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.