1. What It Is:
Naphtha is a flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture produced during the refining of crude oil or from natural gas condensates. It serves as a key raw material in the petrochemical industry and as a blending component in gasoline.
2. Types of Naphtha:
Light Naphtha:
- Lower boiling range (~30–90°C)
- Rich in paraffins
- Mainly used in petrochemical cracking
Heavy Naphtha:
- Higher boiling range (~90–200°C)
- Used in reforming units to produce high-octane gasoline components
3. Key Properties:
- Boiling Point Range: 30°C to 200°C
- Flash Point: Typically below room temperature
- Color: Clear or pale yellow
- Density: ~0.65–0.75 g/cm³
- High volatility and flammability
4. Applications:
Petrochemical Feedstock:
- Cracked to produce ethylene, propylene, butadiene, etc.
Gasoline Blending:
- Used to increase octane number
Gasoline Blending:
- Used to increase octane number
