Friday, January 31, 2020

History of oil and gas in China Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

History of oil and gas in China - Research Paper Example With a mounting population of more than 1.3 billion people, China depends greatly on other countries for prime resources, for example, oil and gas. In order to enhance its association with other Southeast Asian nations, China always considers diplomatic action over military intervention, especially in regards to disputed territories like the Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea. China is frequently involved in a political clash with Malaysia; perhaps, it is due mainly to the two countries' diplomatic dissimilarities. Nevertheless, China's ties with Malaysia are interdependent in that China relies on the huge oil and gas resources of Malaysia in return of China's defense policy and assurance for Malaysia. At the present, Malaysia is the largest producer of petroleum products in the Southeast Asian region, constituting more than fifty [Student’s Last Name] 2 percent of the oil and gas production in area (Global Security, "South China Sea and Natural Gas"). Ironically with China, while it possesses significant deposits of oil and gas reserves, they do not substantially account to the world’s aggregate oil supply; its natural gas reserves is merely one over twenty of the world’s oil and gas reserves (Li and Du 1). ... Early on in history, about 500 B.C., consistent with some historical accounts about China, the old Chinese express about wells with depth of 100 feet holding significant volume of water and natural gas. Also, the Chinese were pioneers in conceptualizing the use of bamboos to serve as pipelines to draw natural gas and oil from wells. These recovered gas and oil were originally used for lighting (Business Reference Services, "History of Oil and Gas Industry"). In addition, the Chinese eventually ventured in searching and excavating wells with depths of over 2000 feet (American Petroleum Institute, "All about Petroleum - As Old as History"). While China was the first country to venture in the exploration and excavation of oil and natural gas reserves, it was not the first country to take innovative approaches in developing petroleum products like kerosene, gasoline, etc. It commenced to adapt a modernistic method in developing oil and gas products only during the 1950s. Even up to the p resent, China is comparatively [Student’s Last Name] 3 fresher in modern oil and gas discovery and production compared to the US. Initially, China was an oil importer but later managed to become independent; and even became an exporter between 1965 and 1993; however, it went back to being an importer in 1993 (Li and Du 1). At first, China imported oil products such as Kerosene in 1863; and in 1949, the country independently produced crude oil; nonetheless, China’s need for oil exports from other countries was never eradicated until after the discovery of the enormous Daqing oil ground in the 1960s that made China ultimately oil-independent (1). Eventually, from being an oil importer, China turned out to be an oil exporter. In fact, between 1978 and 1985,

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Desertification in Beijing Essay -- China Desert Environment Climate E

Chinese climatic history is colored with desertification. Desertification is the transformation of arable or habitable land to desert, by means of a change in climate or destructive land use.1 China is covered by deserts, however this becomes problematic during times of drought and aridity as the deserts expand and threaten local populations. The Gobi desert is the most threatening to Beijing, the capital of China. A study of desertification illustrates Beijing and China ’s weather, climate, and society of both the past and the present. Chinese climatic history of desertification should be taken as both a guide and a warning to scientists and policy makers concerned about current climatic conditions in Beijing. Several documented events in Chinese history hint that increasing aridity and drought associated with desertification presented problems to ancient peoples. In 1500 BC the ancient Chinese Yang-shao and Lung-shan cultures were overwhelmed by horse-riding people, invading from central Asia, a presumable signal of an early stage of increasing aridity and/or colder winters.3 A climate like the present one in China fostered great droughts around 1100 BC. This time marked a retraction of bamboo lines and disappearance of papyrus reeds hinting at a drying trend in climate.4 An analysis of trade and migrations can also be used as an indication that drought and desertification occurred and forced people from their place of origin. From 150 BC until AD 300, the Great Silk Road extended across Asia and acted as a mechanism for trade in luxuries from China.5 The Silk Road served as an avenue of cultural exposure and integration: introducing new languages, religions (Buddhism and Confucism), and commodities between the east and ... ...ngs and fences), chemical methods (bonding agents added to loose shifting sand to form a nonerodible crust), and land management practices.16 180,000 people living near Beijing will be forced to relocate, not because of immediate desertification danger, but to make room to implement these desertification stalling methods.17 Desertification has consistently haunted Chinese climatic history. However, recent evidence suggests that the Chinese might have a little more on their hands than the global climate change experienced by generations before them. While global warming and climate change are a world concern, the Chinese have an invested interest in combating the desert destruction of their capital city. If these methods prove futile and anthropogenic forces accelerate desertification, then Beijing could be the first victim in the battle against global warming.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Ap Euro Winter Homework

Irene Kim AP Euro Winter Assignment 1/2 Unit I 1. There are several relationships that can be pointed out between the Middle Ages and modern times. One such example is the overpopulation that Europe faced before the Black Death and the overpopulation that the world is facing at this moment. Although not everywhere, there is poor sanitation and malnutrition in many areas of the world as there were back then. Another example is the economy and how there were a lack of jobs and pay for people as there are today which lead to new social changes. 2. The Black Death opened up new economic opportunities for peasants and formed a new middle class made up of artisans. The farmers that broke away were able to enjoy a new job that they enjoyed such as art and literature. The Hundred Years War began the modernization of state building and it made more room for social mobility. Power also became more centralized. The crisis in the Catholic Church paved the way for scholasticism and more secularizing of art. 3. The Black Death changed the social structure after the many deaths and the surplus of farmers who moved to the cities to become artisans. The Hundred Years War put tension politically between England and France that would affect wars later on. The church moving from Italy to France and refocusing the center of religion changed the demographic structure. Unit II 1. The Renaissance differed from the Late Middle Ages because it focused a lot on art and learning. Humanism, which led to many going away from the church and become secular, spread across Europe with the help of many intellectuals. Also the fact that the Renaissance was a period without as much feudalism because of the Black Death is significant because the individual could focus on himself or herself. . The idea of Humanism affected Renaissance art because it broke away from the traditional Christian settings and characters and relied more on basic people and their emotions. Humanism changed how society viewed itself and made it more individual-centered. Leonardo da Vinci is one artist who painted the Mona Lisa, by developing the technique of sfumato. Another artist is Michelangelo Buonarroti who sculpted David, which glorified the human body by making it into a contrapposto stance and made the facial expressions individualistic and emotional. Albrecht Durer is a Northern Renaissance artist who painted many self-portraits which shows how he values himself as well. 3. Women now had increased access to education but they also lost status and became ornaments to their husbands. There were sexual double standards; women had to stay chaste while men could do whatever they wanted to. Although there were women like Christine de Pisan or Isabella d’Este, their roles were to marry and have children. 4. Machiavelli’s ideas, found in The Prince, outline what a prince should do to rule his country. He states that the ends must justify the means and that for rulers, it is better to be feared than to be loved. They have greatly influenced future rulers to be stricter on their people. Unit III 1. The causes of the Protestant Reformation were the corruption of the church, revivals of ancient text, and humanism. The corruptions of the church such as the sale of indulgences, simony, pluralism and other deeds caused the people to become wary of the church. Humanism caused many people to criticize the church and question the validity of the bible. Though tensions about the church had been growing over the past few centuries, they escalated during this time, causing the Protestant Reformation. 2. The Reformation changed the world religiously, politically, economically, and socially. It changed it religiously by separating countries and the people by different religions, when before the reformation they were united under one. New religions sprouted out and grew away from Catholicism. It changed it politically because the rulers now had a stand on which religion to practice. It changed it socially because many of the lower classes converted into Protestantism because it was more favorable to them while many of the nobility stayed Catholic. 3. The status of women and children in European society was changed by the Reformation, somewhat. A woman’s main job was to stay at home and take care of the family, but marriage became more compassionate. Emphasis on education and literary rates rose during this time, thanks to intellectuals. As for Protestant women, their opportunities to help in the church, such as becoming a nun, lessened. 4. The extent the Catholic Church succeeded in achieving its goals during the Counter Reformation was pretty good. They basically re-affirmed past beliefs and reformed the institutions so that no corruption could be done and that the clergy would be properly educated. Although the unity of western Christianity was shattered, religious enthusiasm was rekindled within the people. A new religious order called the Jesuits also helped many people get back into Catholicism. 5. The voyages of exploration were motivated the idea of riches, such as gold or silver, but many wanted to find a new route to the silk and spice trades. The Ottoman Empire blocked two very major routes and so Europe had to find new routes to Asia. They changed the world by coming home with knowledge of newfound land and also spread diseases and food from one place to another. 6. Politics and economics were related in the commercial revolution. The Commercial Revolution was a period of European expansion, colonialism, and mercantilism. It was related to politics because many countries fought over trade routes. Whoever controlled one route, would form alliances with other countries making it a strong, defended nation. It is related to economics as well, because with the vast trade markets and monopolies, it helped many countries gain wealth and eventually power. Unit V 1. Divine right is the belief that God placed the king on the throne. Many used this as the basis of power for an absolutist rule. Although its legitimacy can’t be proven, people such as Bossuet helped monarchs achieve that power, such as Louis XIV. 2. The Treaty of Westphalia ended the Catholic Reformation in Germany as a renewal of the Peace of Augsburg except it added Calvinism. It failed to help Europe experience peace in the years following because Germany was now devastated and further divided. Also France began to gain power, which led to many wars such as the French Revolution and etc. 3. Mercantilism is the economic doctrine in which government control of foreign trade is of paramount importance for ensuring the prosperity and the security of the state. It was a cause of frequent European wars and motivated colonial expansion. It started the slave trade. They spread diseases, killed many natives, plundered riches, and introduced ifferent foods and animals. 4. Austria, Prussia, France, Russia, and England emerged as the strongest powers during the age of absolutism because of the fall of the three aging empires, Holy Roman Empire, Ottoman Empire, and Polish Kingdom. Absolute rulers, such as Frederick William I of Prussia, ruled as a response to the crises of the 16th and 17th centuries because the people needed order. Their armies and military were very developed and strong as well. 5. The methods that absolute monarchs used to maintain their control were to strengthen their military and change the bureaucracy. They also demanded absolute obedience and discipline from civil servants, because promotions were based on merit. They also educated their people more, even the lower classes. Monarchs also extended their rule over local law and revenues and replaced local nobles with ones faithful to the king. 6. Absolutism is based on sovereignty. An absolute ruler, like a king or queen, governs by decree. They were placed on the throne by god, and the people have no say in those decrees and no right of appeal. Constitutionalism, however, is based on agreed laws, not decree. It relies on a balance of government power and the rights of the people as well.

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

How to Make Chemical Piranha Solution

Chemical piranha solution or piranha etch is a mixture of a strong acid or base with peroxide, mainly used to remove organic residue from glass and other surfaces. Its a useful solution, but hazardous to make, use, and dispose of, so if you need to prepare this chemical, read over the precautions and disposal advice before you get started. Heres what you need to know: How to Make Piranha Solution There are multiple recipes for piranha solution. The 3:1 and 5:1 ratios are probably the most common: 3:1 concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to 30% hydrogen peroxide (aqueous H2O2) solution4:1  concentrated sulfuric acid to 30% hydrogen peroxide solution5:1  concentrated sulfuric acid to 30% hydrogen peroxide solution7:1 concentrated sulfuric acid to 30% hydrogen peroxide solution (less common)base piranha: 3:1 ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) to hydrogen peroxide Prepare the solution in a fume hood and be certain you are wearing gloves, a lab coat, and safety goggles. Put the visor down on the hood to minimize the risk of damage or harm.Use a Pyrex or equivalent borosilicate glass container. Do not use a plastic container, as it will react with the solution and eventually fail. Label the container before preparing the solution.Make certain the container used for mixing is clean. If there is excessive organic matter, it may cause a vigorous reaction, possibly leading to a spill, breakage, or an explosion.Slowly add the peroxide to the acid. Do not add acid to peroxide! The reaction will be exothermic, may boil, and may splash out of the container. The risk of boiling or of sufficient flammable gas being released that could lead to an explosion increases as the amount of peroxide increases. Another method used to prepare piranha solution is to pour sulfuric acid over a surface, followed by peroxide solution. After time is allowed for the reaction, the solution is rinsed away with water. Safety Tips   Make piranha solution fresh before each use because the solution decomposes.Activity of the solution is increased by heating it, but dont apply heat until after the reaction to make the solution has completed. Its advisable to let the solution cool slightly after reaction before heating it.Do not leave hot piranha solution unattended on the lab bench.Do not store piranha solution in a sealed container. For that matter, do not store chemical piranha for later use, period.In case of skin or surface contact, rinse affected area immediately with large volumes of water. Continue rinsing at least 15 minutes. Seek appropriate emergency aid.In case of inhaling, remove affected person to fresh air and seek emergency medical aid. Be aware symptoms of exposure may be delayed.In case of suspected ingestion, seek immediate medical attention. How to Use Piranha Solution To Clean Sintered Glass - Piranha solution is used to clean sintered glass or fritted glass because it doesnt damage pores in the glass (which is why you dont use a strong base instead). Soak the glassware overnight in piranha solution before rinsing it with water.To Clean Glassware - Piranha solution can remove contamination on glassware that is untouched by other chemicals. Its important there is not excessive organic contamination. Soak the glassware overnight, then thoroughly rinse it.Apply as a surface treatment to glass to make it hydrophilic. Piranha solution increases the number of silanol groups on the glass surface by hydroxylating the silicon dioxide.Apply to remove residue from surfaces. Make sure you are removing residue and not a significant layer of material! Disposal of Piranha Solution To dispose of piranha solution, allow the solution to cool completely, to allow for it to release oxygen gas. Make sure the gas has dissipated before proceeding.Neutralize piranha solution by diluting it with large amounts of water. Do not neutralize it by adding a base, as the rapid decomposition releases heat and pure oxygen gas. The exception is when the volume of piranha solution is small (~ 100 ml). Then, dilute the piranha by adding it to water until it is less than 10% of the volume. Add sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate solution until the pH is 4 or higher. Expect heat, bubbling, and possibly foaming when the base is added to the acid solution.Usually, its okay to wash diluted piranha solution down the drain. However, some places prefer it be treated as toxic waste. Disposal also depends on the purpose of the solution, since some reactions may leave toxic residue in the container. Do not dispose of piranha solution with organic solvents, as a violent reaction and explosion will occur. Source Kemsley, Jyllian (January 16, 2015). Piranha solution explosions. The Safetyzone by CEN.