Density

most important physical characteristic of a crude oil ¹⁾
indication of the hydrocarbon molecules the crude oil contains ²⁾
products the crude oil will yield when refined ³⁾
varies with temperature and pressure ⁴⁾
Tendenziell nimmt die Dichte des Öls mit zunehmender Tiefe ab (»Tiefenregel«).⁵⁾

API density classifications

Crude oil density classification	API gravity
Condensate/Extra-light	>50°
Light	40-50°
Intermediate/Medium	30-39°
Medium-heavy	25-29°
Heavy	< 25°
Extra-heavy	< 10°

Intermediate density crudes are most commonly produced

30° - 39° API; highest demand; most refineries⁶⁾

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