What is a crude oil assay?

A crude oil assay is the chemical evaluation of crude oil feedstocks by petroleum testing laboratories. Each crude oil type has unique molecular and chemical characteristics. No two crude oil types are identical and there are crucial differences in crude oil quality.

What types of crude oil assays are available?

Crude oil assays vary in depth and complexity, dependent upon crude oil type and customer requirements. Intertek labs provide standard assay and custom crude evaluations. Individual characterizations can be presented in a variety of formats, including those capable of being downloaded into certain types of LP models.

Why do refineries use crude oil assay data?

Assay data help refineries determine if a crude oil feedstock is compatible for a particular petroleum refinery or if the crude oil could cause yield, quality, production, environmental and other problems. The assay can be an inspection assay or comprehensive assay.