Simple Equations to Approximate Changes to the

Properties of Crude Oil with Changing Temperature

This Tip of the Month describes simple equations to approximate changes to the properties of crude oil with
changing temperature. Changes in crude oil density and specific heat, or heat capacity, can be estimated
from graphs and/or more elaborate computer simulation. The latter generally requires access to a process
simulator and characterization data for the crude oil. A suitable, tuned computer model is likely the most
accurate method of estimating the fluid properties, but is not always available. Direct laboratory measurement
is also possible if facilities and oil samples are available and a high degree of accuracy is required.

Graphs, which were originally generated from empirical data, can be useful, and their accuracy is suitable for
most engineering applications. However; use of the data in subsequent calculations requires users to interrupt
the calculation, look up a number from a graph, and then proceed with the calculation. The simple curve-fit
equations presented provide the required data suitable for use in spreadsheet or hand calculations.

Crude Oil Density

Figure 1A (1) depicts the change in specific gravity with temperature for crude oils of varying API gravity.

Figure 1A Crude Oil Specific Gravity vs Temperature (1)

This graph was compared with density-temperature data from Table D-1, API Publication 421, Monographs on
Refinery Environmental Control Management of Water Discharges (2). The colored lines in Figure 1B show
the API data superimposed on the original graph. The two show good agreement.
Figure 1B Data from API Publication 421 superimposed on Figure 1A (data from (2))

Curve fitting data from Figure 1A resulted in Equation 1 for FPS units. Equation 2 provides the SI equivalent.

Figure 1C displays the output from Equation 1 superimposed as colored lines on the original graph (Figure
1A). Although the simple equation does not align perfectly, results are sufficiently accurate for most
engineering calculations. Compared to the data from API Publication 421, Equation 1 produces a maximum
errors of +0.25% and -0.3%.
Figure 1C Simple Equation 1 superimposed on Figure 1A

Heat Capacity

A similar approach was used to develop a simple equation for the variation of the Heat Capacity or Specific
Heat of crude oil as a function of API gravity and Temperature. Data, extracted from Figure 2A (1), was
regressed to obtain the algorithm presented as Equation 3 for FPS units: Equation 4 for SI units. Note that the
algorithm was developed for a crude oil with a UOP index of 11.8 (indicating intermediate, paraffinic-naphthenic
crude). If the UOP index is known, the correction factor illustrated on the graph could be applied to the output
from Equation 3 or 4.
Figure 2A Heat capacity of crude oil vs Temperature (1)

The resulting equation is presented as Equation 3 for FPS units, and Equation 4 for SI units.
Figure 2B Simple Equation 3 superimposed on Figure 2A

Summary

The simple equations provide approximations for the variation of density and specific heat of crude oils of
varying API gravity. Neither algorithm provides a perfect match with the underlying data. However; data from
varying sources do not always correlate. Figure 3A (1) depicts an alternate source of density correction for
crude oils for varying API gravity and temperature. Figure 3B shows data from API Publication 421 (colored
lines) superimposed on a portion of Figure 3A. Unfortunately, overlap of the data is limited, but clearly there is
a very poor correlation even the trend as API gravity increases is reversed between the API data and the
data presented in Figure 3A. Note that the trend represented in Figure 1A is supported by data from API 421
Appendix D. These data (from the API Publication 421) are taken here as being most reliable. Overall, Figure
1A shows quite good agreement with the API data, so the algorithm (Equations 1 and 2) was developed using
data from Figure 1A as the source.
Figure 3A Crude Oil Density Correction Factor (Hankinson et al, 1979) (1)
Figure 3B Portion of Figure 3 A with data from API 421 superimposed

To learn more about similar cases and how to minimize operational problems, we suggest attending
our G40 (Process/Facility Fundamentals), G4 (Gas Conditioning and Processing), PF81 (CO2 Surface
Facilities), and PF4 (Oil Production and Processing Facilities) courses.

John M. Campbell Consulting (JMCC) offers consulting expertise on this subject and many others. For more
information about the services JMCC provides, visit our website at www.jmcampbellconsulting.com, or
email us at consulting@jmcampbell.com.

By Wes Wright

Works Cited

1. Manning, Francis S. and Thompson, Richard E. OILFIELD PROCESSING Volume Two: Crude
Oil. Tulsa : PennWell Publishing Company, 1995. ISBN 0-87814-354-8.

2. Institute, American Petroleum. Management of Water Discharges: Design and Operation of Oil-Water
Separtors. Washington : API, 1990. API Publication 421.