Gas oil

Middle distillates are mineral oil products that are obtained in the process of crude oil distillation at boiling temperatures of around 180°C to 360°C. The most important representatives include extra light heating oil and diesel fuel. They are clear, flammable liquids with specific physical properties.

Definition of
Middle distillates, also known as gasoil, are products that are produced in the middle boiling range of crude oil distillation. They have between ten and twenty carbon atoms and are often used in the heating and fuel industry.

Background / Formation
Middle distillates are produced by crude oil distillation, a process in which crude oil is fractionated into its components. After desalting, the crude oil is heated in the distillation tower and fractionated at atmospheric pressure. In the distillation tower, different temperatures prevail on the various trays, whereby heavy middle distillate condenses at medium height. These products are then discharged via side vents.

The gas oil cut is a primary raw material for EL heating oil, diesel and jet fuel. In the refinery, after distillation and refining, sales products are produced that are intended for various applications. A distinction is often made between the two gas oil fractions light gas oil and heavy gas oil. The manufactured products are mixtures (blends) whose composition varies depending on the crude oil selected.

The yield of middle distillates depends heavily on the type of oil used and is usually between 25% and 40%. In order to meet demand, residual oils are further processed using various cracking processes, which increases the yield of gas oil.

Characteristics
Middle distillates are clear, colorless to light yellow liquids. They have the following physical characteristics:
- Carbon content: Between ten and twenty carbon atoms
- Density: Maximum 0.860 kg/l at 15°C
- Flash point: Above 60°C

The chemical properties vary depending on the product and can be influenced by the production process. In Germany, EL heating oil and diesel are distinguished from each other by special dyes to prevent tax evasion.

Application and importance in the market
Middle distillates are mainly used as heating oil, diesel fuel and aviation turbine fuel. They play a central role in energy supply and are essential components in industry. Demand for gasoil often exceeds supply, leading to increased efforts to convert residual oils using cracking processes.

International differences in use and labeling exist, with different countries using different dyes for fuel oil producers to regulate their use. In Germany, the use of colorants such as Solvent Yellow 124 for heating oil is standard.

Differentiation from similar terms
- Heating oil extra light (HEL): A specific form of middle distillate used for heating systems.
- Diesel fuel: Another typical representative of middle distillates whose properties are comparable to HEL.
- Heavy fuel oil: A product with a higher boiling point that is not classified as a middle distillate.

Summary of middle distillates
Middle distillates, also known as gasoil, are essential petroleum products produced in the middle boiling range of crude oil distillation. They are clear, flammable liquids with specific chemical and physical properties. Central to the production of heating oil, diesel and jet fuel, they are an important source of energy. The demand for middle distillates can be met efficiently through various production and refining processes. Color coding in Germany helps to prevent misuse and ensure quality.