PNG 520
Phase Relations in Reservoir Engineering

API

PrintPrint

Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineers also use another gravity term which is called API gravity. It is used for liquids (e.g., condensates) and is defined as:

°API= 141.5 γ o | sc −131.5 This equation is not rendering properly due to an incompatible browser. See Technical Requirements in the Orientation for a list of compatible browsers.
(18.4)
 

By definition (see Equation 18.3), the specific gravity of water is unity. Therefore, water has an API gravity of 10. The API gravity of 10 is associated with very heavy, almost asphaltic, oils. Light crude oils have an API greater than or equal to 45°. Condensate gravities range between 50° and 70° API. Liquid condensates are normally light in color.