Sour crude oil
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Sour crude oil contains the impurities hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide, or mercaptans. All crude oil contains some impurities. When the total sulfide level in the oil is > 1 % the oil is called "sour".[1] The impurities will need to be removed before this lower quality crude can be refined into gasoline, thereby increasing the cost of processing. This results in a higher-priced gasoline than one made from sweet crude oil. Thus sour crude is usually processed into heavy oil such as diesel rather than gasoline to reduce processing cost. Sour oil is toxic and corrosive, with high levels of hydrogen sulfide.[2] The oil has the smell of rotten eggs, and at high concentrations the inhalation of hydrogen sulfide is fatal.[3]
Venezuela is a major producer of sour crude oil.
[edit] References
- ^ Society Petroleum Engineers Glossary of Industry Terms. Retrieved on 2006-05-08.
- ^ Petroleum Introduction. Retrieved on 2006-05-08.
- ^ Schlumberger Oilfield Glossary. Retrieved on 2006-05-08.
