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As defined by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), heavy oil is a type of crude oil characterized
by an asphaltic, dense, viscous nature (similar to molasses), and its asphaltene (very large
molecules incorporating roughly 90 percent of the sulfur and metals in the oil) content. It also
contains impurities such as waxes and carbon residue that must be removed before being
refined. Although variously defined, the upper limit for heavy oil is 22 API gravity with a
viscosity of 100 cp (centipoise).
The American Petroleum Institute's "API gravity" is a standard to express the specific weight of
oils, computed as (141.5/sp g) - 131.5, where sp is the specific gravity of the oil at 60 degrees
Fahrenheit. The lower the specific gravity value, the higher the API gravity will be.
Light oil
Also known as "conventional oil," light oil has an API gravity of at least 22 and a viscosity less than 100
centipoise (cp).
Heavy Oil
Asphaltic, dense (low API gravity), and viscous oil that is chemically characterized by its content of
asphaltenes (very large molecules incorporating most of the sulfur and perhaps 90% of the metals in the
oil). Although variously defined, the upper limit for heavy oils has been set at 22API gravity and a
viscosity of less than 100 cP.
Extra Heavy Oil
The portion of heavy oil having an API gravity of less than 10.
Extra-Heavy oil Natural bitumen
Also known as "oil sands," bitumen shares the attributes of heavy oil but is even more dense and
viscous. Natural bitumen has a viscosity greater than 10,000 cP.
In comparison with heavy oil, light or "conventional" oil flows naturally and can be pumped
without being heated or diluted. Light oil is characterized by an API gravity of at least 22, and
extra-heavy oil has an API gravity of less than 10. Natural bitumen, also known as oil sands,
shares the characteristics of heavy oil but is even more dense and viscous - with a viscosity
greater than 10,000 cP.
Heavy oils typically are not recoverable in their natural state through a well or by ordinary
production methods. Most require heat or dilution to flow into a well or through a pipeline.