A mineral oil of natural origin comprising a mixture of hydrocarbons and associated impurities, such as sulphur. It exists in the liquid phase under normal surface temperature and pressure and its physical characteristics (density, viscosity, etc.) are highly variable. This category includes field or lease condensate recovered from associated and non-associated gas where it is mixed with the commercial crude oil stream. Crude is normally refined prior to use but it is sometimes burned directly in the power generation sector.

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