vakuumgasolja

Vakuumgasolja, often abbreviated as VGO, is a petroleum distillate produced from the vacuum distillation of crude oil. It is a heavier fraction than atmospheric gas oil, with a higher boiling point range, typically between 350°C and 500°C. VGO is a crucial feedstock for further refining processes, particularly for the production of gasoline and diesel fuels.

The primary use of vakuumgasolja is as a feed for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) units. In FCC units, VGO is broken down into smaller, lighter hydrocarbon molecules through a catalytic process at high temperatures. This cracking process yields valuable products such as gasoline, light olefins (like propylene and butenes), and lighter gas oils. These olefins are important building blocks for the petrochemical industry.

Another significant application of vakuumgasolja is in hydrocracking. Hydrocracking also breaks down heavier hydrocarbons but does so in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst under high pressure and temperature. This process can produce high-quality diesel fuel, jet fuel, and naphtha. Hydrocracking is more flexible than FCC and can handle heavier and more challenging feedstocks, including those with high sulfur and nitrogen content.

The quality of vakuumgasolja can vary depending on the crude oil source and the distillation process. Its composition is characterized by its boiling range, viscosity, and the presence of impurities like sulfur, nitrogen, and metals. These characteristics influence its suitability for different downstream refining processes and the types of products that can be derived from it.