The K factor or characterization factor is defined from Rankine boiling temperature °R=1.8Tb
and relative to water density ρ at 60°F:
K(UOP) =
The K factor is a systematic way of classifying a
crude oil according to its
paraffinic,
naphthenic
In organic chemistry, the cycloalkanes (also called naphthenes, but distinct from naphthalene) are the monocyclic saturated hydrocarbons. In other words, a cycloalkane consists only of hydrogen and carbon atoms arranged in a structure containing ...
, intermediate or
aromatic
In chemistry, aromaticity is a chemical property of cyclic ( ring-shaped), ''typically'' planar (flat) molecular structures with pi bonds in resonance (those containing delocalized electrons) that gives increased stability compared to satur ...
nature. 12.5 or higher indicate a crude oil of predominantly paraffinic constituents, while 10 or lower indicate a crude of more aromatic nature. The K(UOP) is also referred to as the
UOP K factor or just UOPK.
See also
*
Crude oil assay A crude oil assay is the chemical evaluation of crude oil feedstocks by petroleum testing laboratories. Each crude oil type has unique molecular and chemical characteristics. No two crude oil types are identical and there are crucial differences in ...
References
External links
Pipe fitting friction calculationPipe Friction Loss Calculations
Oil refining
Separation processes
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