Coal, Gas and Oil

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How are they formed?

Coal and gas are fuels that make machines run. They are both found under the ground and are made from the remains of plants and animals which were  buried by layers of sand and mud after they had died. Over millions of years this has turned into hard rock.

Three things are found in plants and animals that are important for making coal and gas - oxygen, hydrogen and carbon.

After the plants and animals are buried, the oxygen leaves their bodies, with the hydrogen and carbon turning into 'hydrocarbons'. Some of the remains form into oil, some gas, some coal - all are called 'fossil fuels'.

 

How are they removed from underground?

Drills are used to cut through the rock to remove (extract) the oil and gas. The drill is held by a 'derrick' and a 'platform' is where the people work from. Together, this is called an 'oil rig' and they can be used on land and at sea.

            

             

 

Oil must be sent to a 'refinery' before it can be used. It is heated to 350 degrees until it boils and a vapour is given off. This is collected at different temperatures to make different fuels. For example:

 

 

 

bulletBottled gas  (for BBQs)
bulletPetrol  (for cars and to make plastic)
bulletKerosene (to make plane fuel)
bulletGas oil (to heat homes and run some trains)
bulletLubricants ( to make oils and wax)
bulletFuel oil ( for ships and factories)
bulletBitumen ( to make the tar for roads)

How is coal removed and what is it used for?

Coal is removed from the surface ( open cut) or underground (mined).

Coal  from the surface Coal underground

 

Coal is used in Australia to make electricity and steel. Removing coal from the earth can destroy land and pollute water. When coal is burned to make steel and electricity, it gives off carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas that is linked to global warming.

Burning coal produces other gases that can pollute the environment.

Oil, coal and gas will not last forever. They are not 'renewable'. We need to use other ways to make electricity that will not harm the environment.

Bibliography

Bailey, Donna "Energy from coal and gas"  1990,Heinemann Oxford

"Coal Mining Methods" Australian Coal www.australiancoal.com.au, July 09, 2007

Images: www.australiancoal.com.au, www.columbia.edu/...drilling%20Overview.html

 

© S.McGuinness 2007