2 replies to this topic

[chem08]

why we use Degree API instead of gravity in hydrocarbon industry. what are the advantages of Degree API and also importance of it?

[ankur2061]

chem08,

 

°API originated for the petroleum industry in the earlier years of the petroleum industry. However, with advancements in analytical methods for hydrocarbons no longer make it the sole classification method in modern times. Refer the attachment in the link provided below for classification methods in the petroleum industry including °API.

 

http://www.cheresour...n-of-petroleum/

 

Regards,

Ankur.

[PingPong]

Before the oil industry even existed, there was already the Baumé gravity scale to measure the density of aqueous solutions in Degrees Baumé. Basis for that scale was that the Baumé gravity represented more or less the salt content of the aqueous solution.

 

The Degrees API scale (API gravity scale) was derived from the Baumé scale by slightly changing the constants in its formula relating it to specific gravity.

 

The idea of the API scale is therefor similar to that of the Baumé scale: the higher the ^oAPI of a crude oil, the higher the quantity of valuable substances in it. In the early days of the petroleum industry engineers were mostly interested in lamp oil (kerosene), the heavier stuff (most of the crude oil) was of little value. The API gravity of a crude oil is a very rough indication of the percentage kerosene and lighter in it.

Edited by PingPong, 09 March 2014 - 06:45 AM.