1. What is API Gravity?

API Gravity is a measure of how heavy or light a petroleum liquid is compared to water. Developed by the American Petroleum Institute, it's an inverse measure where higher API values indicate lighter (less dense) liquids.

2. How Does the Conversion Work?

The calculator uses the standard API to density conversion formula:

Where:

• \( API \) — API gravity in degrees
• \( Density \) — Resulting specific gravity (g/cm³)

Explanation: The formula converts API gravity to specific gravity, which is the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of water.

3. Importance of API to Density Conversion

Details: This conversion is crucial in the petroleum industry for classifying oils, determining quality, calculating volumes and masses, and for various refining processes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter API gravity in degrees. The value must be greater than 0. Typical API values range from 10° (heavy crude) to 50° (very light condensates).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the relationship between API gravity and density?
A: API gravity is inversely related to density - higher API values indicate lower density (lighter fluids).

Q2: What are typical API values for different petroleum products?
A: Heavy crudes: 10-20°, medium crudes: 20-30°, light crudes: 30-45°, condensates: 45-60°.

Q3: Why is water used as the reference point?
A: Water has a specific gravity of 1.0, which corresponds to 10° API, making it a convenient reference for petroleum liquids.

Q4: How does temperature affect API measurements?
A: API gravity is standardized at 60°F (15.6°C). Temperature corrections are needed for measurements taken at other temperatures.

Q5: What's the difference between API gravity and specific gravity?
A: API gravity is a specialized scale for petroleum products, while specific gravity is a general measure of density relative to water.