PROCESSING OIL

Introduction

More of our energy comes from oil than from any other single source. Oil products are also used as lubricants and to make certain plastics and other materials.

Oil is a product formed from fossils. Fossils are the remains of plants and animals that died millions of years ago. These remains fell to the ground and over time were covered by the remains of other plants and animals. Gradually thick layers were formed that under pressure turned into crude oil. Oil is found beneath the ground of many countries and under the ocean floor. Although it occasionally comes to the surface, usually wells must be dug to reach it.

Crude oil is oil in its natural state. Before it can be used for fuel and other purposes, it must first be refined. Refining is the primary process of breaking crude oil into several different components.

Top

Your Task

For this WebQuest, your job is to investigate oil and the primary processes used to turn crude oil into industrial products. To demonstrate what you have learned, you will answer the questions included here. You will also complete one of the activities described at the end of this WebQuest.

Top

Process

Read through the following questions. Then research the Internet resources that are provided for you. As you explore the sites, look for answers to the questions. Keep a record of any sites where you find answers by noting the title and URL (Internet address). For example:

            (title) Technology Student Association
            (URL) www.tsaweb.org

1. What does the term fractions refer to?
   
   
2. Inside which type of stone is oil usually found?
   
   
3. List at least three industrial products formed from crude oil.
   
   
4. What was oil first used for? What led to its use as our primary source of energy?
   
   
5. Where was the first oil well drilled in the U.S.?
   
   
6. What is the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and where is it located?
   
   
7. What percentage of oil does the U.S. import from other countries?
   
   
8. The price of a gallon of gasoline depends on the costs involved in producing it. What percentage of the cost comes from each of the following? Finding and obtaining the crude oil, refining the crude oil, marketing and distributing the gasoline, and federal and state taxes.
   
   
9. For what purposes do oil companies use the largest share of their profits?
   
   
10. Which oil platform is considered the world's tallest freestanding structure?

Top

Internet Resources

Visit the Web sites listed here to find information that will enable you to answer the questions. Be sure to keep a record of the sites you use.

• History of Oil Use has many links to informative sites.
  
  
• Oil Extraction is an informative source on the subject of removing oil from the ground.
  
  
• How Oil Refining Works explains the process.
  
  
• Strengthen National Energy Security is a governmental site.
  
  
• Giant Oil Platforms explores the world's biggest oil platforms and deepest oil wells.
  
  
• U.S. Department of Energy provides a profile on the worlds largest supply of crude oil.
  
  
• Oil Company Profits This oil company site provides interesting information about the work done. Provides links to governmental and noncommercial sites.

Top

Activities

Several activities are described below. Complete one of these activities (your choice) to demonstrate the understandings you've gained by going on this WebQuest.

• Suppose you had to build a road through a wildlife preserve in order to reach a source of oil. Make a list of things you would do to accommodate both environmental needs and the needs of the oil company.
  
  
• Ethanol is alcohol made from grain. It can be combined with gasoline to extend fuel supplies. Research the use of ethanol-gasoline mixtures. What are their advantages and disadvantages? Report your findings to the class.
  
  
• Build a model or create a poster of an oil platform. Include information about how it works.

Top