Studies of Some Physical Properties of Sudanese crude oil

Abstract

The word petroleum is derived from the Latin petra (rock) and oleum (oil), and by modern definition includes hydrocarbons found in the gr ound in various forms from the solid bitumen, through the normal liquids, to gases. The origin of petroleum has been the subject of many po stulations in the past. However, it is generally accepted that it is derived fr om organic material, such as marine animal organisms and plant life, which ha ve been buried in the earth by the deposition of sediments. Among the theo ries advanced to account for the transformation of organic materials to cr ude petroleum are the effects of heat, pressure, time, combinations of these, bacterial action, low temperature catalysis, or of radio-activity. Crude oils vary from country to country a nd from field to field. In colour they range from brownish-yellow to black, some are viscous others are limpid, while a few carry paraffin wax in suspension. However, whatever th eir appearance and origin, crude oils consist almost of compounds of carbon an d hydrogen with varying small amounts of organic sulphur , nitrogen and oxyg en compounds, and ash (George Sell, 1963).