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) = ${\displaystyle {\sqrt[{3}]{1.8Tb}}/\rho }$

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 UOP K factor or just UOPK.^[1]

See also

• Crude oil assay