CHAPTER 4 OIL TYPES AND CHARACTERISTICS

IN NEW ZEALAND
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction .....................................................................................................................................2
Types of oil and their characteristics ..............................................................................................2
Changes in spilled oil characteristics due to weathering.................................................................2
Port storage of oil ..........................................................................................................................2
General Crude Oil Characteristics ...................................................................................................3
Refined Product Characteristics.......................................................................................................7
Jet A1
...............................................................................................................................7
Dual Purpose Kerosene.................................................................................................................7
Heavy Fuel Oil.................................................................................................................................
8
Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel)...........................................................................................................8
Light Fuel Oil ...............................................................................................................................9
Marine Gas Oil (Diesel) .................................................................................................................9
Miscellaneous Products.................................................................................................................9
Premium Unleaded Petrol ......................................................................................................... 9
Regular Unleaded Petrol......................................................................................................... 10
Bitumen (no solvent) a.k.a. Asphalt......................................................................................... 10
Relationship between temperature and oil viscosity for representative crude and fuel oils ............ 10

National Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan

Chapter 4 Oil Types and Characteristics

Page 1 of 11
Issue 1 April 2006

Introduction
When oil is spilled at sea it undergoes a number of physical and chemical changes, some of which
lead to its disappearance from the sea surface, whilst others cause it to persist. Although spilled oil
is eventually assimilated by the marine environment, the time involved depends upon such factors
as the amount of oil spilled, its initial physical and chemical characteristics, the prevailing climatic
and sea conditions and whether the oil is washed ashore or remains at sea.
This section of the plan outlines the physical and chemical characteristics of the various types of
crude and refined oils that are transported around New Zealand either in tankers or in ships
bunkers. It also outlines the computer system that estimates how the characteristics of the spilled oil
may change due to weathering and how to identify the window of opportunity for dispersant
application.

Types of oil and their characteristics

A number of crude oils enter New Zealand waters to be refined at Marsden Point. Several types of
crude oil are extracted from the oil fields onshore and offshore from Taranaki, some of which are
transported to Marsden Point for refining and some of which are exported.
Generally, the refined product from Marsden Point is then shipped to the various ports around New
Zealand for offloading to tank farms. However, in Whangarei, product is distributed via a Truck
Loading Facility which has been established adjacent to the Refinery. Hence, no refined product is
offloaded from ships in Whangarei Port. Refined product is also transported indirectly as ships
bunkers.
The general characteristics of the types of crude and refined oils that are a threat to New Zealand
waters are outlined in the tables following this page.

Changes in spilled oil characteristics due to weathering

The American National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Response and
Restoration (NOAA OR&R) has developed an Automated Data Inquiry for Oil Spills (ADIOS). This
model is used by the Maritime NZ to predict changes in spilled oil characteristics such as
evaporation, dispersion and mousse formation.
The ADIOS system is an initial oil spill response tool for emergency spill responders and
contingency planners which is able to be used on a Windows compatible computer. ADIOS
integrates a library of approximately one thousand oils with a short-term oil fate model to estimate
the amount of time that spilled oil will remain in the marine environment. It predicts changes over
time in the density, viscosity, and water content of a specific oil or product, the rate at which it
evaporates from the sea surface, and the rate at which an oil-in-water emulsion may form. Hence
the package also estimates when the effectiveness of dispersants will be reduced.
The oil types transported around New Zealand waters are registered in the ADIOS library.
Therefore, persistence predictions are now able to be made with respect to these oils using the
ADIOS system.
The ADIOS package is installed on all of the NOSSC laptops, and is also available on the N.O.A.A.
website, www.response.restoration.noaa.gov. ADIOS will be utilised during an oil spill event to
estimate the changes in spilled oil characteristics over time, using real time environmental data such
as wind speed and wave height.

Port storage of oil

Information regarding oil leaving and entering the ports may be obtained from the resident oil
company terminal offices.

National Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan

Chapter 4 Oil Types and Characteristics

Page 2 of 11
Issue 1 April 2006

General Crude Oil Characteristics

CRUDE

A960
Abu Safah
Airlie
Al Rayyon
Al Shaheen
Alaska North slope
Anoa
Arab Extra Light
Arab Heavy
Arab Light
Arab Medium (Banam)
Ardjuna
Arun
Attaka
Azerbaijan
Bach Ho
Badak
Barrow Island
Basrah Light
Bekapai
Belida
Benchamas Blend
Bintulu
Bolivian Blend
Bontang Exp
Bonny Light (Nigerian
Light)
Bonny Medium
(Nigerian Medium)
Brass River
Brazilian Mix
Brent Blend
Brunei Lt
Buffalo
Bunga Kekwa
Cabinda
Canadon Seco
Challis
Champion
Cinta
Clyde Residue
Cooper Basin
Cossack
Dubai
East Spar
Elang
Enhanced Maui
Erawan
Escalante (Cerro
Dragon)

POUR
DENSITY POINT

BUBBLE VISCOSITY VISCOSIT FLASH

POINT TEMP
Y
POINT

API

(C)

(C)

0.96
Saudi Arabia
0.88
Australia
0.81
Qatar
0.91
Qatar
0.88
Alaska
0.89
Indonesia
0.80
Saudi Arabia
0.83
Saudi Arabia
0.89
Saudi Arabia
0.86
Saudi Arabia
0.88
Indonesia
0.85
Indonesia
0.76
Indonesia
0.81
Commonwealth of
Independent States 0.85
Vietnam
0.82
Indonesia
0.82
Australia
0.84
Iraq
0.85
Indonesia
0.83
Indonesia
0.80
Thailand
0.84
Malaysia
0.89
Bolivia
0.76
Indonesia
0.78

16.05
28.89
43.41
24.85
29.09
27.47
45.57
38.76
27.67
32.94
29.57
35.56
54.44
43.19

12
-18
-9
-42
-24
16
-20.3
-45
<-30
-30
24
-30
-30

34.68
42.12
41.42
37.70
34.58
40.02
45.15
37.19
28.21
55.55
50.80

-3
31
-12
-55
-30
-12
16
33
-6
-42
-23

Nigeria

0.85

35.38

Nigeria
Nigeria
Brazil
United Kingdom
Brunei
Australia ?
Malaysia
Angola
Argentina
Australia
Brunei
Indonesia
Australia
Australia
Dubai
Unknown
Timor Sea
New Zealand
Thailand

0.89
0.81
0.84
0.83
0.82
0.77
0.84
0.86
0.90
0.83
0.90
0.86
0.91
0.78
0.79
0.87
0.75
0.76
0.77
0.75

Argentina

0.91

COUNTRY

National Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan

Chapter 4 Oil Types and Characteristics

S.G.

API
METHOD

(C)

CST

247.2

20
20
27
10
40
20
10
10
10
40
10
20

2.5
55.2
13.6
40.8
2.1
4.5
83.7
18.1
35.2
3.5
1.2
1.8

148.8
15.4
3.4
27.3
13.3
13.5
35.3
3.7
6.5
6.1
3.3
-3.1
< -18
-25.3

75
55
71
104
59
110
79
58
73
55
57

20
20
20
10
20
10
27
40
40
40
40

15.6
7904.0
2.0
3.4
10.7
3.9
5.6
6.9
5.2
1.1
0.9

30.5
7.0
-6.5
1.7
3.7
0.0
5.1
-0.4
11.2
-42.0
-44.0

69

40

3.5

25.2

26.69
42.98
36.45
38.98
40.41
52.34
36.55
32.46
26.60
39.60
25.37
32.65
23.65
49.65
47.34
31.14
57.80
53.81
52.22
55.99

-30
9
-6
6
12
-21

130
54

20
40

19.4
1.8

53.6
-30.0

39
30
88

15
-6
-9
-51
39

50
71
115
104

9
-18
-21
-55
-51
<-24
-37.2

96
45
57
51
57
55
49

20
40
40
0
40
40
20
40
60
0
20
20
10
40
20
20
21

4.8
2.0
1.2
0.0
68.8
73.0
3.0
6.8
18.6
0.0
2.4
2.0
17.4
0.7
1.3
0.7
0.9

-7.1
-2.6
-5.3
0.0
0.8
48.1
9.5
50.0
59.4
0.0
16.0
-39.4
2.1
-43.9
-40.9
-43.4
-45.5

23.65

135

40

331.0

60.6

85.2
67
69
86
72
107
75
49
71
55
61
43

Page 3 of 11
Issue 1 April 2006

CRUDE

COUNTRY

Fletcher Blend
(Petrocorp)
Forcados
Forozan Blend

New Zealand
Nigeria
Iran
Blend of MIRI,
Generic Crude 1 (Low BARR, THEV,
CHAM (25%)
Cloud)
Blend of LABU,
Generic Crude 2 (High MASA, CHAL,
Cloud)
WALI (25%)
Geragai-Makur
Indonesia
Gippsland
Australia
Girassol
Angola
Griffin
Australia
Gulf of Suez
Egypt
Gullfaks
Norway
Handil
Indonesia
Hydra
Argentina
Iranian Light
Iran
Jabiru
Australia
Kaji
Indonesia
Kapuni
New Zealand
Kerapu
Indonesia
Khafji
Khafji Long Res
Kitina Blend
Koch Alberta
Kutubu
Kuwait
Labuan
Lalang
Laminaria
Langsa
Lavan Blend
Lavan Residue
Legendre
Lower Zakum
Lufeng
Madura Ayu Blend
Malampaya
Condensate
Margham
Marib
Marib Light
Masa
Masila
Maui B
Maui F Sand
McKee Blend
Medanitos (Rio Negro)
Mesa
Minas
Miri Lt

S.G.

0.83
0.88
0.87

POUR
DENSITY POINT

BUBBLE VISCOSITY VISCOSIT FLASH

POINT TEMP
Y
POINT

API

(C)

(C)

(C)

CST

API
METHOD

38.98
28.69
30.99

15
-6
-30

38
94
71

50
20
30

3.3
13.9
10.8

-30.5
40.8
4.7

2.8
5.9
1.2
8.8
4.4
3.5
7.4
16.5
3.7
3.4
1.2
3.7

-15.1
-35.6
18.5
-40.0
6.0
10.0
0.0
20.3
3.7
6.4
-0.8
-59.5
9.5

30

37
-33
9
0
-48
3
-18
27
3
-9
18

0.80
0.79
0.87
0.76
0.87
0.85
0.86
0.83
0.86
0.81
0.83
0.73
0.80

46.49
47.00
31.71
55.18
31.71
34.77
33.42
38.98
33.23
42.35
39.29
61.10
45.24

0.89
0.98
Congo
0.84
Canada
0.86
Papua New Guinea 0.81
Kuwait
0.87
Malaysia
0.87
Indonesia
0.83
Australia
0.74
Indonesia
0.79
Iran
0.85
Unknown
0.96
Australia
0.81
Abu Dhabi
0.82
China
0.87
Indonesia
0.80

27.26
12.74
37.27
32.67
44.06
31.31
31.14
39.29
59.90
46.71
34.02
16.67
43.93
40.43
31.46
46.04

-22
23
13

Philippiness
Sharjah
Yemen
Yemen
Indonesia
Yemen
New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand
Argentina
Venezuela
Indonesia
Malaysia

52.51
52.65
40.85
47.61
40.52
30.58
58.48
43.19
43.56
33.73
30.09
35.96
30.21

Neutral Zone

National Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan

Chapter 4 Oil Types and Characteristics

0.77
0.77
0.82
0.79
0.82
0.87
0.74
0.81
0.81
0.86
0.88
0.85
0.88

80.0
991.0
5.4

2
-21
15
33
-54
<-45
-12
46
9
-21
40
<-36

78
67
40
74
50
53
20
53
20
50
20
78
40
61
20
65
10
73
20
83
38
37
21
85
40
30.89 or
46.9
10
60
78
40
56
36
25
49
10
128
40
94
50
56
20
100
42
10
394
58
40
65
40
227
50
81

1.7
2.7
20.2

-14.8
-2.6
95.2
-18.0

-36
-9
-12
-48
-13
-33
-45
30
15
-3
-36
36
-12

45
42
50
47
131
105
34
59
76
101
100
88
76

0.7
1.2
1.7
1.4
4.8
16.5
0.7
2.6
1.6
15.8
8.3
8.2
10.5

-43.7
-46.6
-10.3
-43.2
39.4
27.5
-61.6
-3.5
-31.1
21.9
25.6
39.9
4.0

12
30

40
20
25
40
21
27
20
30
40
20
38
60
10

1.9
23.9
2.8
6.9
0.9
14.2

-28.9
0.0
14.2
-3.5
-36.9
10.6
32.4
25.5
-44.3
-0.4
-1.4

Page 4 of 11
Issue 1 April 2006

CRUDE

Mubarras Blend
Mudi Blend
Murban
Murban Residue
Nan Hai Light
Ngatoro Blend
Ngatoro2
Nkossa
NW Shelf
Oman
Oman Residue
Oriente
Oseberg
Oso Condensate
Qatar Land
Qatar Marine
Qua Iboe (Nig.Lt
(Mobil))
Pagerungan
Pattani
Pohokura Condensate
Rabi
Rang Dong
Rainbow
Ras Laffan (Summer)
Ras Laffan (Winter)
Ratawi
Rincon
Ruby
San Sebastian
Santa Cruz
Sepinggan
Shaybah Blend
Saharan Blend
Sirri
SLEB
Stag
Sudanese Blend
Swift
Tantawan
Tapis (Pulai)
Tapis LSWR
Tchatamba Blend
Tengiz
Thevenard
Ukpokiti
Umm Shaif
Upper Zakum
Varanus
Vityaz
Walio
Widuri Blend

COUNTRY

S.G.

POUR
DENSITY POINT

BUBBLE VISCOSITY VISCOSIT FLASH

POINT TEMP
Y
POINT

API

(C)

(C)

(C)

CST

API
METHOD

50
147
83

30
38
20

3.5
5.6
4.3

-0.5
63.6
-1.6

40

12.2

144.0
29.5

10
20
10
60
40
20
20
20
40

9.6
0.8
31.8
206.9
13.5
7.5
2.0
4.3
5.0

-38.0
-46.5
8.3
148.0
29.8
0.5
-36.7
-21.2
-1.6

40

3.4

40
40
40
40
16
40
40
50
38
40
40
10
21
20
10
15
40
20
40

4.8
1.3
13.9
9.0
8.1
0.9
0.9
22.8
4.9
8.7
3.4
3.0
4.6
5.3
4.0
18.0
2.5
124.0
32.8

-4.0
-46.7
15.9
-33.9
47.2
5.5
-3.1
-46.6
-47.6
25.0
18.2
7.5
-46.3
-44.9
20.1
5.9

40
40
60
16
20
20
16
10
10
38
40
10
60

2.2
2.0
17.8
4.6
2.1
3.8
5.8
8.1
15.0
2.8
2.4
32.5
19.0

Indonesia
Abu Dhabi

0.82
0.84
0.83

40.98
37.29
39.81

-30
27
-9

China
New Zealand
New Zealand
Congo
Australia
Oman
Oman
Equador
Norway
Nigeria
Qatar
Halul Island

0.92
0.83
0.84
0.87
0.79
0.74
0.86
0.93
0.88
0.84
0.79
0.82
0.85

22.30
39.08
37.21
30.90
46.60
59.72
33.61
20.81
28.93
36.07
46.89
41.27
35.96

28
24
27
-9
-48
-30
6
-3
-3
18
-9
-15

0.84
0.73
0.82
0.79
0.84
0.84
0.83
0.75
0.75
0.91
0.84
0.84
0.82
0.79
0.87
0.83
0.80
0.87
0.85
0.94
0.85
0.80
0.79
0.80
0.88
0.81
0.79
0.83
0.82
0.84
0.85
0.80
0.85
0.85
0.86

36.21
61.41
41.21
46.71
36.63
37.76
40.02
57.19
57.80
24.29
36.19
37.39
40.43
48.18
30.77
38.20
45.75
30.77
35.36
18.30
34.46
44.36
47.64
45.82
30.03
44.08
46.71
39.77
41.89
36.85
34.37
46.04
34.58
35.17
32.88

15
-54
24
21
24
30
-17
-35
-35
-33
-3
24
-60
-21
-7
-25
-15
-12
9
-30
33
27
6
6
45
2
-15
-24
2
-18
-30
9
<-45
0
42

Nigeria
Indonesia
Thailand
New Zealand
Gabon
Unknown
Canada
Unknown
Unknown
Neutral Zone
Argentina
Vitenam
Argentina
Argentina
Unknown
Saudi Arabia
Algeria
Iran
Brunei
Australia
Egypt
New Zealand
Thailand
Malaysia
Gabon
Kazahkstan
Australia
Nigeria
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Australia
Sakhalin
Indonesia
Indonesia

National Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan

Chapter 4 Oil Types and Characteristics

383
96
77
150
29
50
73
71
43
52
31
48
65
45
98
50
95
72
40
43
45
56
67
101
37
47
103
84
42
93
286
151
54
53
70
49
65
76
82
60
36
5
85
77
157

3.8
5.1
107.1
72.4
-29.6
-3.2
0.8
148.4
-43.2
-19.6
3.7
1.1
-2.6
-8.2
-45.3
3.6
0.5
89.9

Page 5 of 11
Issue 1 April 2006

CRUDE

COUNTRY

S.G.

POUR
DENSITY POINT

BUBBLE VISCOSITY VISCOSIT FLASH

POINT TEMP
Y
POINT

API

(C)

(C)

(C)

CST

API
METHOD

Wollybutt
Xi-Jiang
Yetagun

Australia
China
Australia ?

0.78
0.85
0.75

49.12
35.23
56.64

-45
36
<-30

97
192
38

40
50
40

1.2
10.8
0.7

-0.6
73.5
-43.6

Yoho

Nigeria

0.83

39.60

18

67

40

3.0

-3.5

National Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan

Chapter 4 Oil Types and Characteristics

Page 6 of 11
Issue 1 April 2006

Refined Product Characteristics

Jet A1
PROPERTY

WEIGHTE
D
AVERAGE

APPEARANCE AT 20C

PASSES
TEST

Colour, Saybolt

30

RANGE
MIN - MAX

SPECIFICATION

CLEAR, BRIGHT
WITH NO VISUAL
CONTAMINATION
30 -- 30

Total Acidity

mgKOH/g

0.0031

0.0012 -- 0.0062

max. 0.015

Aromatics

% Vol.

17.1

15.3 -- 18.2

8.0 -22.0

Olefins

% Vol.

0.8

0.4 --- 1.2

max. 5.0

Total Sulphur

% mass

0.03

0.00 -- 0.05

max. 0.30

or Mercaptan, Sulphur

% mass

0.0006

0.0001 -- 0.0007

max. 0.002

Flash Point

40.5

39.0 -- 44.5

min. 38

Density @ 15C

kg/l

0.8003

0.7990 -- 0.8033

0.775 - 0.840

Freezing Point

-58.2

-63.0 -- -56.5

max. -47

Viscosity @ -20C

cS(mm2/s)

3.519

3.339 -- 3.606

max. 8.0

Smoke Point

mm

25

23 -- 25

min. 19

Napthalenes

% Vol.

0.04

0.00 -- 1.31

max. 3.0

Water reaction

(interface)

Doctor test

negative

(MSEP) with static dissap.

max. 1b
86

74 -- 99

min 70

253

200 -- 310

50 -450

PROPERTY

WEIGHTE
D
AVERAGE

RANGE
MIN - MAX

SPECIFICATION

APPEARANCE AT 20C

PASSES
TEST

Electrical conduct. @26C

pS/m

Dual Purpose Kerosene

30

30 -- 30

CLEAR, BRIGHT
WITH NO VISUAL
CONTAMINATION
min. 23

Total Acidity

mgKOH/g

0.0024

0.0024 -- 0.0024

max. 0.015

Aromatics

% Vol.

19.4

19.4 -- 19.4

8.0 -22.0

Olefins

% Vol.

0.6

0.6 -- 0.6

max. 5.0

Total Sulphur

% mass

0.00

0.00 -- 0.00

max. 0.02

Colour, Saybolt

Doctor test

negative

or Mercaptan, Sulphur

% mass

0.0000

0.0000 -- 0.0000

max. 0.002

Flash Point

44.5

44.5 -- 44.5

min. 43

Density @ 15C

kg/l

0.8023

0.8023 -- 0.8023

0.775 - 0.840

Freezing Point

-51.5

-51.5 -- -51.5

max. -47

Viscosity @ -20C

cS(mm /s)

3.989

3.989 -- 3.989

max. 8.0

Smoke Point

mm

24

24 -- 24

min. 25

Napthalenes

% Vol.

0.04

0.00 -- 1.31

Water reaction

(interface)

(WSIM) with static dissap.

Electrical conduct. @26C

pS/m

National Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan

Chapter 4 Oil Types and Characteristics

max. 3.0
max. 1b

75

75 -- 75

min 70

380

380 -- 380

50 -450

Page 7 of 11
Issue 1 April 2006

Heavy Fuel Oil

PROPERTY

Density @ 15C

WEIGHTE
D
AVERAGE
0.9489

kg/l

RANGE
MIN - MAX

SPECIFICATION

0.947 -- 0.952

max. 0.991

Flash Point

109

107 -- 111

min. 63

Calorific Value, Gross

MJ/kg

43.22

43.1 -- 43.3

min. 41.9

Total Sulphur

% mass

2.25

2.16 -- 2.48

max. 3.5

Kinematic viscosity @ 50C

cSt

171.4

154 -- 176

90 - 180

Pour Point

-3 -- 3

max. 24

Micro Carbon Residue

% mass

15.1

14.3 -- 15.9

max. 18.0

Vanadium Content

mg/kg

80

63 -- 102

max. 150

22 -- 34

max. 70

Sodium Content

mg/kg

28

Ash

% mass

0.03

max. 0.01

Water by Distillation

% Vol.

<0.05

max. 0.75

Sediment by Extraction

% mass

0.01

max. 0.15

Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel)

PROPERTY
Density @ 15C
85% Recovery @
Barometer

WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
kg/l

0.8428

RANGE
MIN - MAX
0.834 -- 0.854

319.4

309 -- 330

mm Hg

755.5

736 -- 766

Colour

L 0.5

SPECIFICATION
0.810 - 0.860
max. 350
max. 3.0

Flash point Pensky Martens

79

Total Sulphur

% mass

0.20

0.09 -- 0.29

max. 0.30

Kinematic viscosity @ 20C

cSt

7 - 13

Specific Gravity @ 15C

0.855 - 0.865

Cold Filter Plugging Point

-6.1

-7 -- -6

max. -6

Cold Filter Plugging Point

-9.0

Cloud Point

Cloud Point

Cetane Index

50.7
Passes test

Appearance @ 8C
Corrosion Copper Strip

71 -- 87

min. 63

-9 -- -9

max. -9

0 -- 0

max. 4

0 -- 0

max. 0

48.6 -- 52.4

min. 47
Clear and bright

Ash

3h @
100C
mg
KOH/g
% mass

max. 0.01

Water by Distillation

% Vol.

max. 0.05

Sediment by Extraction

% mass

max. 0.01

Ramsbottom carbon on 10%

Residuum
Stability test

% mass

Total Acid No.

mg/100m
l

National Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan

Chapter 4 Oil Types and Characteristics

max. No. 1 strip

max. 0.5

0.00

max. 0.20
max. 1.5

Page 8 of 11
Issue 1 April 2006

Light Fuel Oil

PROPERTY

Density @ 15C

kg/l

WEIGHTE
D
AVERAGE
0.9101

RANGE
MIN - MAX

SPECIFICATION

0.908 -- 0.911

max. 0.974

Flash Point

113

107 -- 117

min. 63

Total Sulphur

% mass

1.47

1.41 -- 1.66

max. 2.0

Kinematic viscosity @ 50C

cSt

30.5

29.8 -- 32.2

14 -- 33

Pour Point

-13

-18 -- -12

max. -6

Micro Carbon Residue

% mass

10.7

10.1 -- 11.6

max. 12.0

Vanadium Content

mg/kg

69

51 -- 103

max. 150

Sodium Content

mg/kg

19

17 -- 22

max. 50

Ash

% mass

max. 0.01

Water by Distillation

% Vol.

max. 0.5

Sediment by Extraction

% mass

max. 0.12

Marine Gas Oil (Diesel)

PROPERTY

Density @ 15C
85% Recovery @
Barometer

kg/l

WEIGHTE
D
AVERAGE
0.8472

340.2

335 -- 345

mm Hg

753.5

743 -- 761

Colour

RANGE
MIN - MAX

SPECIFICATION

0.845 -- 0.852

0.810 - 0.860
max. 370

L 0.5

max. 3.0

Flash point Pensky Martens

92

74 -- 107

min. 63

Total Sulphur

% mass

0.26

0.22 -- 0.30

max. 0.30

Kinematic viscosity @ 20C

cSt

13

Specific Gravity @ 15C

0.854

Cloud Point

-1.2

-2 -- 0

max. 0

Cloud Point

Pour Point

0.00

0 -- 0

51.9

48.6 -- 53.0

Cetane Index

Passes test

Appearance @ 8C
Corrosion Copper Strip
Total Acid No.

max. 6

3h @
100C
mg KOH/g

min. 40
Clear and bright
max. No. 1 strip
max. 0.5

Ash

% mass

max. 0.01

Water by Distillation

% Vol.

max. 0.05

Sediment by Extraction

% mass

Ramsbottom carbon on 10%

Residuum
Stability test

% mass

max. 0.01
0.00

mg/100ml

max. 0.20
max. 1.5

Miscellaneous Products
Premium Unleaded Petrol
PROPERTY
Density @ 15C

VALUE
0.735

Specific Gravity @ 15C

0.750 approx.

Pour Point C

-29 approx.

National Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan

Chapter 4 Oil Types and Characteristics

Page 9 of 11
Issue 1 April 2006

1.0 approx.

Viscosity @ 20C cSt

Regular Unleaded Petrol

PROPERTY

VALUE
0.756

Density @ 15C
Specific Gravity @ 15C

0.739 approx.

Pour Point C

-18 approx.

Viscosity @ 20C cSt

3.0 approx.

Bitumen (no solvent) a.k.a. Asphalt

PROPERTY
Kinematic viscosity @ 20C

VALUE
solid

Kinematic viscosity @ 70C

21,000 cSt approx.

Kinematic viscosity @
130C
Specific Gravity @ 15C

236 cSt

Pour Point C

+40 +80

0.99 1.2

Relationship between temperature and oil viscosity for

representative crude and fuel oils
K
i
n
e
m
a
t
i
c

20000

V
i
s
c
o
s
i
t
y

200

5000
2000

Boscan

1000
500
Heavy Fuel
Oil
Medium Fuel
Oil

100
50
30

Duri

20

15

C
e
n
t
i
s
t
o
k
e
s

10

Cabinda

7
5

Kuwait

4
3

Arabian
Light

Brega

Gas Oil
0

20

10

40

20
Degrees Centigrade

60
80
Degrees Fahrenheit

30

40

100

50

120

60

140

Notes
National Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan
Chapter 4 Oil Types and Characteristics

Page 10 of 11
Issue 1 April 2006

1
2

3
4
5

Other oils can be plotted by entering a known viscosity value at the relevant temperature and
drawing a line parallel to existing ones.
Oils with viscosities exceeding 2000 centistokes at ambient temperature (for example Medium
Fuel Oil colder than 20C) are unlikely to be amenable to dispersants, except when Corexit
9500 (or higher than normal doses of other dispersants) is to be used.
Gas oil is also known as Light Diesel or No. 2 Fuel Oil (ASTM nomenclature) and ranges from
7-9 Centistokes at 38C.
Medium Fuel Oil is also known as No. 4 Fuel Oil (ASTM nomenclature) and ranges from 225400 Centistokes at 38C.
Heavy Fuel Oil is also known as Bunker C or No. 6 Fuel Oil (ASTM nomenclature) and ranges
from 900-2500 Centistokes at 38C.

National Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan

Chapter 4 Oil Types and Characteristics

Page 11 of 11
Issue 1 April 2006