Wet natural gas processing terminology: The liquid hydrocarbon condensate obtained when wet natural gas is cooled and/or compressed (pentanes-plus stream) is commonly termed what in petroleum practice?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: natural gasoline

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Natural gas from reservoirs often carries heavier hydrocarbons (C5+). When the gas is cooled and/or compressed, these heavier components condense to a liquid known in industry as condensate or natural gasoline (often called pentanes-plus). Knowing the correct terminology prevents confusion with LNG (a different product) and refined gasoline from oil refineries.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Feed is wet natural gas containing C2–C6+ hydrocarbons.
  • Separation by field separators, low-temperature processing, or compression/expansion.
  • Terminology per conventional petroleum engineering usage.


Concept / Approach:
The condensed liquid rich in C5+ hydrocarbons is historically termed natural gasoline. It is compositionally distinct from finished motor gasoline and from LNG. It may be stabilised to remove lighter ends before transport and blending.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Identify process: condensation of wet gas produces a pentanes-plus liquid.2) Match to standard name: natural gasoline (not “liquid natural gas”).3) Exclude misleading phrases such as “liquefied natural gasoline,” which is not standard nomenclature.


Verification / Alternative check:
Gas processing texts define natural gasoline as pentanes-plus separated from natural gas streams, commonly blended into refinery naphtha/gasoline pools.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

“Liquefied natural gasoline” — nonstandard term.“Liquid natural gas” — LNG is cryogenic methane-rich, not condensate.“None of these” — incorrect because a standard term exists.“Stabilised condensate” — descriptive but the commonly tested term is natural gasoline.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing LNG/LPG/natural gasoline; each is distinct in composition and processing route.


Final Answer:
natural gasoline

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