View source for K factor (crude oil refining)

The '''K factor''' or '''characterization factor''' is defined from Rankine boiling temperature °R=1.8Tb[k] and relative to water density ρ at 60°F: 

K(UOP) = <math>\sqrt[3]{1.8Tb} / \rho</math> 

The '''K factor''' is a systematic way of classifying a [[crude oil]] according to its [[paraffinic]], [[naphthenic]], intermediate or [[aromatic]] 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 [[Universal Oil Products|UOP]] K factor or just UOPK.<ref>{{cite book|author=James G. Speight|title=The Chemistry And Technology of Petroleum|edition=4th|publisher=CRC Press|year=2007|page=40|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ymL2S9RWzx4C&dq=crude+oil+%22UOP+characterization+factor%22&pg=PA40|isbn=978-0-8493-9067-8}}</ref> 

==See also==
* [[Crude oil assay]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.pumpfundamentals.com/images/tutorial/friction%20loss-fitting.pdf Pipe fitting friction calculation]
* [http://www.pipeflow.com/pipe-pressure-drop-calculations/pipe-friction-loss Pipe Friction Loss Calculations]

[[Category:Oil refining]]
[[Category:Separation processes]]


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