Difference between revisions of "Bitumen" - New World Encyclopedia
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'''Bitumen''' is a mixture of [[organic compounds|organic]] [[liquids]] that are highly [[viscous]], black, sticky, entirely soluble in [[carbon disulfide]], and composed primarily of highly condensed [[polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon]]s. | '''Bitumen''' is a mixture of [[organic compounds|organic]] [[liquids]] that are highly [[viscous]], black, sticky, entirely soluble in [[carbon disulfide]], and composed primarily of highly condensed [[polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon]]s. | ||
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| + | * Bitumens can provide good preservation of plants and animal fossils. | ||
Naturally occurring or '''crude bitumen''' is a sticky, [[tar]]-like form of [[petroleum]] which is so thick and heavy that it must be heated or diluted before it will flow. At room temperature, it is much like cold [[molasses]].<ref>[http://www.energy.gov.ab.ca/OilSands/1106.asp Oil Sands - Glossary.] Government of Alberta. Retrieved December 14, 2008.</ref> '''Refined bitumen''' is the residual (bottom) fraction obtained by [[fractional distillation]] of [[crude oil]]. It is the heaviest fraction and the one with the highest boiling point, boiling at {{convert|525|C|F}}. | Naturally occurring or '''crude bitumen''' is a sticky, [[tar]]-like form of [[petroleum]] which is so thick and heavy that it must be heated or diluted before it will flow. At room temperature, it is much like cold [[molasses]].<ref>[http://www.energy.gov.ab.ca/OilSands/1106.asp Oil Sands - Glossary.] Government of Alberta. Retrieved December 14, 2008.</ref> '''Refined bitumen''' is the residual (bottom) fraction obtained by [[fractional distillation]] of [[crude oil]]. It is the heaviest fraction and the one with the highest boiling point, boiling at {{convert|525|C|F}}. | ||
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| + | == Variations in terminology == | ||
In [[British English]], the word '[[asphalt]]' refers to a mixture of mineral aggregate and bitumen (or [[tarmac]] in common parlance). The word 'tar' refers to the black viscous material obtained from the destructive distillation of [[coal]] and is chemically distinct from bitumen. In [[American English]], bitumen is referred to as 'asphalt' or 'asphalt cement' in [[engineering]] [[jargon]]. In [[Australian English]], bitumen is sometimes used as the generic term for road surfaces. In [[Canadian English]], the word bitumen is used to refer to the vast Canadian deposits of extremely heavy [[crude oil]],<ref name=oilsands>[http://www.energy.gov.ab.ca/OilSands/793.asp What is Oil Sands?] Alberta Energy. Retrieved December 14, 2008.</ref> while asphalt is used for the [[oil refinery]] product used to pave roads and manufacture [[roof shingle]]s. | In [[British English]], the word '[[asphalt]]' refers to a mixture of mineral aggregate and bitumen (or [[tarmac]] in common parlance). The word 'tar' refers to the black viscous material obtained from the destructive distillation of [[coal]] and is chemically distinct from bitumen. In [[American English]], bitumen is referred to as 'asphalt' or 'asphalt cement' in [[engineering]] [[jargon]]. In [[Australian English]], bitumen is sometimes used as the generic term for road surfaces. In [[Canadian English]], the word bitumen is used to refer to the vast Canadian deposits of extremely heavy [[crude oil]],<ref name=oilsands>[http://www.energy.gov.ab.ca/OilSands/793.asp What is Oil Sands?] Alberta Energy. Retrieved December 14, 2008.</ref> while asphalt is used for the [[oil refinery]] product used to pave roads and manufacture [[roof shingle]]s. | ||
Diluted bitumen (diluted with [[naphtha]] to make it flow in pipelines) is known as [[dilbit]] in the Canadian petroleum industry, while bitumen upgraded to [[synthetic crude]] oil is known as [[syncrude]] and syncrude blended with bitumen as ''[[synbit]]''.<ref name="CAPP">[http://www.capp.ca/default.asp?V_DOC_ID=1220 2007 Canadian Crude Oil Forecast and Market Outlook.] Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. Retrieved December 14, 2008.</ref> | Diluted bitumen (diluted with [[naphtha]] to make it flow in pipelines) is known as [[dilbit]] in the Canadian petroleum industry, while bitumen upgraded to [[synthetic crude]] oil is known as [[syncrude]] and syncrude blended with bitumen as ''[[synbit]]''.<ref name="CAPP">[http://www.capp.ca/default.asp?V_DOC_ID=1220 2007 Canadian Crude Oil Forecast and Market Outlook.] Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. Retrieved December 14, 2008.</ref> | ||
| − | + | == Chemical composition == | |
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| + | Bitumens are composed primarily of highly condensed [[polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon]]s. In addition, they contain several elements, a number of which are toxic. Examples of these elements are [[nickel]], [[vanadium]], [[lead]], [[chromium]], [[mercury (element)|mercury]], [[arsenic]], and [[selenium]]. | ||
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| + | ==Geologic origin== | ||
| + | Naturally occurring deposits of bitumen are formed from the remains of ancient, microscopic [[algae]] and other once-living things. These organisms died and their remains were deposited in the mud on the bottom of the ocean or lake where they lived. Under the [[heat]] and [[pressure]] of burial deep in the earth, the remains were transformed into materials such as bitumen, [[kerogen]], or [[petroleum]]. | ||
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| + | As bitumens are also found in [[meteorite]]s and [[Archean]] rocks it is possible that some bitumens are [[Primordial elements|primordial]] material formed during [[Accretion (astrophysics)|accretion]] of the Earth and reworked by bacteria that consume hydrocarbons. Bitumens are associated with [[lead]]-[[zinc]] mineralizations in [[Carbonate hosted lead zinc ore deposits|Mississippi Valley type deposits]]. | ||
==Uses== | ==Uses== | ||
| − | [[Image:University of Queensland Pitch drop experiment-6-2.jpg|thumb|right|The [[University of Queensland]] [[Pitch drop experiment]], demonstrating the [[viscosity]] of bitumen.|100px]]Bitumen is primarily used for paving roads. Its other uses are for [[bituminous waterproofing]] products, including the use of bitumen in the production of [[roofing felt]] and for sealing flat roofs. | + | [[Image:University of Queensland Pitch drop experiment-6-2.jpg|thumb|right|The [[University of Queensland]] [[Pitch drop experiment]], demonstrating the [[viscosity]] of bitumen.|100px]] |
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| + | Bitumen is primarily used for paving roads. Its other uses are for [[bituminous waterproofing]] products, including the use of bitumen in the production of [[roofing felt]] and for sealing flat roofs. | ||
Naturally occurring crude bitumen is the prime feed stock for petroleum production from [[tar sands]] currently under development in Alberta, Canada. Canada has most of the world's supply of natural bitumen, covering 140,000 square kilometers<ref name=oilsands/> (an area larger than England), giving it the second largest proven [[oil reserves]] in the world. The [[Athabasca oil sands]] is the largest bitumen deposit in Canada and the only one accessible to [[surface mining]], although recent technological breakthroughs have resulted in deeper deposits becoming producible by [[in-situ#Petroleum|in-situ]] methods. Because of [[oil price increases since 2003]], upgrading bitumen to synthetic [[crude oil]] has become highly profitable. As of 2006 Canadian crude bitumen production averaged about {{convert|1.1|Moilbbl|m3}} per day and was projected to rise to {{convert|4.4|Moilbbl|m3}} per day by 2020.<ref name="CAPP"/> The total amount of crude bitumen in Alberta which could be extracted is estimated to be about {{convert|310|Goilbbl|e9m3|sigfig=1}},<ref>[http://www.ercb.ca/docs/products/STs/st98-2007.pdf ST98-2007: Alberta’s Energy Reserves 2006 and Supply/Demand Outlook.] Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board. Retrieved December 14, 2008.</ref> which at a rate of 4.4 million barrels per day would last about 200 years. | Naturally occurring crude bitumen is the prime feed stock for petroleum production from [[tar sands]] currently under development in Alberta, Canada. Canada has most of the world's supply of natural bitumen, covering 140,000 square kilometers<ref name=oilsands/> (an area larger than England), giving it the second largest proven [[oil reserves]] in the world. The [[Athabasca oil sands]] is the largest bitumen deposit in Canada and the only one accessible to [[surface mining]], although recent technological breakthroughs have resulted in deeper deposits becoming producible by [[in-situ#Petroleum|in-situ]] methods. Because of [[oil price increases since 2003]], upgrading bitumen to synthetic [[crude oil]] has become highly profitable. As of 2006 Canadian crude bitumen production averaged about {{convert|1.1|Moilbbl|m3}} per day and was projected to rise to {{convert|4.4|Moilbbl|m3}} per day by 2020.<ref name="CAPP"/> The total amount of crude bitumen in Alberta which could be extracted is estimated to be about {{convert|310|Goilbbl|e9m3|sigfig=1}},<ref>[http://www.ercb.ca/docs/products/STs/st98-2007.pdf ST98-2007: Alberta’s Energy Reserves 2006 and Supply/Demand Outlook.] Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board. Retrieved December 14, 2008.</ref> which at a rate of 4.4 million barrels per day would last about 200 years. | ||
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==Bitumen alternatives== | ==Bitumen alternatives== | ||
Bitumen can now be made from non-petroleum based renewable resources such as sugar, [[molasses]] and rice, corn and potato starches. Bitumen can also be made from waste material by [[fractional distillation]] of used motor [[oil]]s, which is sometimes disposed by burning or dumping into land fills. Non-petroleum based bitumen binders can be made light-colored. Roads made with lighter-colored pitch absorb less heat from solar radiation, and become less hot than darker surfaces, reducing their contribution to the [[urban heat island]] effect.<ref>[http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/ Heat Island Effect.] EPA. Retrieved December 14, 2008.</ref> | Bitumen can now be made from non-petroleum based renewable resources such as sugar, [[molasses]] and rice, corn and potato starches. Bitumen can also be made from waste material by [[fractional distillation]] of used motor [[oil]]s, which is sometimes disposed by burning or dumping into land fills. Non-petroleum based bitumen binders can be made light-colored. Roads made with lighter-colored pitch absorb less heat from solar radiation, and become less hot than darker surfaces, reducing their contribution to the [[urban heat island]] effect.<ref>[http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/ Heat Island Effect.] EPA. Retrieved December 14, 2008.</ref> | ||
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Revision as of 00:41, 10 January 2009
Bitumen is a mixture of organic liquids that are highly viscous, black, sticky, entirely soluble in carbon disulfide, and composed primarily of highly condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
- Bitumens can provide good preservation of plants and animal fossils.
Naturally occurring or crude bitumen is a sticky, tar-like form of petroleum which is so thick and heavy that it must be heated or diluted before it will flow. At room temperature, it is much like cold molasses.[1] Refined bitumen is the residual (bottom) fraction obtained by fractional distillation of crude oil. It is the heaviest fraction and the one with the highest boiling point, boiling at 525 °C (977 °F).
Variations in terminology
In British English, the word 'asphalt' refers to a mixture of mineral aggregate and bitumen (or tarmac in common parlance). The word 'tar' refers to the black viscous material obtained from the destructive distillation of coal and is chemically distinct from bitumen. In American English, bitumen is referred to as 'asphalt' or 'asphalt cement' in engineering jargon. In Australian English, bitumen is sometimes used as the generic term for road surfaces. In Canadian English, the word bitumen is used to refer to the vast Canadian deposits of extremely heavy crude oil,[2] while asphalt is used for the oil refinery product used to pave roads and manufacture roof shingles. Diluted bitumen (diluted with naphtha to make it flow in pipelines) is known as dilbit in the Canadian petroleum industry, while bitumen upgraded to synthetic crude oil is known as syncrude and syncrude blended with bitumen as synbit.[3]
Chemical composition
Bitumens are composed primarily of highly condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In addition, they contain several elements, a number of which are toxic. Examples of these elements are nickel, vanadium, lead, chromium, mercury, arsenic, and selenium.
Geologic origin
Naturally occurring deposits of bitumen are formed from the remains of ancient, microscopic algae and other once-living things. These organisms died and their remains were deposited in the mud on the bottom of the ocean or lake where they lived. Under the heat and pressure of burial deep in the earth, the remains were transformed into materials such as bitumen, kerogen, or petroleum.
As bitumens are also found in meteorites and Archean rocks it is possible that some bitumens are primordial material formed during accretion of the Earth and reworked by bacteria that consume hydrocarbons. Bitumens are associated with lead-zinc mineralizations in Mississippi Valley type deposits.
Uses
Bitumen is primarily used for paving roads. Its other uses are for bituminous waterproofing products, including the use of bitumen in the production of roofing felt and for sealing flat roofs.
Naturally occurring crude bitumen is the prime feed stock for petroleum production from tar sands currently under development in Alberta, Canada. Canada has most of the world's supply of natural bitumen, covering 140,000 square kilometers[2] (an area larger than England), giving it the second largest proven oil reserves in the world. The Athabasca oil sands is the largest bitumen deposit in Canada and the only one accessible to surface mining, although recent technological breakthroughs have resulted in deeper deposits becoming producible by in-situ methods. Because of oil price increases since 2003, upgrading bitumen to synthetic crude oil has become highly profitable. As of 2006 Canadian crude bitumen production averaged about 1.1 million barrels (170,000 m³) per day and was projected to rise to 4.4 million barrels (700,000 m³) per day by 2020.[3] The total amount of crude bitumen in Alberta which could be extracted is estimated to be about 310 billion barrels (50×109 m3),[4] which at a rate of 4.4 million barrels per day would last about 200 years.
In the past, bitumen was used to waterproof boats, and even as a coating for buildings with some additives. The Greek historian Herodotus said hot bitumen was used as mortar in the walls of Babylon. [5] It is also possible that the city of Carthage was easily burnt due to extensive use of bitumen in construction.
Vessels for the heating of bitumen or bituminous compounds are usually subject to specific conditions in public liability insurance policies, similar to those required for blow torches, welders, and flame-cutting equipment.[6]
Bitumen was also used in early photographic technology. It was most notably used by French scientist Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in the first picture ever taken. The bitumen used in his experiments were smeared on pewter plates and then exposed to light, thus making a black and white image.
Thin bitumen plates are sometimes used by computer enthusiasts for silencing computer cases or noisy computer parts such as the hard drive. Bitumen layers are baked onto the outside of high end dishwashers to provide sound insulation.
Bitumen alternatives
Bitumen can now be made from non-petroleum based renewable resources such as sugar, molasses and rice, corn and potato starches. Bitumen can also be made from waste material by fractional distillation of used motor oils, which is sometimes disposed by burning or dumping into land fills. Non-petroleum based bitumen binders can be made light-colored. Roads made with lighter-colored pitch absorb less heat from solar radiation, and become less hot than darker surfaces, reducing their contribution to the urban heat island effect.[7]
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See also
- Asphalt#Alternatives
- Asphaltene
- Bitumen-based fuel
- Bituminous coal
- Bituminous rocks
- Oil sands
- Pitch (resin)
Notes
- ↑ Oil Sands - Glossary. Government of Alberta. Retrieved December 14, 2008.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 What is Oil Sands? Alberta Energy. Retrieved December 14, 2008.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 2007 Canadian Crude Oil Forecast and Market Outlook. Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. Retrieved December 14, 2008.
- ↑ ST98-2007: Alberta’s Energy Reserves 2006 and Supply/Demand Outlook. Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board. Retrieved December 14, 2008.
- ↑ Herodotus, Book I, 179.
- ↑ [http://www.primoplc.com/assets/pdfs/liability.pdf NIG Liability Insurance Proposal & Prospectus.] Primo Plc Insurance Brokers. Retrieved December 14, 2008.
- ↑ Heat Island Effect. EPA. Retrieved December 14, 2008.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Delano, W.H. 1893 (2007). Twenty Years' Practical Experience Of Natural Asphalt And Mineral Bitumen (1893). Whitefish, MT: Kessinger Publishing, LLC. ISBN 0548680396.
- Johnston, Roderick D. 2002. Road Repair Handbook: The Complete Guide to Fixing Roads and Driveways. Project Logic Series, bk. 1. Fall City, WA: Trans Mountain Pub. ISBN 0971987203
- Whiteoak, David, John Read, and Robert Hunter. 2003. The Shell Bitumen Handbook, Fifth Edition. London, UK: Thomas Telford Publ. ISBN 072773220X.
External links
- United Nations Environment Program. Retrieved December 14, 2008.
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