Handbook of Petrochemical Processes: (Chemical Industries)

The petrochemical industry is a scientific and engineering field that encompasses the production of a wide range of chemicals and polymers. The purpose of this book is not only to provide a follow-on to form the later chapters of the highly successful Chemistry and Technology of Petroleum 5th Edition but also provides a simplified approach to a very diverse chemical subject dealing with the chemistry and technology of various petroleum and petrochemical process. Following from the introductory chapters, this book provides the readers with a valuable source of information containing insights into petrochemical reactions and products, process technology, and polymer synthesis. Provides readers with a valuable source of information containing insights into petrochemical reactions and products, process technology, and polymer synthesis Introduces the reader to the various petrochemical intermediates are generally produced by chemical conversion of primary petrochemicals to form more complicated derivative products The reactions and processes involved in transforming petroleum-based hydrocarbons into the chemicals that form the basis of the multi-billion dollar petrochemical industry are reviewed and described The book includes information on new process developments for the production of raw materials and intermediates for petrochemicals Includes a description of the origin of the raw materials for the petrochemicals industry – including an overview of the coal chemicals industry

Table of Contents:
Contents Preface..............................................................................................................................................xv About the Author............................................................................................................................xvii Chapter 1 The Petrochemical Industry..........................................................................................1 1.1 Introduction........................................................................................................1 1.2 Historical Aspects and Overview..................................................................... 10 1.3 The Petrochemical Industry............................................................................. 11 1.4 Petrochemicals.................................................................................................. 17 1.4.1 Primary Petrochemicals...................................................................... 19 1.4.2 Products and End Use......................................................................... 19 1.5 Production of Petrochemicals...........................................................................20 1.6 The Future........................................................................................................24 References...................................................................................................................29 Chapter 2 Feedstock Composition and Properties....................................................................... 31 2.1 Introduction...................................................................................................... 31 2.2 Natural Gas....................................................................................................... 31 2.2.1 Composition and Properties................................................................ 33 2.2.2 Natural Gas Liquids............................................................................ 42 2.2.3 Gas Condensate................................................................................... 43 2.2.4 Gas Hydrates.......................................................................................44 2.2.5 Other Types of Gases..........................................................................46 2.2.5.1 Biogas.................................................................................. 47 2.2.5.2 Coalbed Methane.................................................................48 2.2.5.3 Coal Gas..............................................................................49 2.2.5.4 Geopressurized Gas............................................................. 51 2.2.5.5 Landfill Gas......................................................................... 51 2.2.5.6 Refinery Gas........................................................................ 53 2.2.5.7 Synthesis Gas....................................................................... 57 2.2.5.8 Tight Gas............................................................................. 58 2.3 Petroleum.......................................................................................................... 59 2.3.1 Composition and Properties................................................................ 59 2.3.1.1 Opportunity Crude Oil........................................................ 61 2.3.1.2 High Acid Crude Oil........................................................... 61 2.3.1.3 Foamy Oil............................................................................ 62 2.3.1.4 Tight Oil............................................................................... 62 2.3.2 Other Petroleum-Derived Feedstocks.................................................63 2.3.2.1 Naphtha................................................................................63 2.3.2.2 Kerosene..............................................................................64 2.3.2.3 Fuel Oil................................................................................65 2.3.2.4 Gas Oil................................................................................. 67 2.3.2.5 Residua................................................................................. 67 2.3.2.6 Used Lubricating Oil...........................................................68 2.4 Heavy Oil, Extra Heavy Oil, and Tar Sand Bitumen.......................................68 2.4.1 Heavy Oil............................................................................................69 2.4.2 Extra Heavy Oil...................................................................................69 2.4.3 Tar sand Bitumen................................................................................ 71 References................................................................................................................... 74 Chapter 3 Other Feedstocks—Coal, Oil Shale, and Biomass..................................................... 79 3.1 Introduction...................................................................................................... 79 3.2 Coal.................................................................................................................. 81 3.2.1 Coal Feedstocks..................................................................................82 3.2.2 Properties and Composition................................................................83 3.2.3 Conversion...........................................................................................83 3.2.4 Coal Tar Chemicals.............................................................................85 3.3 Oil Shale...........................................................................................................90 3.3.1 Shale Oil Production...........................................................................90 3.3.2 Shale Oil Properties............................................................................ 91 3.3.2.1 Hydrocarbon Products.........................................................92 3.3.2.2 Nitrogen-Containing Compounds.......................................93 3.3.2.3 Oxygen-Containing Compounds.........................................94 3.3.2.4 Sulfur-Containing Compounds...........................................94 3.4 Biomass............................................................................................................94 3.4.1 Biomass Feedstocks............................................................................97 3.4.1.1 Carbohydrates......................................................................99 3.4.1.2 Vegetable Oils......................................................................99 3.4.1.3 Plant Fibers..........................................................................99 3.4.2 Biorefining......................................................................................... 100 3.4.2.1 Pyrolysis............................................................................ 103 3.4.2.2 Gasification........................................................................ 103 3.4.2.3 Anaerobic Digestion.......................................................... 107 3.4.2.4 Fermentation...................................................................... 110 3.4.3 Chemicals from Biomass.................................................................. 111 3.4.3.1 Gaseous Products............................................................... 111 3.4.3.2 Liquid Products.................................................................. 112 3.4.3.3 Solid Products.................................................................... 114 3.5 Waste.............................................................................................................. 114 References................................................................................................................. 115 Chapter 4 Feedstock Preparation............................................................................................... 119 4.1 Introduction.................................................................................................... 119 4.2 Gas Streams.................................................................................................... 120 4.2.1 Sources.............................................................................................. 121 4.2.1.1 Gas Streams from Natural Gas.......................................... 121 4.2.1.2 Natural Gas Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gas........... 123 4.2.1.3 Gas Streams from Crude Oil.............................................124 4.2.2 Gas Processing.................................................................................. 127 4.2.2.1 Acid Gas Removal............................................................. 128 4.2.2.2 Recovery of Condensable Hydrocarbon Derivatives......... 137 4.2.2.3 Water Removal.................................................................. 142 4.2.2.4 Nitrogen Removal.............................................................. 145 4.2.2.5 The Claus Process.............................................................. 145 4.3 Petroleum Streams.......................................................................................... 147 4.3.1 Refinery Configuration...................................................................... 149 4.3.2 Cracking Processes........................................................................... 150 4.3.2.1 Thermal Cracking Processes............................................. 150 4.3.2.2 Catalytic Cracking Processes............................................ 153 4.3.3 Dehydrogenation Processes............................................................... 155 4.3.4 Dehydrocyclization Processes........................................................... 157 4.4 Streams from Coal, Oil Shale, and Biomass.................................................. 158 4.4.1 Coal................................................................................................... 158 4.4.1.1 Coal Gas............................................................................ 158 4.4.1.2 Coal Liquids...................................................................... 158 4.4.2 Oil Shale............................................................................................ 159 4.4.2.1 Oil Shale Gas..................................................................... 159 4.4.2.2 Shale Oil............................................................................ 160 4.4.3 Biomass............................................................................................. 161 4.4.3.1 Biogas................................................................................ 161 4.4.3.2 Bio-liquids......................................................................... 161 References................................................................................................................. 162 Chapter 5 Feedstock Preparation by Gasification...................................................................... 165 5.1 Introduction.................................................................................................... 165 5.2 Gasification Chemistry................................................................................... 168 5.2.1 General Aspects................................................................................ 169 5.2.2 Pretreatment...................................................................................... 170 5.2.3 Reactions........................................................................................... 171 5.2.3.1 Primary Gasification.......................................................... 174 5.2.3.2 Secondary Gasification...................................................... 174 5.2.3.3 Water-Gas Shift Reaction.................................................. 176 5.2.3.4 Carbon Dioxide Gasification............................................. 177 5.2.3.5 Hydrogasification............................................................... 178 5.2.3.6 Methanation....................................................................... 178 5.3 Gasification Processes.................................................................................... 179 5.3.1 Gasifiers............................................................................................. 180 5.3.2 FT Synthesis...................................................................................... 181 5.3.3 Feedstocks......................................................................................... 183 5.3.3.1 Heavy Feedstocks.............................................................. 183 5.3.3.2 Solvent Deasphalter Bottoms............................................. 184 5.3.3.3 Asphalt, Tar, and Pitch...................................................... 184 5.3.3.4 Petroleum Coke.................................................................. 186 5.3.3.5 Coal.................................................................................... 188 5.3.3.6 Biomass.............................................................................. 189 5.3.3.7 Solid Waste........................................................................ 191 5.3.3.8 Black Liquor...................................................................... 193 5.4 Gasification in a Refinery............................................................................... 193 5.4.1 Gasification of Heavy Feedstocks..................................................... 195 5.4.2 Gasification of Heavy Feedstocks with Coal.................................... 195 5.4.3 Gasification of Heavy Feedstocks with Biomass.............................. 196 5.4.4 Gasification of Heavy Feedstocks with Waste.................................. 198 5.5 Gas Production and Other Products............................................................... 198 5.5.1 Gaseous Products.............................................................................. 199 5.5.1.1 Synthesis Gas..................................................................... 199 5.5.1.2 Low Btu Gas......................................................................200 5.5.1.3 Medium Btu Gas................................................................200 5.5.1.4 High Btu Gas..................................................................... 201 5.5.2 Liquid Products................................................................................. 201 5.5.3 Solid Products...................................................................................202 5.6 The Future......................................................................................................202 References.................................................................................................................204 Chapter 6 Chemicals from Paraffin Hydrocarbons...................................................................209 6.1 Introduction....................................................................................................209 6.2 Methane.......................................................................................................... 211 6.2.1 Physical Properties............................................................................ 212 6.2.2 Chemical Properties.......................................................................... 213 6.2.3 Chemicals from Methane.................................................................. 215 6.2.3.1 Carbon Disulfide................................................................ 216 6.2.3.2 Ethylene............................................................................. 217 6.2.3.3 Hydrogen Cyanide............................................................. 218 6.2.3.4 Chloromethane Derivatives............................................... 218 6.2.3.5 Synthesis Gas.....................................................................220 6.2.3.6 Urea....................................................................................223 6.2.3.7 Methyl Alcohol..................................................................223 6.2.3.8 Formaldehyde....................................................................226 6.2.3.9 Aldehyde Derivatives.........................................................229 6.2.3.10 Ethylene Glycol..................................................................229 6.2.3.11 Nitration.............................................................................230 6.2.3.12 Oxidation...........................................................................230 6.2.3.13 Carboxylic Acids............................................................... 231 6.2.3.14 Alkylation.......................................................................... 231 6.2.3.15 Thermolysis....................................................................... 232 6.2.4 Oxidative Coupling........................................................................... 233 6.3 Ethane............................................................................................................. 235 6.3.1 Physical Properties............................................................................ 235 6.3.2 Chemical Properties..........................................................................236 6.3.3 Chemicals from Ethane..................................................................... 237 6.4 Propane...........................................................................................................238 6.4.1 Physical Properties............................................................................238 6.4.2 Chemical Properties.......................................................................... 239 6.4.3 Chemicals from Propane...................................................................240 6.4.3.1 Oxidation...........................................................................240 6.4.3.2 Chlorination.......................................................................240 6.4.3.3 Dehydrogenation................................................................ 241 6.4.3.4 Nitration............................................................................. 247 6.5 Butane Isomers............................................................................................... 247 6.5.1 Physical Properties............................................................................249 6.5.2 Chemical Properties..........................................................................249 6.5.3 Chemicals from Butane.....................................................................250 6.5.3.1 Oxidation...........................................................................250 6.5.3.2 Production of Aromatics.................................................... 252 6.5.3.3 Isomerization..................................................................... 252 6.5.4 Chemicals from Isobutane................................................................ 252 6.6 Liquid Petroleum Fractions and Residues...................................................... 252 6.6.1 Naphtha.............................................................................................254 6.6.1.1 Physical Properties............................................................254 6.6.1.2 Chemical Properties.......................................................... 255 6.6.1.3 Chemicals from Naphtha...................................................256 6.6.2 Kerosene............................................................................................ 257 6.6.2.1 Physical Properties............................................................ 257 6.6.2.2 Chemical Properties.......................................................... 257 6.6.2.3 Chemicals from Kerosene................................................. 258 6.6.3 Gas Oil.............................................................................................. 258 6.6.3.1 Physical Properties............................................................ 258 6.6.3.2 Chemical Properties.......................................................... 259 6.6.3.3 Chemicals from Gas Oil.................................................... 259 6.6.4 Fuel Oil..............................................................................................260 6.6.4.1 Physical Properties............................................................ 261 6.6.4.2 Chemical Properties.......................................................... 261 6.6.4.3 Chemicals from Fuel Oil................................................... 262 6.6.5 Resids................................................................................................ 262 6.6.5.1 Physical Properties............................................................263 6.6.6 Used Lubricating Oil.........................................................................263 6.6.7 Naphthenic Acids..............................................................................263 6.6.8 Chemicals from Liquid Petroleum Fractions and Residues..............264 6.6.8.1 Oxidation...........................................................................265 6.6.8.2 Chlorination.......................................................................265 6.6.8.3 Sulfonation.........................................................................265 6.6.8.4 Other Products...................................................................266 References.................................................................................................................266 Chapter 7 Chemicals from Olefin Hydrocarbons......................................................................269 7.1 Introduction....................................................................................................269 7.2 Chemicals from Ethylene............................................................................... 271 7.2.1 Alcohols............................................................................................ 273 7.2.2 Alkylation.......................................................................................... 275 7.2.3 Halogen Derivatives.......................................................................... 276 7.2.4 Oxygen Derivatives...........................................................................277 7.2.4.1 Ethylene Glycol.................................................................. 279 7.2.4.2 Ethoxylates......................................................................... 281 7.2.4.3 Ethanolamines...................................................................282 7.2.4.4 1,3-Propanediol..................................................................282 7.2.4.5 Acetaldehyde.....................................................................283 7.2.5 Carbonylation....................................................................................285 7.2.6 Chlorination......................................................................................286 7.2.6.1 Vinyl Chloride...................................................................286 7.2.6.2 Perchloroethylene and Trichloroethylene..........................287 7.2.7 Hydration...........................................................................................287 7.2.8 Oligomerization.................................................................................288 7.2.9 Polymerization..................................................................................289 7.2.10 1 -Butylene..........................................................................................290 7.2.11 Polymerization..................................................................................290 7.3 Chemicals from Propylene............................................................................. 291 7.3.1 Oxidation...........................................................................................294 7.3.2 Ammoxidation...................................................................................296 7.3.3 Oxyacylation......................................................................................299 7.3.4 Chlorination......................................................................................300 7.3.5 Hydration...........................................................................................300 7.3.6 Addition of Organic Acids................................................................302 7.3.7 Hydroformylation..............................................................................302 7.3.8 Disproportionation............................................................................303 7.3.9 Alkylation..........................................................................................303 7.4 Chemicals from C4 Olefins.............................................................................303 7.4.1 Butylene.............................................................................................304 7.4.1.1 Oxidation...........................................................................306 7.4.1.2 Hydration...........................................................................308 7.4.1.3 Isomerization.....................................................................309 7.4.1.4 Metathesis..........................................................................309 7.4.1.5 Oligomerization................................................................. 310 7.4.2 Isobutylene........................................................................................ 310 7.4.2.1 Oxidation........................................................................... 311 7.4.2.2 Epoxidation........................................................................ 311 7.4.2.3 Addition of Alcohols......................................................... 312 7.4.2.4 Hydration........................................................................... 312 7.4.2.5 Carbonylation.................................................................... 312 7.4.2.6 Dimerization...................................................................... 312 7.5 Chemicals from Diolefins............................................................................... 313 7.5.1 Chemicals from Butadiene................................................................ 313 7.5.1.1 Adiponitrile........................................................................ 314 7.5.1.2 Hexamethylenediamine..................................................... 314 7.5.1.3 Adipic Acid........................................................................ 314 7.5.1.4 Butanediol.......................................................................... 315 7.5.1.5 Chloroprene....................................................................... 315 7.5.1.6 Cyclic Oligomers............................................................... 316 7.5.2 Isoprene............................................................................................. 316 7.6 Chemicals from Acetylene............................................................................. 316 References................................................................................................................. 321 Chapter 8 Chemicals from Aromatic Hydrocarbons................................................................. 323 8.1 Introduction.................................................................................................... 323 8.2 Chemicals from Benzene............................................................................... 331 8.2.1 Alkylation.......................................................................................... 334 8.2.2 Chlorination...................................................................................... 339 8.2.3 Hydrogenation...................................................................................340 8.2.4 Nitration............................................................................................ 342 8.2.5 Oxidation........................................................................................... 343 8.3 Chemicals from Toluene................................................................................. 343 8.3.1 Carbonylation.................................................................................... 345 8.3.2 Chlorination...................................................................................... 345 8.3.3 Dealkylation...................................................................................... 347 8.3.4 Disproportionation............................................................................348 8.3.5 Nitration............................................................................................348 8.3.6 Oxidation........................................................................................... 350 8.4 Chemicals from Xylene Isomers.................................................................... 352 8.5 Chemicals from Ethylbenzene....................................................................... 355 References................................................................................................................. 357 Chapter 9 Chemicals from Non-hydrocarbons.......................................................................... 359 9.1 Introduction.................................................................................................... 359 9.2 Ammonia........................................................................................................360 9.2.1 Production......................................................................................... 361 9.2.2 Properties and Uses........................................................................... 362 9.3 Carbon Black.................................................................................................. 363 9.3.1 Production......................................................................................... 363 9.3.2 Properties and Uses...........................................................................364 9.4 Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide.........................................................364 9.4.1 Production.........................................................................................365 9.4.2 Properties and Uses...........................................................................365 9.5 Hydrazine.......................................................................................................366 9.5.1 Production.........................................................................................366 9.5.2 Properties and Uses........................................................................... 367 9.6 Hydrogen........................................................................................................368 9.6.1 Production.........................................................................................368 9.6.2 Properties and Uses........................................................................... 370 9.7 Nitric Acid...................................................................................................... 371 9.7.1 Production......................................................................................... 372 9.7.2 Properties and Uses........................................................................... 372 9.8 Sulfur.............................................................................................................. 373 9.8.1 Production......................................................................................... 373 9.8.2 Properties and Uses........................................................................... 375 9.9 Sulfuric Acid.................................................................................................. 376 9.9.1 Production......................................................................................... 376 9.9.2 Properties and Uses........................................................................... 379 9.10 Synthesis Gas..................................................................................................380 9.10.1 Production......................................................................................... 381 9.10.2 Properties and Uses........................................................................... 382 References................................................................................................................. 383 Chapter 10 Chemicals from the Fischer–Tropsch Process.......................................................... 385 10.1 Introduction.................................................................................................... 385 10.2 History and Development of the Fischer–Tropsch Process............................ 388 10.3 Synthesis Gas..................................................................................................390 10.4 Production of Synthesis Gas........................................................................... 392 10.4.1 Feedstocks......................................................................................... 393 10.4.2 Processes........................................................................................... 395 10.4.2.1 Steam Reforming............................................................... 395 10.4.2.2 Autothermal Reforming..................................................... 398 10.4.2.3 Combined Reforming........................................................399 10.4.2.4 Partial Oxidation...............................................................400 10.4.3 Product Distribution.......................................................................... 401 10.5 Process Parameters......................................................................................... 401 10.6 Reactors and Catalysts....................................................................................403 10.6.1 Reactors.............................................................................................403 10.6.2 Catalysts............................................................................................405 10.7 Products and Product Quality........................................................................409 10.7.1 Products.............................................................................................409 10.7.2 Product Quality................................................................................. 410 10.8 Fischer–Tropsch Chemistry............................................................................ 412 10.8.1 Chemical Principles.......................................................................... 412 10.8.2 Refining Fischer–Tropsch Products................................................... 416 References................................................................................................................. 417 Chapter 11 Monomers, Polymers, and Plastics............................................................................ 421 11.1 Introduction.................................................................................................... 421 11.2 Processes and Process Chemistry.................................................................. 425 11.2.1 Addition Polymerization................................................................... 426 11.2.2 Free Radical Polymerization............................................................. 427 11.2.3 Cationic Polymerization.................................................................... 427 11.2.4 Anionic Polymerization.................................................................... 428 11.2.5 Coordination Polymerization............................................................ 428 11.2.6 Condensation Polymerization............................................................ 429 11.2.7 Ring-Opening Polymerization.......................................................... 430 11.3 Polymer Types................................................................................................ 431 11.3.1 Polyethylene...................................................................................... 435 11.3.1.1 Low-Density Polyethylene................................................. 435 11.3.1.2 High-Density Polyethylene................................................ 436 11.3.1.3 Linear Low-Density Polyethylene..................................... 436 11.3.1.4 Properties and Uses........................................................... 436 11.3.2 Polypropylene.................................................................................... 437 11.3.3 Polyvinyl Chloride............................................................................ 438 11.3.4 Polystyrene........................................................................................ 439 11.3.5 Nylon Resins......................................................................................440 11.3.6 Polyesters........................................................................................... 441 11.3.7 Polycarbonates................................................................................... 441 11.3.8 Polyether Sulfones.............................................................................442 11.3.9 Poly(phenylene) Oxide......................................................................444 11.3.10 Polyacetal..........................................................................................444 11.3.11 Butadiene Polymers and Copolymers...............................................445 11.4 Plastics and Thermoplastics...........................................................................446 11.4.1 Classification.....................................................................................449 11.4.2 Chemical Structure........................................................................... 450 11.4.3 Properties.......................................................................................... 451 11.4.3.1 Mechanical Properties....................................................... 451 11.4.3.2 Chemical Properties.......................................................... 452 11.4.3.3 Electrical Properties.......................................................... 453 11.4.3.4 Optical Properties.............................................................. 453 11.5 Thermosetting Plastics................................................................................... 453 11.5.1 Polyurethanes.................................................................................... 453 11.5.2 Epoxy Resins..................................................................................... 455 11.5.3 Unsaturated Polyesters...................................................................... 455 11.5.4 Phenol-Formaldehyde Resins............................................................ 455 11.5.5 Amino Resins.................................................................................... 456 11.5.6 Polycyanurates................................................................................ 457 11.6 Synthetic Fibers.............................................................................................. 457 11.6.1 Polyester Fibers............................................................................... 458 11.6.2 Polyamides...................................................................................... 459 11.6.2.1 Nylon 66.........................................................................460 11.6.2.2 Nylon 6...........................................................................460 11.6.2.3 Nylon 12.........................................................................460 11.6.2.4 Nylon 4...........................................................................460 11.6.2.5 Nylon 11.......................................................................... 461 11.6.2.6 Other Nylon Polymers.................................................... 461 11.6.3 Acrylic and Modacrylic Fibers....................................................... 461 11.6.4 Graphite Fibers...............................................................................462 11.6.5 Polypropylene Fibers......................................................................462 11.7 Synthetic Rubber............................................................................................462 11.7.1 Styrene-Butadiene Rubber..............................................................463 11.7.2 Nitrile Rubber.................................................................................464 11.7.3 Polyisoprene....................................................................................464 11.7.4 Polychloroprene..............................................................................465 11.7.5 Butyl Rubber...................................................................................465 11.7.6 Ethylene-Propylene Rubber............................................................465 References.................................................................................................................465 Chapter 12 Pharmaceuticals........................................................................................................ 467 12.1 Introduction.................................................................................................... 467 12.2 Medicinal Oils from Petroleum...................................................................... 470 12.2.1 Mineral Oil/White Oil.................................................................... 471 12.2.2 Petroleum Jelly............................................................................... 472 12.2.3 Paraffin Wax................................................................................... 474 12.2.4 Bitumen........................................................................................... 475 12.2.5 Solvents........................................................................................... 476 12.3 Pharmaceutical Products................................................................................ 478 12.4 Production of Pharmaceuticals....................................................................... 479 12.4.1 Acetaminophen...............................................................................480 12.4.2 Aleve...............................................................................................480 12.4.3 Aspirin............................................................................................ 481 12.4.4 Cepacol...........................................................................................482 12.4.5 Excedrin..........................................................................................482 12.4.6 Gaviscon.........................................................................................482 12.4.7 Ibuprofen.........................................................................................483 12.4.8 Kaopectate......................................................................................483 12.4.9 L-Menthol.......................................................................................484 12.4.10 Orajel..............................................................................................485 12.4.11 Tylenol............................................................................................485 12.4.12 Zantac.............................................................................................485 References.................................................................................................................486 Conversion Tables.........................................................................................................................489 Glossary......................................................................................................................................... 493 Index............................................................................................................................................... 557

About the Author :
Dr. James G. Speight has doctorate degrees in Chemistry, Geological Sciences, and Petroleum Engineering and is the author of more than 75 books in petroleum science, petroleum engineering, and environmental sciences. Dr. Speight has fifty years of experience in areas associated with (i) the properties, recovery, and refining of reservoir fluids, conventional petroleum, heavy oil, and tar sand bitumen, (ii) the properties and refining of natural gas, gaseous fuels, (iii) the production and properties of petrochemicals, (iv) the properties and refining of biomass, biofuels, biogas, and the generation of bioenergy, and (v) the environmental and toxicological effects of fuels. His work has also focused on safety issues, environmental effects, remediation, and safety issues as well as reactors associated with the production and use of fuels and biofuels. He is the author of more than 70 books in petroleum science, petroleum engineering, biomass and biofuels, environmental sciences. Although he has always worked in private industry which focused on contract-based work, he has served as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Chemical and Fuels Engineering at the University of Utah and in the Departments of Chemistry and Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Wyoming. In addition, he was a Visiting Professor in the College of Science, University of Mosul, Iraq and has also been a Visiting Professor in Chemical Engineering at the following universities: University of Missouri-Columbia, the Technical University of Denmark, and the University of Trinidad and Tobago. In 1996, Dr. Speight was elected to the Russian Academy of Sciences and awarded the Gold Medal of Honor that same year for outstanding contributions to the field of petroleum sciences. In 2001, he received the Scientists without Borders Medal of Honor of the Russian Academy of Sciences and was also awarded Dr. Speight the Einstein Medal for outstanding contributions and service in the field of Geological Sciences. In 2005, the Academy awarded Dr. Speight the Gold Medal - Scientists without Frontiers, Russian Academy of Sciences, in recognition of Continuous Encouragement of Scientists to Work Together Across International Borders. In 2007 Dr. Speight received the Methanex Distinguished Professor award at the University of Trinidad and Tobago in recognition of excellence in research.