Petroleum Classification

Petroleum Classification

There are several ways to the petroleum classification. Petroleum classification is important to identify the petroleum. It is like an ID to the petroleum. Petroleum classification also can be very helpful in the oil & gas industry during the production process. Different class of petroleum have different ways of handling. They are all depend on the contents and the appearances of the petroleum.

1) Petroleum is classified according to its origin.

• West Texas Intermediate for North American Oil
• Brent Crude is used for the 15 oils from field in the Brent and Ninian systems in the East Shetland Basinand of the North Sea
• Dubai for the Middle East oil flowing to the Asia-Pacific region
• Tapis for light Far East oil
• Minas for heavy Far East oil

2) Petroleum is classified according to the viscosity and specific gravity (API Gravity). The heavier the crude oil the more difficult to transport/pump it.

• Light - low viscosity and wax content (low API)
• Intermediate - medium viscosity and wax content (medium API)
• Heavy - high viscosity and wax content (high API)

3) Petroleum is classified according to the sulphur content.

• Sweet - contains low amounts of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide i.e <>
• Sour - contains high amounts of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide i.e > 1% sulphur. Low quality and apparently low value.

Petroleum Classification