How Much Does One Barrel of Oil Produce?

For investors and economists, the price of oil is purely fiscal. But what many people don't realise is the important role oil plays in day to day life. From powering cars to manufacturing birthday candles, here are some of the ways to use a single barrel of oil.   

• Create enough gasoline to power a medium-sized vehicle for over 450 kilometres
• Run a large truck for almost 65 kilometres
• Residual fuel could be used to generate almost 70 kWh of electricity at a power plant
• Manufacture almost 2 kilograms of charcoal briquettes
• Fill 12 small camping cylinders with propane
• Generate enough asphalt to make about 3.8 litres of tar for repairing roofs and streets
• Create almost 1 litre of motor oil lubricants
• Manufacture enough wax to create 170 birthday candles or 27 wax crayons

As well as the above applications, petrochemical by-products from the same barrel of oil could also be used as a base to create one of the following categories:

• 39 polyester shirts
• 750 handheld combs
• 540 toothbrushes
• 65 plastic dustpan and brush sets
• 23 hula hoops
• 65 plastic drinking cups
• 195 plastic measuring cups
• 135 four-inch rubber sports balls

While most people see oil as a resource for powering vehicles, the viscous black liquid actually has a myriad of applications. And the above is just a snippet of how one barrel of oil can be used. Want to know more? Check out the colourful infographic from oil and gas news platform JWN Energy.

Working with researchers from Chevron, the team broke down the various uses for a typical barrel of US domestic crude. From guitar strings to antihistamine medication, the result is a fascinating glimpse at the clandestine role oil plays in everyday life.  

Oil giants like Chevron rely heavily on measurement and testing technology to maximise efficiency. Analysis also plays an important role in complying with health and safety standards. For a close look at the complexities don't miss 'Nitrogen Oxides Measurements in Hydrocarbon Gases'. The article offers a unique glimpse at how refiners measure and manage the air pollutants that go hand in hand with the hydrocarbon production industry.