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components. The fractionation process yields ethane, propane,
butane, isobutane, and natural gasoline.
Transportation. Oil and gas are transported to processing
facilities, and from there to end users, by pipeline, tanker/barge,
truck, and rail. Pipelines are the most economical transportation
method and are most suited to movement across longer distances,
for example, across continents. Tankers and barges are also
employed for long-distance, often international transport. Rail and
truck can also be used for longer distances but are most cost-
effective for shorter routes.
Storage. Midstream service providers provide storage
facilities throughout the oil and gas distribution systems. These
facilities are most often located near refining and processing
facilities and are connected to pipeline systems to facilitate
shipment when product demand must be met. While petroleum
products are held in storage tanks, natural gas tends to be stored in
underground facilities, such as salt dome caverns and depleted
reservoirs.
Technological applications. Midstream service providers
apply technological solutions to improve efficiency during
midstream processes. Technology can be used during compression
of fuels to ease flow through pipelines; to better detect leaks in
pipelines; and to automate communications for better pipeline and
equipment monitoring [22].
List of the Top 10 petroleum companies in the world
1) Saudi Aramco
Saudi Aramco, a fully integrated, global petroleum and
chemicals enterprise, is the state-owned oil company of the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During their 80-year history they have
become a world leader in hydrocarbons exploration, production,
refining, distribution, shipping and marketing, and the world’s top
exporter of crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs).
The company manages proven conventional crude oil and
condensate reserves of 260.2 billion barrels. Their average daily
crude production in 2012 was 9.5 million barrels per day (bpd).
Saudi Aramco and its subsidiaries own or have equity interest in
domestic and international refineries with a total worldwide

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