Some of the most important physical properties of crude oil include:
oAPI
oAPI = (141.5/SG 15oF) - 131.5 The purpose of this equation was to extend the range of the specific gravity scale. Crude oil SG changes, although small, may be important.
Crude Oils oAPI = 10 - 50
Higher oAPI, more paraffinic crude, higher yields of gasoline.
Lower oAPI, more aromatic crude, lower yields of gasoline.
Viscosity
Resistance to flow, usually measured @ 100oF in centistokes (kinimatic viscosity)
Pour Point
Measured by ASTM D-97 - temperature at which oil ceases to flow. Diesel may contain waxes, smaller than candle wax, which could solidify in cold weather.
Flash Point
Temperature above which the oil will spontaneously combust. Fractions in vacuum tower are the least combustible. They are the heaviest.
Vapor Pressure
Measured by ASTM D-323. Also know as Reid vapor pressure (RVP). True vapor pressure is usually 5-9% > RVP
Carbon Residue
The solid residue (%wt) remaining after heating to coking temperatures (700-800oC)
ASTM D-524 Ramsbottom Carbon
ASTM D-189 Conradson Carbon
CCR incr. then Asphaltene incr.
Salt Content
Measured by ASTM - 3230 (lb NaCl/1000 bbl)
Desalting is necessary because NaCl content > 10 lbs/1000 bbl leads to corrosion
Metals
Measured by EPA Method 3040 These include Ni, V, Ag, Hg, Na, and Ca. Metals can cause catalyst deactivation and corrosion.
Sediment and Water
Measured by ASTM D - 96 These inorganic particles can lead to operational problems.
Acidity
Measured by ASTM - 664
Sulfur
Measured by ASTM D - 129, 1552, 2622
Sour crudes > 0.5 wt% and sweet crudes < 0.5 wt%. Today it is difficult to find crudes below 1% sulfur.
The process of separating crude oil involves physical changes because the different components of crude oil have different physical properties, such as boiling points. Separation methods like distillation and filtration take advantage of these physical properties to separate the components without changing their chemical composition. This is in contrast to chemical changes, which involve altering the chemical bonds between atoms to create new substances.
Crude oil is a mixture because it is composed of different hydrocarbons, each with its own unique properties and structures. Compounds are made up of specific elements in fixed ratios and their properties are consistent, while the composition of crude oil can vary widely.
Naphthenic based crude oil is a type of oil that contains a higher proportion of naphthenic hydrocarbons compared to other types of crude oil. These hydrocarbons have a cyclic structure, which can influence the oil's properties, such as viscosity and sulfur content. Naphthenic based crude oils are typically lighter and have lower sulfur content than heavy crude oils, making them easier to refine into gasoline and other products.
Yes. Oil is a mixture so physical methods are appropriate. Fractional distillation is the physical process used in oil refineries to separate the oil into different, saleable parts.
fuel gases, because they have the smallest amount of carbons present...between 1 and 4.
Brent Crude oil is a light, sweet crude oil with low sulfur content, making it ideal for refining into diesel fuel and gasoline. It is a benchmark for oil prices in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, with delivery points in the North Sea. Brent Crude oil is known for its high quality and stable production.
Yes, the fractionation of crude oil is a physical change because it involves the separation of its components based on their physical properties such as boiling point, without changing the chemical composition of the substances.
Brent crude oil is a "benchmark crude" oil agreed upon by various suppliers and traders of crude oil. Other crude oils are often priced based on the agreed upon benchmark crude which has a particular set of properties.
The process of separating crude oil involves physical changes because the different components of crude oil have different physical properties, such as boiling points. Separation methods like distillation and filtration take advantage of these physical properties to separate the components without changing their chemical composition. This is in contrast to chemical changes, which involve altering the chemical bonds between atoms to create new substances.
Crude oil is a mixture because it is composed of different hydrocarbons, each with its own unique properties and structures. Compounds are made up of specific elements in fixed ratios and their properties are consistent, while the composition of crude oil can vary widely.
Crude oil is the oil from the well. Motor oil has been processed. The motor oil must have certain properties, such as viscosity and density, and it can not contain any contaminants, such as sulfur. Crude oil is unrefined oil, and it has a wide range of viscosities and densities, and may contain contaminants.
The physical property commonly used in the separation of crude oil is boiling point. Different components in crude oil have varying boiling points, allowing them to be separated through processes such as distillation or fractional distillation based on their boiling points.
Brent Crude oil is a light, sweet crude oil extracted from the North Sea. It is known for its low sulfur content, which makes it easier to refine into gasoline and diesel fuel. Brent Crude is a benchmark for pricing other crude oils worldwide.
Crude oil vapour is volatile, meaning it easily evaporates at relatively low temperatures. It is flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. Inhaling crude oil vapour can be harmful to human health, causing respiratory irritation and other health effects.
A geologist or a petroleum geologist would typically study crude oil. They analyze the composition, properties, and geological formations where oil is found to better understand its extraction and potential uses.
Naphthenic based crude oil is a type of oil that contains a higher proportion of naphthenic hydrocarbons compared to other types of crude oil. These hydrocarbons have a cyclic structure, which can influence the oil's properties, such as viscosity and sulfur content. Naphthenic based crude oils are typically lighter and have lower sulfur content than heavy crude oils, making them easier to refine into gasoline and other products.
Yes. Oil is a mixture so physical methods are appropriate. Fractional distillation is the physical process used in oil refineries to separate the oil into different, saleable parts.