Natural Gas Processing Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary use of coal, as mentioned in the text?

Feedstock for plastics production

Fuel for transportation

Direct heating of buildings

Electrical power generation (correct)

Which fossil fuel has the highest energy content per kg?

Liquified distilled gasses

Coal

Natural gas (correct)

Oil

What is one of the uses of oil, as mentioned in the text?

Asphalt and lubricants (correct)

Direct heating of buildings

Feedstock for plastics production

Electrical power generation

How does natural gas compare to coal and oil in terms of cleanliness?

Natural gas is cleaner than both coal and oil Signup and view all the answers

Which fossil fuel is often used as a feedstock for plastics production?

Natural gas Signup and view all the answers

Among the listed uses, which one is NOT a common application of natural gas?

Materials production (e.g., carbon fiber) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of fractional distillation in the oil industry?

To separate crude oil into different products like gasoline and lubricating oils Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to remove compounds like H2S and CO2 from raw natural gas?

To prevent corrosion in the processing equipment Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between proven reserves and estimated resources in the context of oil and gas?

Proven reserves are commercially recoverable while estimated resources are an estimate of available resources Signup and view all the answers

Why is the market price of oil and gas important in determining the size of commercially recoverable reserves?

To assess the economic viability of extracting oil and gas from certain reserves Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of energy production in the UAE according to the text?

Natural gas Signup and view all the answers

Why is it significant that the UAE is still a net importer of gas despite having significant gas reserves?

The demand for gas in the UAE exceeds its domestic production capacity Signup and view all the answers

What is the Latin origin of the term 'Petroleum'?

Rock oil Signup and view all the answers

Which state in the US was the location of the first commercial oil well drilled by Colonel Edwin Drake in 1859?

Pennsylvania Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of natural gas?

Methane (CH4) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of natural gas is produced through 'hydraulic fracking'?

Unconventional natural gas Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a 'co-generation plant' in relation to natural gas?

To improve the efficiency of power generation Signup and view all the answers

Why is natural gas considered a fossil fuel of choice for the coming years?

For its relative environmental advantages over coal and oil Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between shale oil and tar sands?

Shale oil is extracted through crushing and heating rock, while tar sands contain highly viscous oil extracted with steam/hot water. Signup and view all the answers

What method is used to extract unconventional 'shale' gas?

Hydraulic fracturing ('fracking') of shale rock Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental impact is associated with shale oil extraction?

Scouring of the landscape Signup and view all the answers

What does OPEC stand for?

Organization of Oil Producing Countries Signup and view all the answers

Why has OPEC been cutting production?

To address an oil glut Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the impacts of the history of fossil fuels relative to human history?

It will be shorter than human history Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Hubbert curve' represent?

The concept of predicting peak oil production worldwide Signup and view all the answers

Which source of energy is expected to supply 75% of Dubai's energy needs by 2050?

Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of developing alternate sources of energy in the UAE?

To diversify the economy away from oil and natural gas dependence Signup and view all the answers

What did M. King Hubbert predict about peak oil in the US?

Predicted peak oil to appear in the US in the 1970s Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Behavioral approach' mentioned in the text about finite resources?

The idea that all resources will end eventually and become harder to extract Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason behind UAE's investment in clean coal power at Hassyan Power station?

Diversifying the energy mix away from oil and gas Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Coal and Energy Content

Primary use of coal is for electricity generation and as a fuel for heating.
Oil has the highest energy content per kg among fossil fuels.

Oil and Natural Gas

Oil is used for producing fuels, lubricants, and chemicals.
Natural gas is cleaner compared to coal and oil, producing fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases when burned.

Feedstock and Applications

Oil serves as a feedstock for plastics production.
Common applications of natural gas exclude heavy transportation uses.

Oil Industry Processes

Fractional distillation in the oil industry separates crude oil into different components based on boiling points.
Removal of compounds like H2S (hydrogen sulfide) and CO2 (carbon dioxide) from raw natural gas is necessary for safety and to prevent environmental issues.

Reserves and Market Pricing

Proven reserves refer to confirmed quantities of oil and gas that can be extracted commercially, while estimated resources include both confirmed and speculative resources.
Market price of oil and gas influences the viability of extracting commercial reserves, as higher prices can make previously non-economical resources viable.

Energy Production in the UAE

Main source of energy production in the UAE is natural gas.
Despite substantial gas reserves, the UAE is significant as a net gas importer, indicating reliance on both domestic and international resources.

Terminology and Historical Context

The term 'Petroleum' comes from Latin roots, meaning "rock oil."
The first commercial oil well in the US was drilled by Colonel Edwin Drake in 1859 in Pennsylvania.

Composition and Extraction

Primary component of natural gas is methane.
Hydraulic fracking is the method used to extract unconventional 'shale' gas.

Natural Gas Applications

A co-generation plant utilizes natural gas to produce electricity and useful heat simultaneously.
Natural gas is viewed as the fossil fuel of choice for the coming years due to its cleaner burning nature and adaptability.

Oil Types and Environmental Impact

Shale oil differs from tar sands in extraction methods and composition; shale oil comes from sedimentary rock, while tar sands are mixtures of sand, clay, water, and bitumen.
Environmental impacts associated with shale oil extraction include land disruption and potential water contamination.

OPEC and Market Dynamics

OPEC stands for Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
OPEC cuts production to stabilize or increase oil prices amid market fluctuations.

Historical Significance and Predictions

The history of fossil fuels significantly impacts human development and industrialization.
The Hubbert curve illustrates the production rate of a resource over time, predicting peak oil production levels.

Future Energy Plans in Dubai

Renewable energy sources are expected to supply 75% of Dubai's energy needs by 2050.
Developing alternative energy sources in the UAE aims at reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing sustainability.

Predictions on Oil and Behavioral Insights

M. King Hubbert predicted that the US would reach peak oil production in the early 1970s.
The 'Behavioral approach' regarding finite resources emphasizes the importance of resource conservation and efficiency in utilization.

Clean Energy Investment

UAE’s investment in clean coal power at Hassyan Power Station aims to diversify energy sources while addressing environmental considerations.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the processing of natural gas, including the removal of compounds like H2O, H2S, CO2, and He before further use. Learn about the differences between processing natural gas and refining crude oil.