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Diesel & Naphtha Mix, Fuel Blending Innovation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

diesel naphtha mixture blend Kurdistan Iraq refinery

As one of the prominent energy producers in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Oiload has been at the forefront of fuel production and innovation, specializing in the creation of customized fuel blends tailored to meet diverse industrial needs. Oiload produces high-quality naphtha and diesel, along with various blends of these two fuels in different ratios, catering to a wide range of applications. These blends are not only economical but also offer tailored fuel properties that make them suitable for specific conditions, especially in a region with varying climate and industrial requirements.

diesel naphtha mixture blend Kurdistan Iraq refinery sample
Right: Sample of 80% diesel mix with 20% naphtha, output with 3500 sulfur, Grade 1 | Left: Sample of 80% diesel mix with 20% naphtha, output with 5000 sulfur, Grade 2

Why Blend Diesel and Naphtha?

Blending diesel with naphtha creates a versatile fuel solution that balances cost-effectiveness, combustion properties, and performance. Naphtha is generally less expensive than diesel and has a high volatility, which allows for easier ignition and potentially improved cold-start performance. Diesel, on the other hand, provides stability and high energy content, making it an ideal base fuel. When combined in different ratios, these fuels create custom blends that can serve a variety of operational needs.

Popular Diesel-Naphtha Blends by Oiload

Oilload produces several standard diesel-naphtha blends to offer choices suited to different applications. Here’s an overview of the most popular mixes and their characteristics:

  1. 90% Diesel + 10% Naphtha

    • Flash Point: Slightly reduced compared to pure diesel but still relatively stable.
    • Characteristics: This blend maintains most of diesel's properties while slightly lowering the cost and flash point. It’s suitable for general industrial applications where a small increase in volatility is acceptable.
    • Applications: Heavy machinery, industrial heating, and backup generators.
  2. 80% Diesel + 20% Naphtha

    • Flash Point: Close to 0°C due to the addition of naphtha, making it more flammable.
    • Characteristics: The 20% naphtha blend significantly increases volatility and lowers the flash point, making it easier to ignite in cold conditions. The blend’s density is slightly lower than pure diesel, and its energy content is moderately reduced.
    • Applications: Cold climates and applications requiring reliable cold-start performance, or emergency power solutions where easy ignition is needed.
  3. 50% Diesel + 50% Naphtha

    • Flash Point: Extremely low, as naphtha’s high volatility dominates.
    • Characteristics: This blend is highly volatile and has a much lower flash point than diesel alone, making it more challenging to handle and transport safely. The fuel vaporizes readily, with a lower energy content than diesel, so it’s ideal for high-burn, rapid combustion applications but requires specific engine or burner setups.
    • Applications: Limited to specialized industrial applications, such as certain high-heat industrial burners or furnaces where fast vaporization and combustion are desired.

Fuel Properties and Safety Considerations

Each blend has unique properties due to the inherent differences between naphtha and diesel:

  • Flash Point: As naphtha content increases, the flash point of the blend decreases. Lower flash points mean that the fuel is more flammable and volatile, requiring careful handling and storage.
  • Density: Naphtha is lighter than diesel, so blends with higher naphtha content will have a lower density, which can influence fuel efficiency and performance in engines.
  • Volatility: Increased naphtha raises the blend's vapor pressure, resulting in more readily available fuel vapors that can ignite easily, especially in warmer temperatures.
  • Calorific Value: Diesel has a higher calorific value than naphtha, so blends with more diesel have higher energy content, providing greater fuel efficiency per unit mass.

Customizable Sulfur Content and Color Options

In addition to blending diesel and naphtha in various ratios, Oiload offers customization in sulfur content and color to meet specific client and regulatory requirements. The sulfur content in these blends can be adjusted within a range of 3500 to 5000 ppm, catering to clients with varying emission standards or operational needs. Higher sulfur content fuels are often more cost-effective and are typically used in applications where sulfur emissions are less of a concern. However, for industries or regions with stricter environmental regulations, Oiload can produce lower-sulfur blends to help reduce sulfur oxide emissions and meet compliance standards.

Ooload’s custom color options provide visual indicators for easy identification and handling. Clients can choose from a variety of colors, including bright yellow, lemon yellow, and very light clear yellow. These color variations not only help differentiate between blends but also enhance safety by making it easier to identify specific fuel types in the field. This flexibility ensures that clients can have both the right fuel composition and visual characteristics suited to their specific applications, whether for industrial machinery, transportation, or other specialized uses.

Why Oiload’s Blended Fuels Are Beneficial for Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has a dynamic and growing industrial sector, including power generation, transportation, and heavy machinery. Oiload’s diesel-naphtha blends provide economical solutions for industries and companies looking to balance cost with performance. Furthermore, the region’s cold winters make low-flash-point fuels particularly advantageous for reliable engine start-ups and operation in low temperatures.

Additionally, local production and blending by Oiload reduce dependence on imported fuels, ensuring better control over fuel quality and a reliable supply chain. By offering a range of blending options, Oiload gives clients the flexibility to choose the best-suited fuel for their needs, whether it’s for industrial machinery, heating, or other specialized applications.

Summary

Oilload’s expertise in producing and blending fuels like diesel and naphtha has allowed them to deliver tailored energy solutions that meet the diverse needs of the Kurdistan Region. With a variety of diesel-naphtha blends, from 90/10 to 50/50 ratios, Oiload provides businesses with optimized fuel options that balance cost, volatility, and performance. This approach not only supports local industry but also ensures reliable fuel availability and quality control.

For inquiries and pricing information on naphtha, diesel, and custom fuel blends, visit www.oilload.com or contact Oiload’s sales team.

 

An estimated and theoretical distillation of the product of a blend of 20% naphtha and 80% diesel

Blend Diesel and Naphtha

If you're distilling a mixture of naphtha (20%) and diesel containing 3500 ppm impurities (80%), the process becomes more interesting due to the impurities in the diesel. Here's how the process might proceed:


1. Key Characteristics of the Mixture

  • Naphtha (20%): A light hydrocarbon mixture with a boiling range of ~30°C to 200°C.
  • Diesel (80%): A heavier hydrocarbon mixture with a boiling range of ~200°C to 350°C.
  • 3500 ppm impurities in diesel: Impurities could include sulfur compounds, aromatics, water, or particulate matter.

2. Distillation Process

Stage 1: Light Fraction Distillation

  • The lighter naphtha components will vaporize and separate first.
  • Boiling occurs at lower temperatures (<200°C).
  • Impurities in diesel are less likely to vaporize in this stage but could partially enter the distillate depending on their volatility.

Stage 2: Heavy Fraction Distillation

  • The diesel fraction will start vaporizing as the temperature increases to 200°C–350°C.
  • Impurities may:
    • Remain in the residue if they are non-volatile (e.g., heavy metals, particulates).
    • Partially vaporize if they are volatile impurities like sulfur or aromatics.

3. Expected Output

Distillates:

  1. Naphtha Fraction (boiling below ~200°C):
    • Mostly lighter hydrocarbons.
    • May contain trace diesel components due to overlapping boiling points.
  2. Diesel Fraction (boiling between ~200°C and 350°C):
    • Primarily diesel hydrocarbons.
    • May still contain some impurities depending on the volatility.

Residue:

  • If impurities are heavy or non-volatile, they will concentrate in the bottom residue.

4. Challenges and Considerations

  • Impurity Management:
    • Sulfur compounds: If sulfur is present, it might affect the distillate quality. Desulfurization may be required post-distillation.
    • Particulates: A pre-distillation filtration step could reduce solid contaminants.
  • Boiling Point Overlap: Some diesel components might carry over into the naphtha fraction, reducing separation efficiency.
  • Energy Efficiency: Heating diesel to 350°C consumes significant energy.

5. Applications of Distilled Products

  • Naphtha Fraction: Used as a feedstock in petrochemical processes (e.g., ethylene production) or as a blending agent for gasoline.
  • Diesel Fraction: Can be used directly or further refined for specific applications.
  • Residue: Could be processed further to recover valuable components or safely disposed of.

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