, and harder material. The four ranks are:
• Anthracite: The highest rank of coal. It is a hard, brittle, and black lustrous coal, often referred to as hard coal, containing a high percentage of fixed carbon and a low percentage of volatile matter.
• Bituminous: Bituminous coal is a middle rank coal between subbituminous and anthracite. Bituminous coal usually has a high heating (Btu) value and is used in electricity generation and steel making in the United States. Bituminous coal is blocky and appears shiny and smooth when you first see it, but look closer and you might see it has thin, alternating, shiny and dull layers. 
• Subbituminous: Subbituminous coal is black in color and is mainly dull (not shiny). Subbituminous coal has low-to-moderate heating values and is mainly used in electricity generation.
• Lignite: Lignite coal, aka brown coal, is the lowest grade coal with the least concentration of carbon. Lignite has a low heating value and a high moisture content and is mainly used in electricity generation (https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-are-types-coal).

Video (16 min): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv5nWeSBoHE

Uses of coal:

• Coal is primarily used as fuel to generate electric power. In coal-fired power plants, bituminous coal, subbituminous coal, or lignite is burned. The heat produced by the combustion of the coal is used to convert water into high-pressure steam, which drives a turbine, which produces electricity.
• Certain types of bituminous coal are used to make an essential raw material for making steel — coke. This type of coal is also called metallurgical (steel making) coal and it is processed to produce coke. Coke is a hard porous substance composed of about 90% carbon, it is vital for making steel which is used in millions of items such as cars, trucks, fire engines, refrigerators and bridges.
• Coal is also used for home and commercial heating.

https://jancovici.com/en/energy-transition/coal/using-coal-but-what-for/

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https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-coal-used#:~:text=Coal%20also%20has%20a%20myriad,and%20home%20and%20commercial%20heating

https://www.ga.gov.au/education/minerals-energy/australian-energy-facts/coal

Uses of coal:

• Coal is also an important source of light aromatic hydrocarbons for the chemical synthesis industry. If coal is heated the gases and residues produced can be used in manufacturing plastics, explosives, dyes, pitch, ammonia, medicines, aspirin, soap, disinfectant, detergents, nylons, cosmetics, shampoo, toothpaste, synthetic rubber, fertilizers, cement, tars, bricks and tiles. It is an important ingredient used in filters for water and air purification and in kidney dialysis machines. In addition coal is used to make carbon fibre, a very strong, light material used in construction, mountain bikes and tennis rackets.
• Jet, a compact form of brown coal, is sometimes polished and has been used as an ornamental stone.
• Graphite which is often associated with coal, is almost entirely made of carbon; it is mostly used in pencils and when powdered, as a lubricant.

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https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-coal-used#:~:text=Coal%20also%20has%20a%20myriad,and%20home%20and%20commercial%20heating

https://www.ga.gov.au/education/minerals-energy/australian-energy-facts/coal

Oil (petroleum) is a liquid fossil fuel extracted from underground reservoirs and refined into various products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Oil is crucial for transportation and many industrial applications, but its extraction and use contribute to carbon emissions and environmental degradation.

Video (3 min): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YHsxXEVB1M

Video (8 min):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Uh7r0DUn4k

OIL

Types of oil:

• Crude Oil: This is unrefined petroleum directly extracted from underground reservoirs. Crude oil varies in quality based on its composition, including the proportion of light and heavy hydrocarbons, sulfur content, and other impurities. Crude oil is classified into:
• Light Crude: Contains a higher proportion of light hydrocarbons, such as gasoline and diesel. It is easier and less expensive to refine.
• Heavy Crude: Contains more heavy hydrocarbons and impurities, making it more challenging and costly to refine.
• Sweet Crude: Contains less sulfur and is easier to process, making it more desirable for refineries.
• Sour Crude: Contains higher levels of sulfur, which must be removed during refining.

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https://kimray.com/training/types-crude-oil-heavy-vs-light-sweet-vs-sour-and-tan-count

https://kimray.com/training/types-crude-oil-heavy-vs-light-sweet-vs-sour-and-tan-count

Refined Oil Products:

• Gasoline: One of the most commonly used oil derivatives, gasoline powers internal combustion engines in cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
• Diesel Fuel: A heavier fuel than gasoline, diesel is used in trucks, buses, ships, and some cars. It offers higher energy efficiency but produces more emissions.
• Kerosene: Often used as fuel for jet engines and heating systems, kerosene is a lighter oil product refined from crude oil.
• Fuel Oil: Used in power plants and heavy machinery, fuel oil is a viscous product obtained from crude oil after refining.
• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): A mixture of propane and butane, LPG is used for heating, cooking, and as a fuel for vehicles.
• Asphalt and Bitumen: Heavy fractions of oil used in road construction, waterproofing, and roofing materials.
• Synthetic Oil: Produced through chemical synthesis, synthetic oils mimic the properties of crude oil products and are used in specific applications, such as high-performance engine oils, lubricants, and industrial fluids.

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Video (7 min): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHPJxHKVkSM

Applications of Oil:�

• Transportation: Oil is the primary fuel source for transportation, including cars, trucks, airplanes, ships, and trains. Gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and bunker fuel are critical for moving goods and people globally.
• Energy Production: Oil-fired power plants generate electricity, especially in areas where natural gas and coal are less accessible. Though the global energy mix is shifting towards renewables, oil remains an important energy source in many countries.
• Petrochemical Industry: Oil serves as the feedstock for petrochemicals, which are the building blocks for a wide range of products, including plastics, synthetic rubber, chemicals, and fertilizers. These materials are integral to modern manufacturing and everyday products.
• Industrial Lubricants: Various types of oils are used as lubricants in engines, machinery, and industrial equipment to reduce friction, heat, and wear, ensuring smooth operation and extended lifespans.
• Heating: In some regions, particularly colder climates, oil-based fuels are used for heating homes and buildings. Kerosene, fuel oil, and propane are commonly used in residential and industrial heating systems.
• Agriculture: Oil-derived products, such as diesel, power tractors and other agricultural machinery. Additionally, petrochemicals are key components of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides used to increase crop yields.
• Aviation: Jet fuel, a refined form of kerosene, powers airplanes, making oil essential for global air travel and commerce.

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Video (2 min):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR87v5ZTT2k

Video (3 min):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qQS4VMeh1s

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GMbRG9CZJw

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7e2yHxZl3A

Oil shale is a sedimentary rock that contains a significant amount of organic material called kerogen. When heated to high temperatures, this kerogen can be converted into synthetic oil or gas through a process called pyrolysis. Oil shale is considered a potential alternative to conventional fossil fuels, especially as reserves of crude oil decline. However, extracting oil from shale is a complex and energy-intensive process.

OIL SHALE

Video (2 min):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuj7pkdRRSA

Video (7 min):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY34PQUiwOQ

Oil shale is categorized based on its mineral composition and organic content. The key types include:�

• Carbonate-rich oil shale:

Composed primarily of calcium carbonate or dolomite minerals mixed with kerogen.

Found in deposits like those in the United States' Green River Formation. These shales require higher temperatures for pyrolysis because of their mineral content.

• Siliceous oil shale:

Contains a high amount of silica (quartz), often mixed with clay minerals. Found in locations like Estonia and Brazil. These are generally easier to process due to lower mineral interference in pyrolysis.

• Cannel shale (also called boghead shale):

Rich in organic material derived from algae or other plant matter. Often has a waxy texture and contains a high proportion of kerogen, making it one of the more productive oil shales. Historically used in making gas and lighting oil before the development of the petroleum industry.

Types of Shale Oil (and synonims):

http://geology.com/usgs/oil-shale/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/classification-oil-shale-hilana-s-najjar

Origin of Shale Oil:

Oil shale forms in environments where large quantities of organic material accumulate, such as in lakes, coastal lagoons, or shallow seas. Over millions of years, this organic material (composed of dead algae, plankton, plants, and other organisms) mixes with clay, silt, and minerals. Under pressure and without sufficient heat to form crude oil, the organic matter transforms into kerogen, which remains trapped in the rock.

The formation process typically involves:

• Deposition: Organic-rich sediments accumulate in an oxygen-poor environment, preventing the decay of organic material.
• Compaction: Over time, the sediment layers are buried under additional material, subjecting them to pressure.
• Kerogen formation: As the pressure increases, organic matter converts into kerogen. Unlike crude oil, kerogen remains solid and needs further processing to become liquid oil or gas.

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Oil sands vs Oil shales:

Oil sands, also known as tar sands, are a mixture of sand, clay, water, and bitumen—a thick, sticky form of crude oil that is too heavy to flow naturally. Bitumen must be extracted and processed into synthetic crude oil. Oil sands are found in shallow, sandy geological formations and are mixed with bitumen. Major deposits exist in places like Canada (Alberta's Athabasca Oil Sands) and Venezuela (Orinoco Belt).

Extraction Process:

• Surface Mining: For shallow oil sands, massive mining operations extract the sand, which is then processed to separate bitumen from the other materials.
• In-situ Extraction: For deeper deposits, steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) is used. Steam is injected into the ground to heat the bitumen and reduce its viscosity, allowing it to be pumped to the surface.

The bitumen extracted from oil sands is heavier and thicker than shale oil and requires upgrading to convert it into synthetic crude oil, which can then be refined into fuels like gasoline and diesel.

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Shale Oil vs Oil Sands:

Key Differences:

• Source:
• Shale Oil: Derived from shale rock formations or kerogen.
• Oil Sands: Derived from bitumen trapped in sandy deposits.
• Extraction Process:
• Shale Oil: Extracted through hydraulic fracturing (for tight oil) or pyrolysis (for kerogen).
• Oil Sands: Extracted through surface mining or steam-assisted techniques.
• Consistency of Oil:
• Shale Oil: Typically a lighter crude oil, often comparable to conventional crude, especially tight oil.
• Oil Sands: Produces bitumen, a very thick, heavy oil that needs extensive upgrading to be converted into synthetic crude.
• Geological Formations:
• Shale Oil: Found deep in shale rock formations.
• Oil Sands: Found near the surface in sandy geological formations.

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Video (9 min):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O02qV-D23M8

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Video (5 min):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ydngyn_k1Bo

Natural gas is a fossil fuel primarily composed of methane (CH₄), along with smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, and butane. Natural gas also contains smaller amounts of natural gas liquids (NGLs, which are also hydrocarbon gas liquids), and nonhydrocarbon gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor. Gas is a versatile energy source used for heating, electricity generation, and as a raw material in the petrochemical industry. Due to its cleaner-burning properties compared to coal and oil, natural gas is considered a relatively environmentally friendly fossil fuel, although it still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Gas

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/natural-gas/

Video (10 min):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8D7PilHFck&t=15s

In some places, natural gas moved into large cracks and spaces between layers of overlying rock. The natural gas found in these types of formations is sometimes called conventional natural gas. In other places, natural gas occurs in the tiny pores (spaces) within some formations of shale, sandstone, and other types of sedimentary rock. This natural gas is referred to as shale gas or tight gas, and it is sometimes called unconventional natural gas. Natural gas also occurs with deposits of crude oil, and this natural gas is called associated natural gas. Natural gas deposits are found on land, and some are offshore and deep under the ocean floor. Natural gas found in coal deposits is called coalbed methane.

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/natural-gas/

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• Natural gas withdrawn from natural gas or crude oil wells is called wet natural gas because, along with methane, it usually contains ethane, propane, butanes, and pentanes—and water vapor. Wellhead natural gas may also contain nonhydrocarbons such as sulfur, helium, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide, most of which must be removed from natural gas before it is sold to consumers.
• From the wellhead, natural gas is sent to processing plants where water vapor and nonhydrocarbon compounds are removed and separated from the wet gas and sold separately. Some ethane is often left in the processed natural gas. The separated NGLs are called natural gas plant liquids (NGPLs), and the processed natural gas is called dry, consumer-grade, or pipeline-quality natural gas. Some wellhead natural gas is sufficiently dry and satisfies pipeline transportation standards without processing. Chemicals called odorants are added to natural gas so that leaks in natural gas pipelines can be detected. Dry natural gas is sent through pipelines to underground storage fields or to distribution companies and then to consumers.

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https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/natural-gas/

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/natural-gas/

Video (8 min):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8EHHW-3N5Y

Video (7 min):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBU-CSRC1zI

Applications of Natural Gas:

• Electricity Generation:
• Natural gas is commonly used in power plants to generate electricity. In gas-fired plants, natural gas is burned to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.
• Combined-cycle power plants are especially efficient, using both gas and steam turbines to increase energy output from the same amount of fuel.
• Heating and Cooking:
• Natural gas is extensively used for residential and commercial heating, as well as for cooking. In homes and buildings, gas is burned in furnaces, water heaters, and stoves.
• Its clean combustion and ease of distribution via pipelines make it an ideal choice for urban heating systems.
• Industrial Use:
• Many industries rely on natural gas for both heat and as a raw material. It is used in processes that require high temperatures, such as steel manufacturing, glass production, and cement production.
• Additionally, natural gas is a feedstock for the production of ammonia, which is used to make fertilizers, as well as various chemicals, plastics, and other petrochemicals.

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• Transportation:
• Natural gas, in the form of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), is used as a cleaner alternative to gasoline and diesel in vehicles, especially for buses, trucks, and ships.
• Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) produce fewer emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide compared to conventional fuels.
• Hydrogen Production:
• Natural gas is a major source of hydrogen through a process called steam methane reforming (SMR). This hydrogen is used in refining processes, chemical manufacturing, and emerging clean energy technologies like fuel cells.

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Applications of Natural Gas:

Video (3 min):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3orMvjGG5lI

End of Lecture 1