blendstocks

Blendstocks are essentially the raw ingredients or components used in the creation of a final blended product, most commonly fuel. In the context of petroleum refining and fuel production, blendstocks are streams derived from crude oil that are then mixed together to meet specific performance and regulatory requirements. These streams have undergone various refining processes such as distillation, cracking, or reforming, and each possesses unique properties like octane rating, sulfur content, and volatility.

Gasoline, for instance, is not produced as a single finished product from crude oil. Instead, refineries create a range of blendstocks, including reformate, alkylate, naphtha, and butadiene, among others. These individual components are then blended in precise proportions to produce the final gasoline that is sold at the pump. The blending process is crucial for achieving the desired octane number, controlling evaporative emissions, and ensuring smooth engine operation.

Similarly, diesel fuel is also a blend of various hydrocarbon streams. The selection and blending of these components influence diesel's cetane number, which affects ignition quality, as well as its cold-flow properties and lubricity. The specific blendstocks used and their proportions can vary based on seasonal demand, regional regulations, and the intended application of the fuel. Beyond fuels, blendstocks can also refer to components used in the production of lubricants, asphalt, and other petroleum-derived products.