Naphtha Fractionation

This section of the plant is used to separate and condition the various fractions which are contained in the rough cut, "Light ends", from the crude distillation unit.

Typically, the light ends stream contains the following:

• Inerts/gas
• LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)
• LSR (Light Straight Run)
• Heavy naphtha

The total light ends stream is split into its various components using a series of distillation columns. These typically include:

• a Debutaniser, where the C4- components are separated from the heavier material
• a Naphtha Splitter, where the C5 and C6+ material are separated from the heavier naphtha
• a Depropaniser, where the C3- material is separated from the heavier components
• a De-ethaniser, where the C2- material is separated from the heavier material

The order of the separation depends on composition, energy, costs and the products required.