Middle Distillates

Middle distillates are a vital category of refined petroleum products derived from the fractional distillation of crude oil. Positioned in the mid-boiling range of about 180°C to 360°C, these hydrocarbons typically contain between 10 and 20 carbon atoms and have densities not exceeding 0.860 kg/l at 15°C. The distillation process separates crude oil into various fractions, with middle distillates collected from the middle section of the distillation tower.

This group includes fuels such as diesel, extra light heating oil, marine diesel oil (MDO), and jet fuel (Jet A-1 or kerosene). These products are widely used for transportation (diesel engines), heating (residential and industrial heating oil), and aviation (jet fuel). The production of middle distillates accounts for roughly 25% to 40% of crude oil volume, with advanced refining techniques like catalytic cracking increasing their yield to about 40%.

Middle distillates are characterized by their clear to light yellow appearance, flammability, and a flashpoint above 60°C, making them safer to handle than lighter fractions. They are essential fuels powering vehicles, heating systems, and aircraft worldwide. Due to their importance, middle distillates are often subject to regulatory controls, such as dyeing heating oil to prevent misuse as vehicle fuel