What does excessive heat during oil processing primarily affect?

Excessive heat during oil processing primarily affects viscosity, which is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. When oil is subjected to high temperatures, the kinetic energy of the molecules increases. This results in a reduction in the intermolecular forces acting within the oil, leading to a decrease in viscosity. As a result, the oil becomes thinner and flows more easily at elevated temperatures.

Viscosity is a critical property in various applications, such as lubrication and hydraulic systems, where the flow characteristics of the oil can significantly impact performance. Proper control of temperature during oil processing is essential to maintain the desired viscosity for specific applications, ensuring optimal functioning and efficiency.

On the other hand, specific gravity, electrical conductivity, and thermal expansion may also be influenced by temperature changes, but these effects are not as directly correlated to the excessive heat during oil processing as viscosity is. Therefore, viscosity is the primary characteristic affected by excessive heat in this context.