THE EFFECT OF RADIATION ON PETROLEUM AND ITS PRODUCTS

The radiation chemistry of pure hydrocarbons is reviewed to illustrate the reactions of the various hydrocarbon types found in petroleum and petroleum products. Studies show that unsaturated compounds are more reactive than saturates, and aromatic compounds are the most stable of all. The radiation resistance of polynuclear aromatic compounds extends to high temperatures, making these materials interesting as moderator coolants for nuclear reactors. Irradiation experiments with multicomponent systems indicate that data on individual organic compounds cannot predict the radiolysis behavior of complex mixtures of the type found in petroleum. Available data is reviewed on the radiolytic behavior of petroleum fractions and the evolution of gas from irradiated hydrocarbons.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document is available for review at the Department of Commerce Library, Main Commerce Building, Washington, D.C., under reference number ESSO-MA-1.
• Corporate Authors:

  Esso Research and Engineering Company

  Products Research Division, PO Box 51
  Linden, NJ  United States 
• Authors:
  • Baxter Jr, E F
  • Black, J F
• Publication Date: 1959-8-1

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: 15 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Heat transfer; Nuclear reactor coolants; Radiation hazards; Radioactivity
• Old TRIS Terms: Radiation effects
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00026201
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Maritime Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: ESSO-MA-1
• Contract Numbers: MA-1814
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Apr 13 1973 12:00AM