What is a condensate splitter?

Condensate splitters are distillation units that process condensate, which is lighter than crude oil. Splitter capacity is included as atmospheric distillation units in U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data.

What is condensate in refinery?

Condensate is a mixture of light liquid hydrocarbons, similar to a very light (high API) crude oil. It is typically separated out of a natural gas stream at the point of production (field separation) when the temperature and pressure of the gas is dropped to atmospheric conditions.

What is a splitter used for oil and gas industry?

Splitters are distillation towers that provide a minimal level of processing to condensate, turning it into other products such as naptha (a commonly used petrochemical feedstock), which can be exported.

What is the difference between condensate and crude oil?

Condensate is more flammable and more explosive than normal crude oil, making it a bit trickier to transport. It’s also more dangerous for people to operate in areas where condensate is escaping, not only because of an explosion but also the threat of asphyxiation.

What is condensate fractionation unit?

Simulation of condensate fractionation plant The condensate fractionation unit is composed by the following equipment: Three pre-heater (heat exchangers), one main distillation column and column reboiler, onekerosene stripper and kerosene reboiler, other exchangers, vessels, pumps and utilities.

What is condensate used for?

Condensates are used as refinery feedstocks for the manufacture of products such as petrol (gasoline), jet fuel, diesel and heating fuels. Some condensates, particularly those with a high paraffin content, are used for the manufacture of ethylene.

Is condensate an LPG?

A natural gas liquid with a low vapor pressure compared with natural gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas. Condensate is mainly composed of propane, butane, pentane and heavier hydrocarbon fractions.

What does a splitter tower do?

A condensate splitter is simply a distillation tower. To understand how a distillation tower works, you really need a course in mass transfer. Very simply, the light materials go out the top of the tower and heavy materials go out the bottoms.

What is Stage 1 of oil refining?

Stage 1: Separation The first stage of refining sees molecules separated according to weight using a process known as atmospheric distillation. It starts with the oil being heated at temperatures of up to 400°C in a 60-metre deep distillation column. This causes the oil to vaporise and ascend to the top of the column.