Condensate is a light liquid hydrocarbon derived from natural gas processing or crude oil refining. It is an essential component in the petroleum industry, often blended into gasoline or diesel to improve performance and efficiency. It plays a crucial role in various industrial applications, including petrochemical production, fuel blending, and refining processes.
Oilload, a leading producer of customized condensate in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, specializes in producing high-quality condensate tailored to meet specific industry needs. With a commitment to excellence, Oilload supplies various markets with products that align with international and regional standards. The company is known for its advanced refining techniques, ensuring that its condensate meets stringent quality and safety requirements. By continuously innovating its production processes, Oilload has positioned itself as a trusted supplier within the industry, meeting the growing demand for specialized petroleum products across different sectors.
As part of Afghanistan's regulations on petroleum imports, condensate products must undergo rigorous analysis to meet quality and safety standards. The analysis of condensate is divided into two categories: Cut 1 and Cut 2, each with specific characteristics and applications. Below, we introduce the key parameters of both analyses, explain their significance, and provide the Afghanistan-approved range for each.
In this article, we will examine condensate analyses approved by the Afghanistan Standard.
See Kurdistan Blended Condensate Analysis Also
Analysis of Cut 1 Condensate Approved by Afghanistan Norm
Cut 1 condensate is a light hydrocarbon mixture with properties similar to gasoline. It is widely used as a blending component to enhance fuel performance. The analysis covers several essential parameters:
Color (Visual): A qualitative parameter ensuring the fuel's appearance aligns with expected standards. Approved range: Pale Yellow.
Copper Corrosion (ASTM D130): Measures the fuel's potential to corrode copper components. Approved limit: Class 1.
Density at 15°C (ASTM D1298): Determines the mass per unit volume, affecting combustion properties. Approved range: 725-780 kg/m³ (result: 702, slightly below standard). Lower density can impact fuel energy content and combustion efficiency.
Distillation (ASTM D86): Examines the boiling point distribution, which influences engine performance and vaporization:
Initial Boiling Point (IBP): Min 35°C (result: 37°C, acceptable).
10% Volume Evaporated: Max 75°C (result: 54°C, acceptable).
50% Volume Evaporated: Max 120°C (result: 90°C, acceptable).
90% Volume Evaporated: Max 190°C (result: 133°C, acceptable).
Final Boiling Point (FBP): Max 215°C (result: 175°C, acceptable).
Residue: Max 2% (not reported). Higher residue content may indicate poor fuel quality.
Research Octane Number (RON) (ASTM D2699-2885): Determines fuel resistance to knocking. Minimum 80 (result: 80, acceptable). Higher RON values improve engine performance.
Motor Octane Number (MON) (ASTM D2885-2885): Indicates the fuel’s knock resistance under load. Minimum 76 (result: 78, acceptable).
Anti-Knock Index (AKI) (R+M)/2 (ASTM D2699-2885): Defines an overall octane rating. Minimum 78 (not reported).
Vapor Pressure (RVP) (ASTM D323): Affects fuel volatility and evaporation. Approved range: 35-70 kPa (result: 55 kPa, acceptable).
Sulfur Content (ASTM D4294): Impacts emissions and engine wear. Maximum 0.05% mass (result: 253 ppm, exceeding limit). High sulfur levels contribute to air pollution.
Analysis of Cut 2 Condensate by Afghanistan Laboratory
Cut 2 condensate is a heavier fraction closer to diesel in properties. It is commonly used in power generation and industrial fuel applications. Key parameters include:
Color (Visual): Ensures clarity and purity. Approved: Visual inspection.
Copper Corrosion (ASTM D130): Measures corrosiveness. Maximum Class 3 (result: Class 1a, well within standard).
Density at 15°C (ASTM D1298): Determines combustion characteristics. Approved range: 840-860 kg/m³ (result: 800 kg/m³, below standard). Lower density may affect engine efficiency and fuel performance.
Distillation (ASTM D86): Critical for defining fuel volatility and performance:
Initial Boiling Point: 161°C.
50% Volume Evaporated: 209°C.
90% Volume Evaporated: 272°C.
95% Volume Evaporated: 294°C.
Final Boiling Point: 323°C.
Residue: Not reported. Excessive residue can affect engine cleanliness and performance.
Cetane Number (ASTM D613): Determines ignition quality. Minimum 47 (result: 47, acceptable). Higher cetane numbers improve combustion efficiency.
Cetane Index (ASTM D976): Alternative measure of ignition quality. Minimum 51 (result: 51, acceptable).
The analysis of both Cut 1 and Cut 2 condensates provides a comprehensive look at their compliance with Afghanistan's import regulations. While most parameters meet the approved ranges, certain areas such as sulfur content in Cut 1 and viscosity/flash point in Cut 2 require attention. These evaluations ensure that imported condensate meets environmental, safety, and performance standards for domestic use. Additionally, as demand for specialized petroleum products grows, producers like Oilload continue to innovate, refining their condensate production to offer higher quality solutions tailored to industry needs.
