1. What is Characterisation Factor?

Definition: Characterisation Factor is defined as a quantitative representation of the (relative) importance of a specific intervention in petroleum refining.

Purpose: It helps in characterizing petroleum fractions and is widely used in refinery calculations and correlations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Cf \) — Characterisation Factor
• \( TBP \) — Molal Average Boiling Point (°R)
• \( SG \) — Specific Gravity (dimensionless)

Explanation: The cube root of the boiling point is divided by the specific gravity to obtain the characterisation factor.

3. Importance of Characterisation Factor

Details: The characterisation factor helps classify petroleum fractions into paraffinic, naphthenic, or aromatic categories. Higher values indicate more paraffinic character.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the Molal Average Boiling Point in Rankine (°R) and the Specific Gravity (default 0.82). Both values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range for Characterisation Factor?
A: For petroleum fractions, it typically ranges from 10.5 (aromatic) to 13.0 (paraffinic).

Q2: How do I determine Molal Average Boiling Point?
A: MABP is calculated from distillation data as the average of the volumetric or molal boiling points.

Q3: What reference temperature is used for Specific Gravity?
A: Specific gravity is typically measured at 60°F (15.6°C) relative to water at the same temperature.

Q4: What are the units for MABP in this calculation?
A: The boiling point must be in Rankine (°R) for this formula. To convert from Fahrenheit: °R = °F + 459.67.

Q5: How is Characterisation Factor used in refining?
A: It helps predict product properties, select processing conditions, and estimate yields in refinery operations.