Sometimes when we think of synthetic, it tends to be in direct opposition to natural: synthetic fibers versus natural fibers (polyester vs cotton), synthetic or artificial dyes versus their natural counterparts (Yellow...
Author - Sarah Simonovich
Sarah Simonovich
How Howard Hughes Revolutionized Oil Well Drilling
This man was Howard Hughes before Howard Hughes was Howard Hughes You might know Howard Hughes as the American Hollywood producer, businessman, real estate mogul, and pilot, but what about the other businessman Howard...
Petroleum Product of the Week: Formaldehyde
If you’ve ever had to dissect something in a science class, you can probably recall that awful smell that filled the room–and no, it wasn’t just the frog legs. It was the formaldehyde (well...
Can Human Fat be Used to Fuel Your Car?
It’s not the prettiest thing to think about, I know. But what if an alternative form of fuel is staring at us in the face–or is, rather, part of our face? Can the human body be turned into biodiesel? I...
Petroleum Product of the Week: Photographic Film
Before digital cameras (and subsequent camera phones) became common to the public, taking a photo wasn’t as easy as point-and-shoot. I mean, sure you could have pointed your camera at a random object and then...
What are Compounded Gear Oils?
Why–and When–Should You Use a Compounded Gear Oil? We know not all oils are created equal: some are meant for your car, some are meant for hydraulic systems, and some are meant for use in gear boxes...
Understanding Types of Lubricants: Biolubricants
Environmentally-friendly lubricating oils do exist– and they don’t require sacrificing performance. Biolubricants, also known as bio-based lubricants or bio-lubes, are both rapidly biodegradable and nontoxic for...
Petroleum Product of the Week: Greek Fire
Picture yourself in a boat on a river the sea. It’s ancient times. You don’t know the exact date, or even what year it is, because who has time to worry about such trivial matters when your naval ship—and the water and...
Understanding Types of Lubricants: Base Oil Groups
Lubricants are primarily used to reduce the friction between two surfaces in mutual contact; in reducing friction, they also help reduce the heat generated when the surfaces move. Friction is an important force that...
Oil & Blood: the Mysterious Murder at the Greystone Mansion
The Greystone Mansion isn’t your typical 46,000 sq. ft. 1920s Tudor Revival located in Beverly Hills, California. If you were to take a tour of the house, though, you might find it recognizable—it’s been used a lot in...