Fractionated aromatic petroleums and the generation of gas-condensates

Based on experimental and observational evidence, a mode of origin involving evaporative fractionation is proposed for a class of petroleums enriched in light aromatic and naphthenic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, meta-xylene, para-xylene, methylcyclopentane, cyclohexane, and methylcyclohexane). Progressive gas loss from gas-saturated oil is suggested as the causal mechanism, with simultaneous loss of light ends in gaseous solution, and accompanying fractionation. These processes were simulated experimentally. Residual oils exhibit the following changes in their remaining light hydrocarbons,