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) = 1.8 T b 3 / ρ {\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.

Source: Wikipedia — K factor (crude oil refining) (CC BY-SA 4.0)