middledistillate

Middledistillate is a class of hydrocarbon fractions obtained from the middle portion of the crude oil distillation curve. In refining terms, middle distillates lie between lighter naphtha fractions and heavier residuum, and include products such as kerosene, diesel fuel, and heating oil. The exact composition depends on the crude input and refinery configuration, but middledistillates are typically composed of paraffins and naphthenes with varying amounts of aromatics.

Typical boiling ranges span roughly 180–250°C for lighter middledistillates up to about 350–450°C for heavier ones. They are produced mainly by atmospheric distillation of crude oil to separate light, middle, and heavy fractions, with vacuum distillation used to recover the higher‑boiling middledistillates. Further processing such as hydroprocessing reduces sulfur and other impurities to meet fuel specifications.

Uses include diesel fuel and heating oil, and in some cases jet fuel or feedstock for lubricants or petrochemicals. The exact product slate and specifications are determined by refinery configuration and market demand.

Regulatory and environmental considerations focus on fuel quality, sulfur content, and emissions performance, with regional standards such as diesel specifications and refinery emissions limits shaping production and upgrading practices. Safety and handling guidelines emphasize that middledistillates are flammable liquids requiring appropriate containment, storage, and transport practices.