COLD FLOW ADDITIVE FOR MIDDLE DISTILLATE FUELS

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Cold flow additives are used to alter the low temperature properties of middle distillate fuels. An example of a cold flow additive is a cloud point depressant. In the petroleum industry, cloud point refers to the temperature below which wax in middle distillate fuels as well as wax and biowax in middle distillate fuels blended with biodiesel start to come out of solution and imparts certain degree of cloudiness or haziness to the fuels or fuels blended with biodiesel. The wax and biowax in these fuels can form a cloudy appearance at low and cold operating temperatures. The presence of solidified waxes thickens the fuel and may clog fuel filters and injectors in diesel engines. The waxes also accumulate on cold surfaces (producing, for example, pipeline or heat exchanger fouling) and form an emulsion with water. Therefore, cloud point indicates the tendency of the fuel to plug filters or small orifices at cold operating temperatures.

[0002] Cloud point depressants (CPD) have been used for many years in middle distillate fuels such as, for example, low-sulfur diesel fuels. Custom-designed, specialty polymer chemistry has enabled refiners to meet cloud point (CP) guidelines while using substantially less kerosene to meet similar levels. These polymers allow greater refined yields through cut-point adjustment upgrades and the potential for diverting kerosene to other opportunities such as, for example, jet fuel. The practice of cut-point downgrades to gas oil can be costly because diesel fuel generally has greater value. Kerosene dilutions have historically been as high as 30%-40% by volume with low-sulfur diesel fuels. While kerosene addition enables fuels to reach CP guidelines, it may negatively impact the fuel's energy content, cetane number, lubricity, flash point and density. Properly designed CPD are able to substantially reduce or even eliminate the need for kerosene, thus substantially reducing refinery costs.

[0003] With ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuels (ULSD), for example, being mandated throughout the mass market distribution system, the need for CP control is high. However, waxy crude oil and process limitations may make it difficult for refiners to economically make middle distillate fuels or blends of these fuels with biodiesel with a low cloud point. Fortunately, CPD can overcome these limitations without negatively impacting fuel characteristics. CPD allow refiners to meet low-temperature objectives while being neutral or beneficial to most other fuel properties.

[0004] US2002 / 040546 discloses an additive for distillate and a fuel composition having improved cloud point depressant properties. The additive is incorporated into a major proportion of distillate fuel and is a maleic anhydride alpha-olefin copolymer or a polyimide. Alternatively, the cloud point additive can be an ethylene vinyl acetate isobutylene terpolymer.

[0005] US 2007 / 161519 relates to oil compositions, primarily to fuel oil and petroleum compositions produced therefrom which are susceptible to wax formation at low temperatures, to polymeric amides for use with such fuel oil compositions, and to methods for their manufacture.SUMMARY

[0006] The invention relates to a cold flow additive in accordance with claim 1, a reaction product in accordance with claim 7, and a process for preparing a cold flow additive in accordance with claim 8.

[0007] This disclosure (not part of the invention) provides a cold flow additive for distillate fuels comprising a reaction product of an alkyl α-olefin, an unsaturated anhydride, a phenyl alkyl alcohol or an alkyl phenol alkoxylate, a fatty alcohol, and a primary or secondary fatty amine that lowers cloud point temperatures.

[0008] One embodiment of this disclosure is a cold flow additive for middle distillate fuel comprising a solvent and a reaction product between an maleic anhydride, alkyl α-olefin, a phenyl alkyl alcohol or an alkyl phenol alkoxylate, a fatty alcohol, and a primary or secondary fatty amine having a ratio of maleic anhydride / alkyl α-olefin in the range of 0.5 / 2.0 to 2.0 / 0.5, a ratio of maleic anhydride / fatty alcohol in the range of about 10 / 1 to1.0 / 1.9, a ratio of maleic anhydride / aromatic alcohol in the range of about 10 / 1 to 1.0 / 1.9, or a ratio of maleic anhydride / amine in the range of about 1.0 / 0.1 to 1.0 / 0.9; wherein the fatty alcohol is C10-C40OH, C10-C30OH, C12-C18OH, C14OH, or combinations thereof; and wherein the primary or secondary fatty amine is C10-C30 fatty amines, C6-C30 aromatic amines, a mixture of C12-C18 amines, or combinations thereof..

[0009] In another embodiment of the disclosure (not part of the invention) is a reaction product prepared by a process comprising heating a mixture of an alkyl α-olefin and an unsaturated anhydride in a solvent to form an intermediate polymer, contacting the intermediate polymer with a phenyl alkyl alcohol or an alkyl phenol alkoxylate, a fatty alcohol and a fatty amine to form the reaction product wherein the reaction product components have a ratio of unsaturated anhydride / alkyl α-olefin in the range of 0.5 / 2.0 to 2.0 / 0.5, a ratio of unsaturated anhydride / fatty alcohol in the range of about 10 / 1 to 1.0 / 1.9, a ratio of unsaturated anhydride / aromatic alcohol in the range of about 10 / 1 to 1.0 / 1.9 or a ratio of unsaturated anhydride / amine in the range of about 1.0 / 0.1 to 1.0 / 0.9, wherein the unsaturated anhydride is maleic anhydride; wherein the fatty alcohol is C 10 -C 40 OH, C 10 -C 30 OH, C 12 -C 18 OH, C 14 OH, or a combination thereof, and wherein the primary or secondary fatty amine is C 10 -C 30 fatty amines, C 6 -C 30 aromatic amines, a mixture of C 12 -C 18 amines, or combinations thereof,

[0010] In each of these embodiments, the alkyl α-olefin may be C 10 -C 40 alkyl α-olefin, C 10 -C 30 alkyl α-olefin or a C 20+ alkyl α-olefin, the unsaturated anhydride is maleic anhydride, the phenyl alkyl alcohol may be benzyl alcohol, 3-phenyl-1-propanol, or 2-phenyl alcohol, the alkyl phenol alkoxylate may be ethoxylated alkyl phenol, propoxylated alkyl phenol, ethoxylated and propoxylated alkyl phenol, ethoxylated nonylphenol, ethoxylated octylphenol or phenolglycol, the fatty alcohol is C 10 -C 40 OH, C 10 -C 30 OH, C 12 -C 18 OH or C 14 OH, and the fatty amine is C 10 -C 30 fatty amines, a mixture of C 12 -C 18 amines, or C 6 -C 30 aromatic amines.

[0011] In some embodiments, the solvent may be heavy aromatic naphtha, refined petroleum solvent, xylene, toluene, kerosene, hydrotreated light distillate hydrocarbon, or middle distillate hydrocarbon.

[0012] In certain embodiments of this disclosure, the cold flow additive comprises components where the solvent is heavy aromatic naphtha, the alkyl α-olefin is C 20+ alkyl α-olefin, the cyclic anhydride is maleic anhydride, the phenyl alkyl alcohol is benzyl alcohol, the fatty alcohol is C 14 OH, and the fatty amine is mixture of C 12 -C 18 primary or secondary amines.

[0013] Yet another embodiment of the disclosure is a process of preparing a cold flow additive comprising the steps of 1) heating a mixture of an alkyl α-olefin and an unsaturated anhydride in a solvent to form an intermediate polymer, 2) contacting the intermediate polymer with a mixture of a phenyl alkyl alcohol or an alkyl phenol alkoxylate, a fatty alcohol and a fatty primary or secondary amine to form an intermediate mixture, and 3) heating the intermediate mixture to form the reaction product, wherein the reaction product components have a ratio of unsaturated anhydride / alkyl α-olefin in the range of 0.5 / 2.0 to 2.0 / 0.5, a ratio of unsaturated anhydride / fatty alcohol in the range of about 10 / 1 to 1.0 / 1.9, a ratio of unsaturated anhydride / aromatic alcohol in the range of about 10 / 1 to 1.0 / 1.9 or a ratio of unsaturated anhydride / amine in the range of about 1.0 / 0.1 to 1.0 / 0.9, wherein the unsaturated anhydride is maleic anhydride, wherein the fatty alcohol is C 10 -C 40 OH, C 10 -C 30 OH, C 12 -C 18 OH, C 14 OH, or a combination thereof, and wherein the primary or secondary fatty amine is C 10 -C 30 fatty amines, C 6 -C 30 aromatic amines, a mixture of C 12 -C 18 amines, or combinations thereof,. In selected embodiments, the alkyl α-olefin and unsaturated anhydride are heated in the presence of an initiator such as, for example, t-butyl peroxybenzoate. In other embodiments, the mixture of alkyl α-olefin and unsaturated anhydride are heated to a temperature of about 135 °C for about 2-3 hours while adding the initiator and maintaining a temperature of less than 150 °C. Similar to the components listed above, the alkyl α-olefin may be a C 10 -C 40 alkyl α-olefin, C 10 -C 30 alkyl α-olefin or a C 20+ alkyl α-olefin, the unsaturated anhydride is maleic anhydride,. In other embodiments, the phenyl alkyl alcohol or the alkyl phenol alkoxylate, a fatty alcohol and a primary or secondary fatty amine is heated at a temperature of about 145-155 °C for about 4 hours. Similar to the components listed above, the phenyl alkyl alcohol may be benzyl alcohol, 3-phenyl-1-propanol, or 2-phenyl alcohol, the fatty alcohol is C 10 -C 40 OH, C 10 -C 30 OH, C 12 -C 18 OH or C 14 OH, and the primary or secondary fatty amine is C 10 -C 30 fatty amines, a mixture of C 12 -C 18 amines, or C 6 -C 30 aromatic amines.

[0014] In still another embodiment, the disclosed process further comprises the steps of cooling the reaction product and adding solvent to the cooled reaction product to form a cold flow additive for middle distillate fuel where the solvent is, for example, heavy aromatic naphtha, refined petroleum solvent, xylene, toluene, kerosene, hydrotreated light distillate hydrocarbon, or middle distillate hydrocarbon.

[0015] Additional advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned through routine experimentation upon practice of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a reaction scheme for the synthesis of a reaction product comprising an alkyl α-olefin, an unsaturated anhydride, a phenyl alkyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol, and a fatty amine that lowers cloud point temperatures. FIG.2 illustrates a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of an intermediate alkyl α-olefin / unsaturated anhydride product described in this disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a FTIR spectrum of a reaction product described in this disclosure. FIGS. 4-7 are graphical illustrations of cloud point depression using a reaction product described in this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Although the present disclosure provides different embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of disclosed embodiments. Various embodiments may be described in detail with reference to related figures. The disclosed embodiments do not limit the scope of the attached claims. Additionally, any disclosed examples are not intended to be limiting and merely provide some of the many possible embodiments for the claims.

[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, controls. Preferred methods and materials are described below, although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described may be used in practice or testing of the disclosed embodiments. The materials, methods, and examples disclosed herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0019] Any recited ranges of values contemplate all values within the range and are to be construed as support for claims reciting any sub-ranges having endpoints which are real number values within the recited range. By way of a hypothetical illustrative example, a disclosure in this specification of a range of from 1-5 shall be considered to support claims to any of the following ranges: 1-5; 1-4; 1-3; 1-2; 2-5; 2-4; 2-3; 3-5; 3-4; and 4-5.DEFINITIONS

[0020] The term "about" modifying, for example, the quantity of an ingredient in a composition, concentration, volume, process temperature, process time, yield, flow rate, pressure, and like values, and ranges thereof, employed in describing the embodiments of the disclosure, means variations in the numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuring and handling procedures used for making compounds, compositions, concentrates or use formulations; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of starting materials or ingredients used to carry out the methods, and like proximate considerations. The term "about" also encompasses amounts that differ due to aging of a formulation with a particular initial concentration or mixture, and amounts that differ due to mixing or processing a formulation with a particular initial concentration or mixture. Where modified by the term "about" the appended include equivalents to these quantities.

[0021] Further, where "about" is used describe a range of values, for example "about 1-5" the recitation means "1-5" and "about 1 to about 5" and "1 to about 5" and "about 1 to 5" unless specifically limited by context.

[0022] The term "cloud point" (CP) means the first appearance of haze in a fuel, such as diesel fuel, due to wax crystal formation under prescribed cooling conditions. CP may be measured, for example, manually according to ASTM Method D2500 ASTM Standard D2500, Standard Test Method for Cloud Point in Petroleum Products, West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International, 1999 (2011), but there are a number of automated methods that correlate to D2500 such as, for example, ASTM Standard D5773, Standard Test Method for Cloud Point of Petroleum Products (Constant Cooling Rate Method), West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International. The presence of wax crystals thickens the fuel and may clog fuel filters and injectors in diesel engines. The wax also accumulates on cold surfaces and forms an emulsion with water. An everyday example of cloud point can be seen in olive oil stored in cold weather. Olive oil begins to solidify at around 4 °C (winter temperatures in temperate countries can often be colder than 0 °C). In these conditions, olive oil begins to develop white, waxy clumps of solidified oil that sink to the bottom of the container.

[0023] The term "cloud point depressant (CPD)" means a reaction product that inhibits wax precipitation, crystallization and / or gelling from fuel, and is generally applicable for diesel fuels that are Grade No. 2; a blend of Grade No. 2 and Grade No. 1; and diesel / biodiesel blends.

[0024] The terms "comprise(s)", "include(s)", "having", "has", "can", "contain(s)", and variants thereof are open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that do not preclude the possibility of additional acts or structures. The singular forms "a", "and", and "the" may include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The present disclosure also contemplates other embodiments "comprising", "consisting of", and "consisting essentially of", the disclosed embodiments or elements, whether explicitly set forth or not. Further, the phrase "consisting essentially of" includes the effect of this transitional phrase to leave the claim open in order to include additional elements, but only if those additional elements do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed features.

[0025] The terms "copolymer", "copolymerize" include not only polymers comprising two monomer residues and polymerization of two different monomers together respectively, but also includes copolymers comprising more than two monomer residues and polymerizing together more than two or more other monomers. Therefore, the term copolymer, for example, includes terpolymer; quadrapolymer; and polymers made from more than four different monomers, and / or polymers comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of more than three different monomer residues.

[0026] The terms "middle distillate fuels" and "middle distillate fuels blended with biodiesel fuel" generally means a material that is liquid at 20 °C and one atmosphere pressure that can be made to react with oxygen so that it releases chemical energy as heat and / or to be used for work. Specifically, middle distillate fuel falls under the Grade No. 2-D for use in diesel engine applications with varying sulfur requirements (l5 ppm sulfur maximum (S15)); 500 ppm sulfur maximum (S500); and 5000 ppm sulfur maximum (S5000). As per ASTM D975 standard, Grade No. 2 diesel fuel oils exhibit 90% distillation recovered temperatures (per ASTM D 86 test) of 282 °C (minimum) to 338 °C (maximum) and kinematic viscosity at 40 of 1.9 to 4.1 cSt. When a cloud point less than -12 °C is specified, as can occur during cold months, it is permitted and normal blending practice to combine Grade No. 2 with Grade No. 1 to meet the low temperature requirements. In that case the minimum viscosity at 40 °C shall be 1.7 10 -6< m 2< / s (1.7 cSt) and the minimum 90% distillation recovered temperature shall be waived.

[0027] The terms "optional" or "optionally" mean subsequently described events or circumstances that may, but need not, occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not.

[0028] The terms "significant" or "significantly" mean at least half, or 50%, by some measure as defined or as determined by context. For example, a solution that contains a "significant amount" of a component contains 50% or more of that component by weight, or by volume, or by some other measure as appropriate and in context. A solution having a component significantly removed has had at least 50% of the original amount of that component removed by weight, or by volume, or by some other measure as appropriate and in context.

[0029] The phrase "subjecting" a material "to a temperature of" means "conveying the material to a location wherein the material loses heat and the temperature of the material drops to a desired or predetermined temperature.REACTION PRODUCT COMPONENTS Alkyl α-Olefins

[0030] One of the reaction product components described in this disclosure are alkyl α-olefins. In some embodiments the alkyl alpha olefin may be a C 10 -C 40 alkyl alpha olefin or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments the alkyl α-olefin may be a C 10 to C 40 alkyl alpha olefin or combination thereof, and may include a linear, branched, cyclic or a combination thereof. The alkyl alpha olefin may be mono-, di, multi-olefin or a combination thereof.

[0031] In other embodiments, the alkyl alpha olefin is a mixture of C 20 -C 24 alkyl alpha olefins. In other embodiments the alkyl alpha olefin may be one or more alkyl alpha olefins selected from the group consisting of an alkyl alpha olefin of formula (I)         R 1 -CH=CH 2      (I), wherein R 1 is C 10 -C 14 alkyl; an alkyl α-olefin of formula (II)         R 2 -CH=CH 2      (II), wherein R 2 is C 14 -C 20 alkyl; or an alkyl α-olefin of the formula (III)         R 3 -CH=CH 2      (III), wherein R 3 is C 20 -C 40 alkyl; and combinations thereof.

[0032] Suitable alkyl α-olefins impart side chains to the resulting polymer and are olefins with one double bond, since when polymerized olefins comprising one double bond per molecule do not usually form crosslinked networks. If the olefin is linear and / or contains linear hydrocarbon chains such as alkyl or alkaryl chains attached to the double bond, then polymers of the olefin including copolymers of the olefin have pendant side chains. For example, polymers of linear alkyl alpha olefins having 14 carbon atoms or more, when polymerized and / or copolymerized, impart linear side chains of 12 carbon atoms or more to the resulting polymer. Long-chain alkenes, wherein the double bond is not in the 1-position, are also suitable because when polymerized the resulting polymer of the alkene monomer has linear side chains of at least 12 carbon atoms. Polymers of long chain alkenes with 12 carbon atoms or more on one side of the double bond and 12 carbon atoms or more on the opposing side of the double bond, when polymerized and / or copolymerized, form brush polymers. Such brush polymers have sets of opposing pendant side chains. Brush and comb polymers are both useful in the disclosed embodiments.Unsaturated Anhydrides

[0033] A second reaction component described in this disclosure is an unsaturated anhydride. In some embodiments the cyclic anhydride may be olefinic, cyclic anhydride, and may include 4-membered to 8-membered ring anhydride or a combination thereof. The olefin group may be on the ring or external to ring.

[0034] According to the invention the unsaturated anhydride is maleic anhydride.Phenyl Alkyl Alcohol or Alkyl Phenol Alkoxylate

[0035] A third reaction component described in this disclosure is an aromatic alcohol including, but not limited to, suitable phenyl alkyl alcohols, alkoxylated phenyl alkyl alcohols and alkoxylated phenoxides. In some embodiments this aromatic alcohol may be benzyl alcohol, 2-phenyl-1-propanol, phenylethanol, 3-phenylpropanol, substituted derivatives, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the aromatic alcohol may be ethoxylated alkyl phenol, propoxylated alkyl phenol, ethoxylated and propoxylated alkyl phenol, ethoxylated nonylphenol, ethoxylated octylphenol, phenolglycol, substituted derivatives, or a combination thereof.

[0036] In other embodiments, this component is an aromatic alcohol having the formula (VI)         (C 6 H 5 )-R 1 OH     (VI) wherein R 1 is C 1 -C 6 linear or branched alkyl.Fatty Alcohols

[0037] A fourth reaction component described in this disclosure is a fatty alcohol. The fatty alcohol is C 10 -C 40 OH, C 10 -C 30 OH, C 12 -C 18 OH, C 14 OH, or a combination thereof

[0038] A fifth reaction component described in this disclosure is a primary or secondary fatty amine. The primary or secondary fatty amine is C 10 -C 30 fatty amines, C 6 -C 30 aromatic amines, a mixture of C 12 -C 18 amines, or combinations thereofReaction Product Component Ratios

[0039] The five components of the described reaction product may be combined in suitable molar ratios to provide a cloud point depressant. For example, the molar ratios of maleic anhydride / alkyl α-olefin / fatty alcohol / aromatic alcohol / amine are 1.00 / 0.81 / 0.40 / 0.25 / 0.51. The ratio of maleic anhydride / alkyl α-olefin is in the range of 0.5 / 2.0 to 2.0 / 0.5 (may be done by a batch or semi-bath process to form a polymer backbone, including alternate, block, random copolymer or a combination thereof), the ratio of maleic anhydride / fatty alcohol is in the range of about 10 / 0.1 to1.0 / 1.9, the ratio of maleic anhydride / aromatic alcohol is in the range of about 10 / 0.1 to 1.0 / 1.9, and the ratio of maleic anhydride / amine is in the range of about 1.0 / 0.1 to 1.0 / 0.9.Making the Reaction Product

[0040] The general reaction scheme to make the reaction product is illustrated in FIG. 1. Those skilled in the art will understand that obvious variants of this general scheme will provide the desired five component reaction product. Briefly, an alkyl α-olefin is added to a reactor and heat to about 150 °C for about one hour with a nitrogen purge to remove any water. The heated alkyl α-olefin is cooled to less than about 135 °C and optionally a heavy aromatic hydrocarbon (solvent) with or without a chain transfer agent is added followed by addition of an unsaturated anhydride. This mixture is then heated to about 135 °C and t-butyl perbenzoate is added portion-wise (2 to 5 portions in 50 wt% solvent) while controlling the reaction temperature at a temperature of less than about 150 °C by cooling, and then finally heated at about 135 °C for about 1-1.5 hours.

[0041] The intermediate product is cooled to about 70 °C and a phenyl alkyl alcohol or an alkyl phenol alkoxide, fatty alcohol and primary or secondary fatty amine are added with gradual heating from 70-210 °C for 2-10 hours until desired reaction product is provided.Alternative Embodiments

[0042] Copolymers of maleic moieties with two or more alkyl alpha olefins are disclosed, where the two or more alkyl alpha olefins each furnishes to the resulting copolymer linear hydrocarbon sidechains of longer than 10 carbon atoms, the copolymers being effective as cloud point depressants when added to fuel, such as distillate fuels including diesel and biodiesel fuels.

[0043] Some embodiments provide a copolymer having at least three n-alkyl pendant chains having at least 10 carbon atoms, the copolymer comprising the residues of at least one maleic moiety having at least one maleic n-alkyl chain of at least 10 carbon atoms and the residue of at least two olefins comprising olefin n-alkyl chains having at least 10 carbon atoms. Each of the residues of the two or more olefins comprises a linear alkyl side-chain of 12 or more carbon atoms. At least two of the residues of the two or more olefins comprising a linear alkyl side-chain of 12 or more carbon atoms two or more olefins comprise linear alkyl side chains having chains each comprising at least 12 carbon atoms. In embodiments, the copolymer comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of the residues of one maleic moiety and two olefins. In embodiments, one or both of the two olefins is an alkyl alpha olefin. In embodiments, the long-chain carboxylic acid is a carboxylic acid having 12 carbon atoms or greater. A aromatic solvent may act as a chain transfer agent and therefore incorporate into the polymer.Solvents

[0044] In embodiments, the cloud point depressant further comprises one or more hydrocarbon-based solvents. In embodiments, the solvent may be selected from alcohols, amides, sulfoxides, aldehydes, ketones, esters, or ethers. In embodiments, the solvent may be alicyclic or cyclic. In embodiments, the solvent may be aromatic. In other embodiments, the solvent may be selected from C 1 -C 12 alkyl ethers, C 1 -C 12 alcohols, C 5 -C 18 linear alkanes, C 5 -C 18 branched alkanes, C 5 -C 8 cycloalkanes, toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, refined petroleum solvent, ethylene glycol methyl butyl ether or any combination thereof. In still other embodiments the solvent may be heavy aromatic naphtha, refined petroleum solvent, xylene, toluene, kerosene, hydrotreated light distillate hydrocarbon, or middle distillate hydrocarbon. In some embodiments, an aromatic solvent may act as a chain transfer agent and would be incorporate in the polymeric reaction product.Demulsifiers

[0045] In embodiments, a suitable demulsifier comprises a hydrophilic or maybe, for example, a water-soluble surfactant with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values ≥ about 8. An exemplary emulsifier is Nalco Champion EC2043A (Nalco Champion an Ecolab Company, St. Paul, MN).Other Embodiments

[0046] The disclosed cloud point depressant provides improved low temperature stability when added to fuel at low temperatures. The disclosed cloud point depressant inhibits wax precipitation, crystallization and / or gelling from the fuel.

[0047] In embodiments, the number average molecular weight of the cloud point depressant of any of the disclosed embodiments is from about 1000-150000, from about 1000-15000, or about from 1000-10000.

[0048] In embodiments, the disclosed cloud point depressant is present in a composition at a concentration in a range of about 10-90, 15-85, 20-80, or 30-75wt%.

[0049] Other embodiments are a method that comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of subjecting a fuel composition comprising a disclosed cloud point depressant to a cold temperature.

[0050] Figure 1 illustrates a reaction scheme that provides the disclosed cloud point depressant. In first step, substantially equimolar amounts of a suitable alkyl alpha olefin and suitable maleic moiety are charged to a reactor under an inert atmosphere and heated to provide a homogeneous mixture. The homogeneous mixture is heated to a desired reaction temperature with mixing and then a suitable initiator is added portion-wise to the mixture to initiate the copolymerization reaction.

[0051] In a second step, the alkyl alpha olefin / maleic moiety copolymer is heated to a desired temperature, and a suitable amount of a phenyl alkyl alcohol, fatty alcohol and primary or secondary fatty amine are added with heated and removal of water to provide the desired reaction product.

[0052] The alkyl alpha olefin / maleic moiety / phenyl alkyl alcohol / fatty alcohol / fatty amine reaction product formed in the second step is then mixed with a suitable solvent, and optionally a demulsifier, to form a cloud point depressant that may be added to a distillate fuel such as diesel, biodiesel, or blends of diesel and biodiesel.EXAMPLES Example 1. Method Making a Reaction Product

[0053] The listed components set out below were added to a reactor as described to provide the disclosed reaction product of an alkyl α-olefin, unsaturated anhydride, phenyl alkyl alcohol, fatty alcohol and fatty amine. Components Wt. % Wt. (Kg) C 20 + alkyl α-olefin20.8910.68Aromatic Naptha20.0010.22Maleic Anhydride8.374.28t-Butyl Perbenzoate0.180.09Aromatic Naptha0.180.09t-Butyl Perbenzoate0.180.09Aromatic Naptha0.180.09t-Butyl Perbenzoate0.180.09Aromatic Naptha0.180.09t-Butyl Perbenzoate0.180.09Aromatic Naptha0.180.09t-Butyl Perbenzoate0.180.09Aromatic Naptha0.180.09BnOH2.281.17C 14 OH7.353.76PHT, C 12 -C 18 Amines11.105.67Aromatic Naptha28.2114.2410051.12

[0054] A heated (not less than 65 °C) nitrogen purged and blanketed reaction vessel is charged with alkyl α-olefin followed by solvent. The mixture is then heated to about 135 °C and mixed for about 30 minutes. A first portion of t-butyl perbenzoate in solvent is added to the mixture maintaining the temperature below about 150 °C and then subsequent portions of perbenzoate in solvent are added stepwise (total 5 portions added). This mixture in the mixed for about 90 minutes at 135 °C.

[0055] The remaining components are added sequentially in order: benzyl alcohol, C 14 fatty alcohol and C 12-18 fatty amine followed by additional solvent. This mixture is heated at about 145-195 °C for about 4 hours and then cooled and filtered to provide the disclosed reaction product.Example 2: Identification of a Reaction Product

[0056] The IR spectrum of an intermediate product of an alkyl α-olefin and an unsaturated anhydride and a reaction product of this intermediate product comprising a phenyl alkyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol and a fatty amine are illustrated in FIGs 2 and 3.

[0057] On the intermediate spectrum FIG. 2, the pair of characteristic asymmetric and symmetric anhydride stretch bands are at 1860 and 1779 cm-1. On the reaction product spectrum FIG. 3, the pair of anhydride stretch bands disappears and the new pair of characteristic asymmetric and symmetric imide stretch bands appears at 1773 and 1705 cm-1 with a new ester characteristic band at 1732 cm-1. On the lower frequency side (below 1300cm-1) of the spectrum, notably the anhydride C-O stretch bands for the OMAC intermediate disappear and C-O ester stretch bands appear on the product spectrum. On the product spectrum, there is a band at 1403 cm-1 is corresponding to a characteristic imide C-N stretch. For both spectra, there is a band at 1461 - 1462 corresponding to CH 2 bending absorption. Please note that no intention was made to remove the solvent, heavy aromatic hydrocarbon, so the solvent absorption bands should be part of both spectra.

[0058] The 13< C NMR spectra and the GPC data for a reaction product of this disclosure are set out in Tables 1 and 2 below. Table 1. 13< C NMRTABLE 1 Cold Flow Additive NMR analysis* ComponentsWt%Mol ratioMol ratio chargedResidual Wt% calculatedC 20 -C 24 alkyl α-olefin20.8911%0.80803.21%Maleic anhydride8.3673%1.00001.000Not detectedt-Butyl perbenzoate1.0709%Heavy aromatic naphtha48.9291%Benzyl alcohol2.2884%0.24800.2970.82%Myristyl alcohol (C 14 alcohol)7.3541%0.40200.4641.65%Mono-hydrogenated tallow alkyl-amine (C 12 -C 18 amine)11.0992%0.5058Not detected* 13< C NMR analysis in deuterated chloroform Table 2. GPC TABLE 2Sample IDDescriptionMw (weight average molecular weight) DaltonsMn (number average molecular weight) DaltonsPolydispersityCold Flow AdditiveFinal product (five reagent product), modified poly(maleic anhydride-C 20 - 24 alkyl α-olefin,) with benzyl alcohol, C 14 alcohol, and C 12 -C 18 amine778444241.76Reaction ProductIntermediate copolymer, poly(maleic anhydride,C 20 - 24 alkyl α-olefin)575533011.74 Conditions: Columns - Styragel Guard+HR4+HR3+ultraStyragel 500A, Mobile Phase - THF / 3% Acetic Acid, and Standards - polystyrene Example 3: Cloud Point Depressant and Comparative Samples

[0059] Reaction products as described in this disclosure were prepared and tested for cloud point depression characteristics and properties using known analytical processes and procedures in Fuels A, B, C, D and E. The reaction product samples listed in Tables 3, 4 and 5 and the resulting cloud point depression values graphically illustrated in FIGSs4, 5, 6 and 7 demonstrated the cold flow properties of the reaction products of this disclosure. TABLE 3* Fuels A, B and CSAMPLEActives at 50 ppmFuel A CP (°F)Fuels B and C CP (°F)ControlNo additive13.2FIGs 4 and 5A1Poly(maleic anhydride-α-olefin, C 20 -C 24 ) modified with C 14 OH / HCOH / C 16 -C 18 NH 2 10.5FIGs 4 and 5*HCOH - hydrocinnamic alcohol TABLE 4* Fuels A, B and C SAMPLEActives at 50 ppmFuel A CP (°F)Fuels B and C CP (°F)ControlNo additive13.2FIGs 4 and 5B1Poly(maleic anhydride-α-olefin, C 20 -C 24 ) modified with C 16 -C 18 NH 2 / PEA9.0FIGs 4 and 5B2Poly(maleic anhydride-α-olefin, C 20 -C 24 ), 0.61% Chain transfer agent, modified with C 14 OH / HCOH with 0.32% H 2 SO 4 9.7FIGs 4 and 5 *Chain transfer agent - dibutyl phosphite; HCOH - hydrocinnamic alcohol; PEA - phenylethylamine Table 5* Fuels D and E SAMPLEActives at 50 ppmCP (°F)ControlUntreatedFIGs 6 and 7C1Poly(maleic anhydride-α-olefin, C 20 -C 24 ) modified with C 14 OH / BnOH / C 16 -C 18 NH 2 FIGs 6 and 7C2Poly(maleic anhydride-α-olefin, C 20 -C 24 ) modified with C 14 OH / NP-EO / C 16 -C 18 NH 2 FIGs 6 and 7C3Poly(maleic anhydride-α-olefin, C 20 -C 24 ) modified with C 14 OH / PhG / C 16 -C 18 NH 2 FIG. 6C4Poly(maleic anhydride-α-olefin, C 20 -C 24 ) modified with C 14 OH / BnOH / hydrogenated tallow alkyl aminesFIG. 7C5Poly(maleic anhydride-α-olefin, C 20 -C 24 ) modified with C 14 OH / NP-EO / hydrogenated tallow alkyl aminesFIG. 7 *BnOH - benzyl alcohol; NP-EO - ethoxylated nonylphenol; PhG - phenylglycol

Claims

1. A cold flow additive comprising the reaction product of a reaction between an maleic anhydride, alkyl α-olefin, a phenyl alkyl alcohol or an alkyl phenol alkoxylate, a fatty alcohol, and a primary or secondary fatty amine having a ratio of maleic anhydride / alkyl α-olefin in the range of 0.5 / 2.0 to 2.0 / 0.5, a ratio of maleic anhydride / fatty alcohol in the range of about 10 / 1 to 1.0 / 1.9, a ratio of maleic anhydride / aromatic alcohol in the range of about 10 / 1 to 1.0 / 1.9, or a ratio of maleic anhydride / amine in the range of about 1.0 / 0.1 to 1.0 / 0.9; wherein the fatty alcohol is C10-C40OH, C10-C30OH, C12-C18OH, C14OH, or combinations thereof; and wherein the primary or secondary fatty amine is C10-C30 fatty amines, C6-C30 aromatic amines, a mixture of C12-C18 amines, or combinations thereof.

2. A cold flow additive of claim 1 further comprising a solvent.

3. The cold flow additive of claim 2 for middle distillate fuel wherein the reaction product lowers cloud point temperatures.

4. The cold flow additive of claim 3, wherein the alkyl α-olefin is a C10-C40 α-olefin, a C10-C30 α-olefin, a C20+ α-olefin, or combinations thereof.

5. The cold flow additive of any one of claims 3-4, wherein the phenyl alkyl alcohol is benzyl alcohol, 2-phenyl-1-propanol, 3-phenyl-1-propanol, 2-phenyl ethanol, or combinations thereof and the alkyl phenol alkoxylate is ethoxylated alkyl phenol, propoxylated alkyl phenol, ethoxylated and propoxylated alkyl phenol, ethoxylated nonylphenol, ethoxylated octylphenol, phenolglycol, or combinations thereof.

6. The cold flow additive of any one of claims 3-5, wherein the solvent is heavy aromatic naphtha, refined petroleum solvent, xylene, toluene, kerosene, hydrotreated light distillate hydrocarbon, middle distillate hydrocarbon, or combinations thereof.

7. A reaction product prepared by a process comprising heating a mixture of an alkyl α-olefin and an unsaturated anhydride in a solvent to form an intermediate polymer, contacting the intermediate polymer with a phenyl alkyl alcohol or an alkyl phenol alkoxylate, a fatty alcohol and a primary or secondary fatty amine to form the reaction product, wherein the reaction product components have a ratio of unsaturated anhydride / alkyl α-olefin in the range of 0.5 / 2.0 to 2.0 / 0.5, a ratio of unsaturated anhydride / fatty alcohol in the range of about 10 / 1 to 1.0 / 1.9, a ratio of unsaturated anhydride / aromatic alcohol in the range of about 10 / 1 to 1.0 / 1.9 or a ratio of unsaturated anhydride / amine in the range of about 1.0 / 0.1 to 1.0 / 0.9, and wherein the unsaturated anhydride is maleic anhydride, wherein the fatty alcohol is C10-C40OH, C10-C30OH, C12-C18OH, C14OH, or combinations thereof; and wherein the primary or secondary fatty amine is C10-C30 fatty amines, C6-C30 aromatic amines, a mixture of C12-C18 amines, or combinations thereof.

8. A process of preparing a cold flow additive reaction product comprising the steps of heating a mixture of an alkyl α-olefin and an unsaturated anhydride in an optional solvent to form an intermediate polymer, contacting the intermediate polymer with a mixture of a phenyl alkyl alcohol or an alkyl phenol alkoxylate, a fatty alcohol, and a primary or secondary fatty amine to form an intermediate mixture, and heating the intermediate mixture to form the reaction product, wherein the reaction product components have a ratio of unsaturated anhydride / alkyl α-olefin in the range of 0.5 / 2.0 to 2.0 / 0.5, a ratio of unsaturated anhydride / fatty alcohol in the range of about 10 / 1 to 1.0 / 1.9, a ratio of unsaturated anhydride / aromatic alcohol in the range of about 10 / 1 to 1.0 / 1.9 or a ratio of unsaturated anhydride / amine in the range of about 1.0 / 0.1 to 1.0 / 0.9 and wherein the unsaturated anhydride is maleic anhydride; wherein the fatty alcohol is C10-C40OH, C10-C30OH, C12-C13OH, C14OH, or a combination thereof, and wherein the primary or secondary fatty amine is C10-C30 fatty amines, C6-C30 aromatic amines, a mixture of C12-C18 amines, or combinations thereof,.

9. The process of claim 8, wherein the mixture of alkyl α-olefin and unsaturated anhydride are heated to a temperature of about 135 °C for about 2-3 hours while adding an initiator and maintaining a temperature of less than 150 °C.

10. The process of any one of claims 8-9, wherein the alkyl α-olefin is a C10-C40 α-olefin, a C10-C30 α-olefin, a C20+ α-olefin, or a combination thereof, wherein the phenyl alkyl alcohol is benzyl alcohol, 2-phenyl-1-proponaol, 3-phenyl-1-propanol, 2-phenyl ethanol, or a combination thereof and the alkyl phenol alkoxylate is ethoxylated alkyl phenol, propoxylated alkyl phenol, ethoxylated and propoxylated alkyl phenol, ethoxylated nonylphenol, ethoxylated octylphenol, phenolglycol, or combinations thereof, wherein the solvent is heavy aromatic naphtha, refined petroleum solvent, xylene, toluene, kerosene, hydrotreated light distillate hydrocarbon, middle distillate hydrocarbon, or a combination thereof.

11. The process of any one of claims 8-10 further comprising the steps of cooling the reaction product and adding solvent to the cooled reaction product to form a cold flow additive for middle distillate fuel.

12. The cold flow additive comprising the reaction product of any one of claims 3-7, wherein the unsaturated anhydride / alkyl α-olefin / fatty alcohol / phenyl alkyl alcohol / fatty amine has a molar ratio of about 1.00 / 0.81 / 0.40 / 0.25 / 0.51.