Gas Condensate

Gas condensate is generally obtained when reservoir fluids are brought to the surface and pressure and temperature conditions cause heavier hydrocarbons to separate from the natural gas stream. At the wellhead or gas processing plant, the production stream passes through separators where gas, condensate and produced water are separated. Further stabilization, dehydration and treatment may be carried out to reduce light-end hydrocarbons, water, hydrogen sulfide and other impurities. Commercial gas condensate may be supplied as unstabilized condensate, stabilized condensate, field condensate or lease condensate, depending on its origin and processing level. Stabilized grades normally have controlled vapor pressure and are more suitable for transportation, storage and refinery use.
Typical commercial specifications include API gravity, density, Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP), sulfur content, water and sediment, BS&W, distillation range, acidity, vapor pressure and hydrocarbon composition. Depending on its composition, gas condensate can be used as a refinery feedstock for producing gasoline-range products, naphtha, kerosene and other petroleum fractions, or as a blending component for crude oil and refined products. It is also used as a source of light hydrocarbons and petrochemical feedstock after appropriate fractionation. Because gas condensate is highly volatile and flammable, commercial transportation and storage are normally carried out in approved bulk liquid hydrocarbon systems, including road tankers, rail tank cars, storage tanks, barges and ISO tank containers where applicable. Export specifications, loading procedures and packaging formats are normally agreed according to the buyer’s required quality, destination regulations and terminal facilities.