By
Norbert Berkowitz, University of Alberta
Description
Fossil hydrocarbons form a continuous series whose"heavy"members--heavy oils, bitumens, oil shale kerogens, and coal--are important sources
of conventional lighter fuels. These hydrocarbons are much more abundant and easier to extract than natural gas and oil. This book discusses
the origins and compositions of fossil hydrocarbons and shows how the"heavies"can be chemically transformed into environmentally clean
gas, liquid transportation fuels, and an almost unlimited range of petrochemicals.
Dr. Berkowitz explodes the entrenched dichotomy between"petroleum
hydrocarbons"and coal that has shaped popular perceptions of energy, showing that it is feasible to develop new technologies that capitalize
on the availability of"synthetic"natural gas and light oils.
Fossil Hydrocarbons: Chemistry and Technology is a comprehensive
treatment of fossil hydrocarbons, covering the source materials, biosources, metamorphic histories, geochemistry, classification, and
molecular structure. It discusses the use of fossil hydrocarbons as a viable energy source in our future, detailing the preparation,
processing and conversion technologies, as well as discussing the environmental issues that arise from production, processing, and use
of various fossil hydrocarbons.
Audience:
Graduate students, researchers, and professionals with interests in fuel science and technology and/or responsibility for energy policy
and development. Useful as a reference for organic geochemists, petroleum chemists and engineers, chemical engineers and mechanical engineers,
and economists. Useful as a text in advanced university courses in fuel science and technology, fuel chemistry, and combustion.
