Naphtha refers to a class of highly volatile and flammable liquid hydrocarbon fuels that fall between light gases (such as LPG) and white oil in the crude oil refining tower. The majority of the gas condensates, which are extracted from gas wells, are also composed of naphtha. Naphtha can also be obtained from coal tar. Naphtha precisely consists of hydrocarbons with 5 to 12 carbon atoms, with boiling points ranging from 30 to 200 degrees Celsius. In other words, if crude oil is heated from 30 to 200 degrees Celsius and the vaporized portion is separated, naphtha is obtained. Typically, around 15 to 30 percent of crude oil boils within this temperature range, so that portion can be directly converted into naphtha. However, it should be noted that this range overlaps with gasoline (70 to 175 degrees) and kerosene (150 to 275 degrees). Nevertheless, naphtha is generally supplied in two types in the market: light naphtha (with hydrocarbons of 5 to 6 carbons and boiling points between 30 to 90 degrees) and heavy naphtha (with hydrocarbons of 6 to 12 carbons and boiling points between 90 to 200 degrees).
Types of Naphtha:
Light Naphtha: Light naphtha reaches its boiling point between 30 to 90 degrees and consists of hydrocarbon molecules with 5 to 6 carbons. It is used as a solvent in rubber manufacturing and as a diluent for lacquers.
Heavy Naphtha: Heavy naphtha primarily consists of molecules with 7-12 carbon atoms and has a boiling point between 140 to 205 degrees Celsius. It is used as a solvent and varnish thinner, as well as in dyeing and as a cleaning agent.
Applications and Properties:
Naphtha has diverse applications. The chemical and petrochemical industries are the main buyers of naphtha, using it as feedstock for the production of various petrochemical products, including solvents, diluents, raw materials for plastics, synthetic fibers, and industrial alcohols. For example, a significant portion of paint thinners is made of naphtha, and most ethylene-based plastic compounds are produced using naphtha. Additionally, through catalytic processes, naphtha can be converted into high-octane gasoline and other petroleum fuels. Naphtha is a powerful solvent with various applications and is also used in the manufacture of detergents and the purification of other hydrocarbon substances. It is also used in the production of polishes and as a fuel for heating and cooking (similar to liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene). Naphtha is also a component of shoe polishes and is used as fuel in some lighters. Gas turbine engines are capable of using naphtha, and one type of jet fuel is derived from naphtha.
Iran's naphtha is exported to various countries in bulk and drum formats via land and sea routes.
