Process for the preparation of a gas oil fraction

Abstract

The invention provides a process for the preparation of a gas oil fraction comprising the steps of: (a) providing a stream of a first hydrocarbon product of which a major portion of the hydrocarbons have a boiling point in the range of from 370-540° C. and a stream of a second hydrocarbon product of which a major portion of the hydrocarbons have a boiling point of less than 370° C.; (b) separating at least part of the stream of the first hydrocarbon product in a separating section into a gaseous stream and a liquid stream; (c) separating at least part of the second hydrocarbon product stream in a separating section into a gaseous stream and a liquid stream; (d) introducing at least part of the liquid stream as obtained in step (b) and at least part of the liquid stream as obtained in step (c) into a fractionating section to obtain a number of fractions of hydrocarbons including a gas oil fraction, wherein the at least part of the liquid stream as obtained in step (b) is introduced into the fractionating section at a level which is lower than the level at which the at least part of the liquid stream as obtained in step (c) is introduced into the fractionating section; and (e) recovering from the fractionating section the gas oil fraction.