Perhaps best known as petroleum, crude oil is a type of liquid fuel found underground. It is mainly made up of hydrocarbons but also features organic compounds such as nitrogen and sulfur as well as trace amounts of iron, nickel, copper, and other metals. Take a moment to learn more about this versatile liquid, including how it forms and its numerous uses.

How Is Crude Oil Made & What Are Its Applications?

A Fossil Fuel

Millions of years ago algae and plankton settled on lake and ocean floors. It mixed with mud before it was heated and compressed by layers of sediment. Over time this heating and compressing process caused chemical changes that first created a waxy substance known as kerogen. Additional heat liquefied kerogen into crude oil. This is why the oil is known as a fossil fuel--it is a non-renewable resource made from ancient organic compounds.

Extraction

Drilling remains the main way to obtain crude oil. Geologists use tools such as gravity meters, magnometers, and satellites to identify potential oil sources. Crude oil frequently sits between lighter natural gas and heavier saline water. Drillers create oil wells between 5 and 36 inches in diameter that include perforated casings to help the oil flow smoothly into barrels without getting contaminated. Drill bits break the ground before pumps extract the oil.

Uses

Crude oil offers a variety of uses and lends itself to thousands of products. It provides the base ingredient for gasoline, jet fuel, propane, butane, kerosene, and diesel fuel. It is also the base for most pesticides and fertilizers, and used in the production of plastic and wax products such as food packaging and paraffin wax. Crude oil also helps create asphalt, tar, cosmetics, perfume, and industrial solvents.

Whether you need crude oil, gas, home heating oil, or fuel storage tanks, count on CMS Oil Company to provide high-quality, affordable products. Based in Lapeer, MI, this family-owned and -operated company offers several payment plan options as well as delivery services to homes, farms, gas stations, and other commercial sites. Call (801) 664-8491 today to set up a delivery schedule or learn more about products online. Keep up with oil prices on Facebook.