Introduction to Energy Sources

The process of breaking down large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones, typically producing lighter hydrocarbons and unsaturated compounds.

A type of cracking where larger hydrocarbon molecules are converted into smaller ones using heat.

A type of cracking where larger hydrocarbon molecules are converted into smaller ones using a catalyst.

A type of catalytic cracking where the catalyst is in a fixed bed and the feedstock passes through it.

A type of catalytic cracking where the catalyst is finely divided and kept agitated by a gas stream, allowing it to behave like a fluid.

The finely divided catalyst used in fluidized-bed cracking, typically composed of alumina (Al2O3) and silica (SiO2).

The chamber where the cracking process takes place in fluidized-bed cracking, where heavy oil or gas oil is converted at a high temperature (550°C).

The process of regenerating the deactivated catalyst in fluidized-bed cracking, allowing it to be used again.

A method that breaks down organic material in a sample using sulfuric acid and heat. The process aims to convert nitrogen to ammonium sulfate.

A chemical reaction where sulfuric acid oxidizes organic material in a sample, reducing nitrogen to ammonium sulfate.

A process that converts ammonium sulfate to ammonia gas, which is collected in a special solution for measurement.

A technique used to determine the amount of ammonia (and hence nitrogen) in a sample.

The process of adding sodium hydroxide to convert ammonium sulfate to ammonia gas during distillation.

The percentage of nitrogen in a sample is calculated based on the volume of hydrochloric acid used to trap the ammonia during distillation.

A chemical reaction where sulfuric acid (H2SO4) reacts with ammonia (NH3) to form ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4.

The process of adding barium chloride to a solution containing sulfate ions to form a precipitate of barium sulfate (BaSO4).

The percentage of fixed carbon in coal indicates its potential for combustion. Higher fixed carbon content usually means greater calorific value (energy released during burning).

A method used to determine the elemental composition of coal, focusing on essential components like carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen.

The process where a known weight of coal is burned in pure oxygen to convert carbon to CO2 and hydrogen to H2O. These gases are then absorbed by chemicals, and the weight increase reveals the original amounts of carbon and hydrogen.

The absorption of CO2 by potassium hydroxide (KOH) leading to an increased weight in the KOH tube.

The absorption of H2O by calcium chloride (CaCl2) resulting in an increased weight of the CaCl2 tube.

A method for determining nitrogen content in coal, involving digestion, distillation, and titration.

The first step in the Kjeldahl method, where nitrogen in coal is converted to ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) using sulfuric acid and potassium sulfate as a catalyst.

The quality of coal is generally higher with a greater percentage of carbon and hydrogen. This results in a higher calorific value, meaning more energy released during combustion.

LPG is highly resistant to knocks, making it suitable for use in engines.

LPG is widely used in homes and industries for cooking and heating because it's cheaper than other fuels.

LPG is used in cars as a clean and economical fuel alternative to petrol. However, it's less efficient, making it less popular.

CNG is a fuel gas like petrol or diesel, created by compressing natural gas to high pressure.

CNG is safer in case of leaks because it disperses quickly in the air.

CNG is made up of methane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, propane, and traces of ethane. The main component is methane.

CNG has a high calorific value, meaning it burns efficiently and releases a lot of energy.

CNG is highly flammable and has a high ignition temperature, making it a potential safety hazard.

A measure of a gasoline's resistance to knocking (uncontrolled combustion) in an engine.

A measure of a diesel fuel's ignition quality, or how easily it ignites under compression.

A process that converts coal into synthetic petroleum by mixing hydrogen gas (H2) and water gas (CO + H2) in the presence of a catalyst at high temperatures and pressures.

This process uses water gas and hydrogen gas to produce synthetic hydrocarbons (including gasoline) through a series of chemical reactions with catalysts.

Gas that is naturally found above oil deposits in well, and can also exist in underground reservoirs without oil under it.

A gas with a high methane content, often found alongside oil in wells.

A type of gaseous fuel derived from coal through a heating process, but can also be produced by other means.

A type of gas produced when air is passed over hot burning coal in a specially designed reactor, resulting in a mixture of carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen.

A chemical reaction where a triglyceride (fat) reacts with an alcohol (methanol or ethanol) in the presence of a catalyst (usually a base like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide). This reaction produces biodiesel (fatty acid methyl or ethyl esters) and glycerol as byproducts.

A chemical reaction where water is added to biodiesel to separate out unwanted byproducts like glycerol.

The by-product of transesterification, along with biodiesel. It is a viscous, sweet-tasting liquid used in various industries.

The substance used to speed up the chemical reaction of transesterification, typically sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH).

A renewable fuel derived from vegetable oils or animal fats. It is biodegradable and can be used in diesel engines, but can have some drawbacks.

The alcohol used in transesterification. This reaction is usually catalyzed by a base, but can be performed with a lipase enzyme.

The process of removing water from biodiesel to improve its quality and prevent microbial growth.

The reaction between free fatty acids and water to form soap, an unwanted side reaction in biodiesel production.