1.Diversity of Components: Crude oil contains various hydrocarbons (alkanes, cycloalkanes, aromatics, etc.), with its composition and physical properties varying depending on the place of origin.
2.Differences in Physical Properties:
Color: Crude oil can range in color from dark brown to black.
Viscosity: Crude oil has a wide viscosity range; light crude oil is less viscous, while heavy crude oil is more viscous.
Flammability: Crude oil is highly flammable, with a high heat of combustion, making it a source of high energy density fuel.
3.Origin Dependence: Crude oil from different regions exhibits significant differences in sulfur content, specific gravity, and other characteristics, with varying qualities such as Brent crude, WTI crude, and Middle Eastern crude.
4.Complex Processability: Crude oil must be refined and fractionated into products such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene; the refining process varies depending on the type of crude oil.
The unique characteristics of crude oil make it irreplaceable in the energy and chemical sectors. Additionally, the quality and processing difficulty of crude oil directly impact its market value.