Description

Crude oil may be classified in several ways. A common classification describes the crude oil based on "weight" and "taste".


 

"Weight"

API Density

Viscosity and Amount of Wax

light

> 31.1

low

medium

22.3 to 31.1

low to intermediate

heavy

10 to 22.2

intermediate to high

extra heavy

< 10

high

 

where:

• API = American Petroleum Institute

 

"Taste"

Sulfur Content

sweet

< 0.5%

sour

>= 0.5%

 

There are 8 potential combinations of "taste" and "weight".

 

A light, sweet crude oil is easier to handle and to process, and it can be made into more desirable types of fuel.

 


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