Iraqi Heavy Crude Oil – Specifications

Iraqi Heavy Crude Oil is exported mainly via southern terminals such as Khor Al Zubair. It is a dense, high-sulfur grade that requires complex refining units but offers competitive pricing for buyers with upgrading capacity.

Key Specifications

• API Gravity @ 60°F: 15.0

• Specific Gravity (60/60°F): 0.9659

• Density @ 15°C: 0.9653 kg/L

• Sulfur Content: >4.60% (up to 7.30%)

• Kinematic Viscosity:

  • @20°C: 955.7 mm²/s

  • @30°C: 480.3 mm²/s

  • @40°C: 259.0 mm²/s

  • @50°C: 149.1 mm²/s

• Conradson Carbon Residue: 14.6%

• Asphaltenes Content: 7.89%

• Nitrogen: 1,457 mg/kg

• Vanadium: 119 mg/kg

• Nickel: 42 mg/kg

• Sodium: 27 mg/kg

• Total Acid Number: 1.02 mg KOH/g

• Salt: 32.2 lbs/1,000 bbl

• Water Content: 0.05% vol.

• Ash Content: 0.033%

• Total Sediment: 0.01%

• Pour Point: -24°C

• Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S):

  • Vapor Phase: 31,000 ppm

  • Liquid Phase: 730 mg/kg

• Gross Calorific Value: 41.183 MJ/kg

📌 Commercial Note:
Due to its high sulfur and heavy nature, Iraqi Heavy is best suited for refineries with cokers, hydrocrackers, and desulfurization units, offering value through fuel oil, residuals, and upgraded middle distillates.