Condensate is a term used to describe a variety of very low-density, very low-viscosity, liquid hydrocarbons that typically occur along with natural gas. It is a mixture of light liquid hydrocarbons, similar to a very light (high API) crude oil, and is typically separated out of a natural gas stream at the point of production (field separation) when the temperature and pressure of the gas is dropped to atmospheric conditions. Condensates can exist separately from crude oil or combined with it. They are used as refinery feedstocks for the manufacture of products such as petrol (gasoline), jet fuel, diesel, and heating fuels.
Condensates are naturally occurring hydrocarbons that are lighter in molecular composition than crude oil or natural gas. They occur as vapor in natural gas and can be dissolved in crude oil or occur separately in oil reservoirs. Condensates form when their vapor pressure is lowered to the point that the natural gas liquids condense out of the gas stream into a liquid that can be stored at room temperature.
Composition of condensates varies depending on the source, but they are typically composed mainly of alkanes (saturated hydrocarbons, such as butane, pentane, and hexane) and are low in Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). They can also contain impurities such as hydrogen sulfide, naphthalenes, aromatics, and carbon dioxide.
Condensate is generally more flammable and explosive than normal crude oil. It is classified as a flammable liquid by the UN and is covered by Marpol Annex 1 (Prevention of Pollution by Oil). Special precautions should be applied when transporting condensates with very high vapor pressure, including permitting only closed loading methods and providing additional supervision to see that gas dispersion is monitored.
In summary, condensate is a low-density mixture of hydrocarbon liquids that are present as gaseous components in the raw natural gas produced from many natural gas wells. It is a valuable feedstock for refineries and is used to manufacture a variety of products.
