Calculation of UOP Characterization Factor

and Estimation of Molecular Weight

of Petroleum Oils
UOP Method 375-07
Scope
This method is for calculating the UOP Characterization Factor of petroleum oils from API gravity
and distillation or viscosity data. Average molecular weight of petroleum oils is estimated from API
gravity and distillation data. The UOP Characterization Factor, commonly called K, is indicative of the
general origin and nature of a petroleum stock. Values of 12.5 or higher indicate a material
predominantly paraffinic in nature. Highly aromatic materials have characterization factors of 10.0 or
less.

References
ASTM Method D 86, Distillation of Petroleum Products at Atmospheric Pressure, www.astm org
ASTM Method D 88, Saybolt Viscosity, www.astm org
ASTM Method D 445, Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and the
Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity), www.astm org
ASTM Method D 1160, Distillation of Petroleum Products at Reduced Pressure, www.astm org
ASTM Method D 1250, Guide for the Use of Petroleum Measurement Tables, www.astm org
ASTM Method D 1298, Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude
Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method, www.astm org
ASTM Method D 2161, Practice for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt Universal
Viscosity or Saybolt Furol Viscosity, www.astm org
Smith, R. L., and Watson, K. M., Ind. Eng. Chem., 29, 1408 (1937)
Watson, K. M., Nelson E. F., and Murphy, G. B., Ind. Eng. Chem., 27, 1460 (1935)

Outline of Method
The UOP Characterization Factor, K, can be calculated using either distillation or viscosity data. The
distillation data procedure calculates the K factor using data obtained from ASTM D 1298, Density,
IT IS THE USER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ESTABLISH APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONARY PRACTICES AND TO
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EQUIPMENT (PPE).
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Nonconfidential UOP Methods are available from ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West
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Relative Density (Specific Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products
by Hydrometer Method, in combination with either ASTM D 86, Distillation of Petroleum Products
AT Atmospheric Pressure, or ASTM D 1160, Distillation of Petroleum Products at Reduced
Pressure, dependent on the sample, and the nomographs or engineering charts incorporated in the
method. The viscosity data procedure calculates the K factor using data obtained from ASTM D 1298
in combination with either ASTM D 445, Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (or
the calculation of Dynamic Viscosity), or ASTM D 88, Saybolt Viscosity and the nomographs
incorporated in the method.
The Average molecular Weight is estimated using the same data as for the K factor distillation data
procedure, but with a different set of nomographs.
The Appendix describes a procedure to calculate the K factor and the molecular weight using the
relative density and ASTM Distillation data and equations that were derived from curve fits of the
nomographs.
If the sample is beyond the scopes of these methods, other standard methods may be substituted. In
some cases, this may involve additional calculations to convert the observed data to the appropriate
units.

Definitions
Cubic average boiling point is the cube of the sum of the products of the volume fraction multiplied
by the cube root of the boiling point of each component expressed in degrees Rankine.
Mean average boiling point is the arithmetic average of the true molal boiling point and the cubic
average boiling point expressed in degrees Fahrenheit.
Molecular weight, as employed herein, is that average molecular weight of a petroleum fraction and
not that of a single, pure compound.
True molal average boiling point is the sum of the products of the mol fraction multiplied by the
boiling point of each component.
UOP Characterization Factor, K, of a petroleum oil is defined as the cube root of its cubic average
boiling point, in degrees Rankine, divided by its relative density at 60F (15.56C).
Volumetric average boiling point is the arithmetic average boiling point over the range of 10% to
90% of the ASTM distillation.

Apparatus
No additional apparatus is required beyond the apparatus listed in the above methods.

Procedure
Determine the API gravity or relative density at 60F of the sample according to ASTM D 1298.
Perform an ASTM distillation by either ASTM D 86 or D 1160, as appropriate for the sample.
Correct the data to 760 mm Hg and for material loss as specified in these methods. Convert
temperatures recorded in degrees Celsius to degrees Fahrenheit.
Characterization factor may also be estimated using kinematic viscosity at 100, 122 or 210F (38, 50
or 99C). Kinematic viscosity is determined directly from ASTM D 445. Saybolt viscosity, determined
by ASTM D 88, can be converted to kinematic viscosity using ASTM D 2161.

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Calculations
UOP K Factor from API Gravity and ASTM Distillation
Volumetric Average Boiling Point
Calculate the volumetric average boiling point as the average of the 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90 vo1-%
temperatures. Calculate the slope as F per percent (F/%) by subtracting the 10 vol-% temperature
from the 90 vol-% temperature, and dividing the difference by 80 vol-%.
Cubic Average Boiling Point
Obtain the value of the correction to be applied to the volumetric average boiling point using Figure
1. Using the value of the slope calculated above, go to the bottom of the chart, then proceed vertically
to the curve which represents the value of the volumetric average boiling point. Interpolate between
curves as needed. Read the value of the vertical scale on the left side corresponding to this point to
obtain the value of the correction term. Subtract this term from the volumetric average boiling point to
calculate the cubic average boiling point.

UOP Characterization Factor, K

Determine the UOP Characterization Factor, K, using the cubic average boiling point and API
gravity. Locate the cubic average boiling point on the horizontal scale at the bottom of Figure 2.
Locate the API gravity on the vertical scale at the left of the graph. Find the intersection of the vertical
and horizontal lines from these points. Read the number of the curve nearest to this point. This number,
corrected by interpolation for the distance of the point from the nearest curve, is the characterization
factor, K.
Example:
Calculate the characterization factor for a gas oil of 28.7 API at 60F having the following
distillation properties:
ASTM Distillation (Corrected to 760 mm Hg Pressure)
Volume-% 10
30
50
70
90
Temp., F 598
700
755
802
874
Volumetric average boiling point =

Slope =

598 + 700 + 755 + 802 + 874

= 746
5

874 598
= 3.45F/volume-%
80

Correction term = 5F from Figure 1

Cubic average boiling point = 746 5 = 741F
Characterization factor, K = 12.03 from Figure 2
UOP K Factor from API Gravity and Kinematic Viscosity
Viscosities measured at high temperatures yield more reliable values for characterization factors than
viscosities measured at low temperatures. Viscosity at low temperatures is influenced by the width of
boiling range as well as by relative density and characterization factor. For samples that do not yield a
UOP 375-07

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full distillation range by ASTM Method D 1160, the use of viscosities measured at 210F (99C) is
preferred, where practical. Nomographs based on viscosities measured at 100F (38C) and 122F
(50C) are also included for convenience.

Figure 1
Cubic Average Boiling Point from Volumetric Average Boiling Point
and Distillation (Engler) Slope

The UOP Characterization Factor, K, is determined from Figures 3, 4 or 5, respectively, by entering

with the API gravity and kinematic viscosity at 100, 122 or 210F (38, 50 or 99C). Locate the API
gravity on the horizontal scale at the bottom of the chart. Locate the kinematic viscosity on the vertical
scale at the left of the chart. Find the intersection of the vertical and horizontal lines from these points.
Read the number of the curve nearest to this point. This number, corrected by interpolation for the
distance of the point from this curve, is the characterization factor, K.

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Figure 2
UOP Characterization Factor K,
from API Gravity and Cubic Average Boiling Point
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Figure 3
Characterization Factor from Viscosity at 100 F and API
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Figure 4
Characterization Factor from Viscosity at 122 F and API
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Figure 5
Characterization Factor from Viscosity at 210 F and API
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Example:
Calculate the characterization factor for the gas oil of the previous example from API gravity and
viscosity measured at 210F.

From ASTM D 88:

39.7 Saybolt Universal Seconds

From ASTM D 2161:

4.1 centistokes

From ASTM D 1298:

28.7 API

From Fig. 5:

K = 12.0

Molecular Weight from API Gravity and ASTM Distillation

The molecular weight of typical petroleum fractions may be estimated by this method. It should not
be applied to estimating the molecular weight of a pure hydrocarbon compound.
Calculate the volumetric average boiling point and slope from the distillation data as in the previous
section. Using Figure 6, obtain the correction to be applied to the volumetric average boiling point.
Enter Figure 6 on the horizontal scale at the value of the slope and proceed vertically to the curve which
represents the value of the volumetric average boiling point, interpolating between curves if necessary.
Read the value of the vertical scale on the left which corresponds to this point to obtain the value of the
correction term. Subtract this term from the volumetric average boiling point to obtain the mean
average boiling point.
Determine the molecular weight using Figure 7. Locate the mean average boiling point on the
horizontal scale at the bottom of the chart. Locate the API gravity on the vertical scale at the left of the
chart. Find the intersection of the vertical and horizontal lines from these points. Read the number of
the diagonal curve nearest this point. This number, corrected by interpolation for the distance of the
point from this curve, is the molecular weight.

Example:
Volumetric average boiling point

= 746

Slope

= 3.45 F/volume-%

From Figure 6: Correction term

= 17 F

Mean average boiling point

= 746 17 = 729F

From Figure 7: Molecular weight

= 345

Precision
An estimated standard deviation is not reported because insufficient data are available at present to
permit this calculation with at least 4 degrees of freedom. The precision and accuracy of this method is
dependent upon the precision and accuracy of the methods used to obtain the experimental data upon
which the calculations are based. Precision is also dependent upon interpolation of the nomograph.

Time for Analysis

The elapsed time and labor requirement for one calculation are identical, 0.2 hour.

UOP 375-07

Figure 6
Mean Average Boiling Point from Volumetric Average Boiling Point
and Distillation (Engler) Slope

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Figure 7
Molecular Weight from Mean Average Boiling Point and API Gravity
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Appendix
If desired, computation by a computer or programmable calculator may be substituted for the
nomographs using the equations given below. Except for Equations A1, A2, A6, and A7, these
relationships were derived from curve fits of Engineering Charts which, in turn, were derived from
empirical data. Consequently, any attempt to use these equations to extrapolate beyond the limit of the
nomographs will produce results that, at least, must be viewed with suspicion.

UOP K Factor from API Gravity and ASTM Distillation

Calculate the volumetric average boiling point, F, as follows:

V=

B 10 + B 30 + B 50 + B 70 + B 90
5

(A1)

where:

B10 =
B30 =
B50 =
B70 =
B90 =
V=
5=

temperature of ASTM distillation, 10% over, F

temperature of ASTM distillation, 30% over, F
temperature of ASTM distillation, 50% over, F
temperature of ASTM distillation, 70% over, F
temperature of ASTM distillation, 90% over, F
volumetric average boiling point, F
constant for averaging

Calculate the slope of distillation, F/volume-%, as follows:

S=

B 90 B 10
80

(A2)

where:

B10, B90 = previously defined

S = slope of distillation, F/volume-%
80 = constant, volume-% (90-10 volume-%)
Calculate the cubic average boiling point, F, as follows:

C = A+VE

(A3)

where:

A=
C=
E=
V=

defined by Equation A4
cubic average boiling point, F
defined by Equation A5
volumetric average boiling point (Equation A1), F
2

A = 0.581 S 1.339 S

(A4)

where:

A=
S=
0.581 =
1.339 =

correction factor
slope of the distillation (Equation A2)
constant derived from curve fit of the nomograph
constant derived from curve fit of the nomograph
2

E = 0.000297 S +0.001438 S +1
where:

E=
S=
0.000297 =
0.001438 =
UOP 375-07

correction factor
previously defined
curve fitting constant
curve fitting constant

(A5)

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Calculate the relative density at 60F, g/mL, as follows:

D=

141.5
131.5 + G

(A6)

where:

D=
G=
131.5 =
141.5 =

relative density at 60F, g/mL

API gravity, API
constants, from ASTM D 1298
constants, from ASTM D 1298

Relative density can be determined directly, thus eliminating the need for this conversion.
Calculate UOP Characterization Factor, K, as follows:

K=

(C + 459.7) 1/ 3
D

(A7)

where:

C=
D=
K=
459.7 =

cubic average boiling point (Equation A3)

relative density (Equation A6)
UOP Characterization Factor
constant to convert degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Rankine

Molecular Weight from Relative Density and ASTM Distillation

Calculate the mean average boiling point, F, as follows:

M=

C + F + VH
2

(A8)

where:

C=
F=
H=
M=
V=

previously defined (Equation A3)

defined by Equation A9
defined by Equation A10
mean average boiling point, F
volumetric average boiling point (Equation A1)
2

F = 1.901 S 7.498 S

(A9)

where:

F=
S=
1.901 =
7.498 =

correction factor
slope of the distillation (Equation A2)
curve fitting constant
curve fitting constant
2

H = 0.000328 S +0.006081 S +1

(A10)

where:

H=
S=
0.000328 =
0.006081 =

correction factor
slope of the distillation (Equation A2)
curve fitting constant
curve fitting constant

Calculate the average molecular weight as follows:

W = antilog[IM +J +(L/M)]

(A11)

where:
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I=
J=
L=
M=
W=

defined by Equation A12

defined by Equation A13
defined by Equation A14
mean average boiling point (Equation A8)
average molecular weight
2

I = 0.000067214393 D 0.0013189667 D + 0.0023229745

(A12)

where:

D=
I=
0.000067214393 =
0.0013189667 =
0.0023229745 =

relative density (Equation A6)

correction factor
curve fitting constant
curve fitting constant
curve fitting constant
2

J =1.496307 D 2.4028499 D +2.7013135

(A13)

where:

D=
J=
1.496307 =
2.4028499 =
2.7013135 =

previously defined (Equation A6)

correction factor
curve fitting constant
curve fitting constant
curve fitting constant
2

L=92.008149 +240.43988 D 166.84095 D

(A14)

where:

D=
L=
92.008149 =
166.84095 =
240.43988 =

previously defined (Equation A6)

correction factor
curve fitting constant
curve fitting constant
curve fitting constant

Curve-fitting equations using the viscosity data have not been determined.

Example:
Calculate the characterization factor for a gas oil of 28.7 API at 60F having the following
distillation properties:
ASTM Distillation (Corrected to 760 mm Hg Pressure)
Volume-% 10
30
50
70
90
Temp., F 598
700
755
802
874
598 + 700 + 755 + 802 + 874
= 746
Volumetric average boiling point =
5
874 598
= 3.45F/volume-%
Slope =
80
Cubic average boiling point (C) =
2
(-0.581(3.45) -1.339(3.35))+746(0.000297(3.45)2+0.0014389(3.45)+1) = 740.8
Relative density = 141.5/(131.5+28.7) = 0.8833
Characterization factor, K = (740.8+459.7)1/3/ 0.8833 = 12.03

UOP 375-07