Gas Condensates

Gas condensate and natural gasoline are, like naphtha, (1) readily flammable, (2) will evaporate quickly from most surfaces, and (3) must be very carefully contained at all times. Condensate can be ignited by heat, sparks, flames, or other sources of ignition (such as static electricity, pilot lights, mechanical/electrical equipment, and electronic devices such as cell phones). The vapors may travel considerable distances to a source of ignition where they can ignite, flash back, or explode. The condensate vapors are heavier than air and can accumulate in low areas. If container is not properly cooled, it can rupture in the heat of a fire. Hazardous combustion/decomposition products, including hydrogen sulfide, may be released by this material when exposed to heat or fire. If the condensate contains a high percentage of aromatic constituents, it can also be smoky, toxic, and carcinogenic. Some condensate-based fuels have a reduced aromatic content, but many are naturally high or augmented in aromatic derivatives that arise from blends with aromatic naphtha.

The flash point is the lowest temperature at atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg, 101.3 kPa) at which application of a test flame will cause the vapor of a sample to ignite under specified test conditions. The sample is deemed to have reached the flash point when a large flame appears and instantaneously propagates itself over the surface of the sample. The flash point data is used in shipping and safety regulations to define flammable and combustible materials. Flash point data can also indicate the possible presence of highly volatile and flammable constituents in a relatively nonvolatile or nonflammable material. Since the flash point of gas condensate and the flash point of natural gasoline are low, the test method can also indicate the possible presence of even more highly volatile and flammable constituents in these two liquids.