C3+ refers to a hydrocarbon mixture obtained from the processing of crude oil or natural gas, consisting of molecules with three or more carbon atoms. This fraction includes compounds such as propane, propylene, butanes, butylenes, and heavier hydrocarbons. Due to its diverse composition, the C3+ stream serves as a versatile feedstock across numerous industrial applications. These hydrocarbons are widely used in petrochemical production, fuel blending, and as heating fuels. For instance, propylene—a key C3 component—is a fundamental building block in the manufacture of plastics, synthetic fibers, and various chemical products. The exact composition and industrial value of C3+ fractions depend on both the source material and the specific refining or gas separation processes employed.
C5+ refers to a hydrocarbon mixture obtained from the refining of crude oil or natural gas, composed of molecules containing five or more carbon atoms—such as pentanes, hexanes, heptanes, and heavier hydrocarbons. These compounds generally exhibit higher boiling points and serve as valuable intermediates in various refining and chemical processes. C5+ fractions are commonly utilized as feedstocks in the production of gasoline, industrial solvents, and a wide range of petrochemicals. Their composition and final application depend on both the origin of the feedstock and the specific refining technologies used. Due to their versatility and energy-rich nature, C5+ streams are integral to both fuel production and the broader petrochemical industry.
Crude C4 – A Valuable Hydrocarbon Stream
Crude C4 is a hydrocarbon fraction derived from the processing of crude oil or natural gas, consisting mainly of four-carbon compounds such as butanes, butylenes, and other C4+ hydrocarbons. This mixed stream serves as an important intermediate in the petrochemical industry and requires further separation and purification to isolate its individual components. Butanes extracted from Crude C4 are commonly used as fuel gases, in gasoline blending, and as feedstock for various petrochemical processes. Butylenes, on the other hand, are vital in the production of synthetic rubber, plastics, and a wide range of chemical derivatives. The exact composition and downstream use of Crude C4 depend on refining methods and evolving market demands, making it a flexible and economically significant feedstock in modern refining and petrochemical operations.
Ethylene is a colorless, flammable gas with a mildly sweet aroma, and is the simplest alkene in the hydrocarbon family. It holds a vital role in modern industry due to its versatility and high reactivity. Industrially produced on a large scale, ethylene serves as a fundamental raw material in the petrochemical sector, most notably for manufacturing polyethylene (PE), one of the world’s most widely used plastics. Beyond plastic production, ethylene is essential in the synthesis of chemicals such as ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and various industrial solvents. It also plays an important role in agriculture, where it functions as a plant hormone to control fruit ripening and growth regulation. Ethylene’s wide range of applications underscores its critical role across chemical, industrial, and agricultural domains.