Advantages and disadvantages of using petroleum in manufacturing polyethene
Answers
The Advantages of Petroleum
1. It can be extracted easily.
Technologies that are used for extracting oil beneath the planet’s surface are well developed. These days, it is extremely easy to exploit oil deposits in different geological conditions. It does not matter if these reserves are to be extracted beneath the ocean’s surface or in regions with special climate conditions.
Petroleum is also not that difficult to produce, though most of the low-cost locations are already depleted. Now, it is being mined off sea coasts and tar sands. Technology for oil refineries has also reached its maturity, which means that refining it to get valuable products, such as gas and diesel, have also become quite easy.
2. It has high density.
The average 1 kilogram of burnt oil can generate up to 10,000 kilocalories. This means that, for only small amounts, petroleum can generate a substantial amount of energy.
3. It can be extracted at a low cost.
Due to the fact that petroleum production requires reduced technical and physical effort, it is sold cheaper compared to other sources of energy.
4. It can easily be transported.
Because petroleum is in liquid form, it is just easy
The Disadvantages of Petroleum
1. Its resources are limited.
Like any other natural fossil fuel, petroleum is a limited resource. High demands for energy by the modern society have stressed the conventional sources of oil reserves. The decrease in supply is clearly indicated by the ever increasing cost of petroleum on the market these days. Now, power plants are having a hard time extracting petroleum as reserves are nearly drought. In fact, studies reveal that almost half of oil reserves (which is about 2 trillion barrels) have been utilized, where only one trillion barrels left.
There might be some other sources of petroleum on earth, but experts say that these cannot produce enough oil to sustain all our needs.
2. It contributes to environmental pollution.
Extracting and burning petroleum generates greenhouse gases that contribute to environmental pollution and, consequently, global warming. This means that degradation of our ecosystems will be made faster if we choose petroleum as our main source of energy.
3. It produces hazardous substances.
Production of petroleum, especially refining, produces harmful and toxic materials, including plastic. Take note that oil exists as a mixture of hydrocarbons with traces of sulfur and other compounds, which are elements of harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, and plastic.o transport. It can be brought from extraction sites to power plants through pipes or vehicles. Aside from easy transport, it can also be stored conveniently.