Pour Point
The pour point of a crude oil or product is the lowest temperature at which an oil is observed to flow under the conditions of the test. Pour point data indicates the amount of long-chain paraffins (petroleum wax) found in a crude oil. Paraffinic crudes usually have higher wax content than other crude types. Handling and transporting crude oils and heavy fuels is difficult at temperatures below their pour points Often, chemical additives known as pour point depressants are used to improve the flow properties of the fuel. Long-chain n-paraffins ranging from 16–60 carbon atoms in particular, are responsible for near-ambient temperature precipitation. In middle distillates, less than 1% wax can be sufficient to cause solidification of the fuel.