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Future Fuels and Petroleum (CHEN90027)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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AIMS

This subject will give an overview of petroleum and energy resources engineering, the technology and the economics.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

The subject will present details on the types of fossil fuels available (coal, oil, natural gas), the geology involved in their formation and the underlying chemistry for power generation. Aspects of petroleum reservoir engineering will be detailed, including exploration, well drilling and reservoir control. The subsequent petroleum product processing will be explained, including refinery and subsequent chemical processing, including the various usages of petroleum products. The combustion of fossil fuels for power generation will be described, with detailed analysis of carbon emissions and reduction strategies, including carbon capture and storage. This will also involve details on enhanced oil recovery. Future fuels that replace petroleum, including hydrogen and methanol, will also be presented in terms of their potential, chemical synthesis and usage. In addition, economics of power generation will be covered, in terms of cost of electricity and carbon accounting, along with health and safety, risk assessment and management and legal issues of petroleum engineering.

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Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

  • Assess the impacts of petroleum resource depletion, alternative fuels and carbon emissions, as well as analyse the range of measures that can be taken to reduce carbon emissions
  • Design a preliminary process for petroleum extraction and subsequent refining, including evaluating available technology
  • Estimate the cost of petroleum and fossil fuels, their impact on energy pricing and the environment
  • Evaluate different petroleum and alternative fuel options and assess their viability into the future.

Generic skills

  • In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline
  • Ability to use a systems approach to design and operational performance
  • Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer and the need for sustainable development
  • Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development.

Last updated: 8 August 2024