Fossil hydrocarbons

by N. Berkowitz

Fossil hydrocarbons form a continuous series whose "heavy" members - heavy oils, bitumens, oil shale kerogens, and coal - are important sources of conventional lighter fuels and are also much more abundant and closer at hand 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. Thus, by intent, the author explodes the entrenched dichotomy between "petroleum hydrocarbons" and coal that has shaped popular perceptions of energy and demonstrates the feasibility of developing new technologies that capitalize on the availability of "synthetic" natural gas and light oils.