Naphtha is a common term used to identify cyclic hydrocarbon compound separated from crude oil at the atmospheric distillation unit. Naphthas occur between the gases separated at the top of atmospheric distillation column and kerosene separated somewhere in the middle. Distillation range for the naphtha cut from crude oil occurs between 3000F and 4000F.
Most of this naphtha is processed further in hydrotreating and platforming units to convert it to high octane petrol or gasoline. Some of this naphtha is used for industrial solvents, diluents and thinners. Naphthas are also used to produce olefins is steam crackers.
