Neptha
Naphtha is a highly flammable, clear liquid hydrocarbon mixture produced during the refining of crude oil, coal tar, or natural gas.
Naphtha refers to a broad class of volatile, liquid hydrocarbon mixtures distilled from crude oil, natural gas condensates, or coal tar. Characterized by its water-clear appearance and distinct, gasoline-like odor, naphtha occupies an intermediate position in the petroleum refining process between light gases and heavier kerosene.
Production and Types
Refineries produce naphtha through the fractional distillation of crude oil, where it is captured at specific boiling point ranges (typically between 30°C and 200°C). It is generally categorized into two main types based on its chemical structure:
Light Naphtha: Consisting mainly of straight-chain and branched alkanes (paraffins) with fewer carbon atoms, it is highly volatile.
Heavy Naphtha: Richer in cyclic hydrocarbons (naphthenes) and aromatics, it has a higher boiling point and serves as the ideal base for further chemical reforming.
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