Refiner antifouling method

Abstract

To improve anti-fouling performance during petroleum refinery operations of a petroleum feedstock which is heated at elevated temperatures during the refinery operation.SOLUTION: Fouling in a refinery vessel, such as heat transfer equipment, used in a petroleum refinery operation and in which a refinable petroleum feedstock is at an elevated temperature and in fluid communication with the refinery vessel during a petroleum refinery operation, is reduced by providing in the refinable petroleum feedstock an additive comprising (i) a poly(butylenyl)benzene sulphonic acid; or, (ii) a poly(propylenyl)benzene sulphonic acid; or, (iii) a combination of a poly(butylenyl)benzene sulphonic acid and a poly(propylenyl)benzene sulphonic acid.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to petroleum refining operations. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to methods for reducing or preventing fouling of refinery vessels, such as heat transfer equipment, used in petroleum refining operations, in which the refineable petroleum feedstock (and particularly crude oil) is at elevated temperatures and which are in fluid communication with the refinery vessel during petroleum refining operations, particularly when the refineable petroleum feedstock contains asphaltenes. The present invention further relates to the use of one or more 4-poly(alkylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid derivatives as additive(s) in a refineable petroleum feedstock, for example crude oil, during a petroleum refining operation to reduce or prevent fouling, particularly asphaltene fouling, of a refinery vessel by the petroleum feedstock during the refining operation when the petroleum feedstock is in fluid communication with the refinery vessel and is at elevated temperatures during the refining operation; and to the use of one or more 4-poly(alkylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid derivatives as additive(s) in a refineable petroleum feedstock containing asphaltenes to reduce or prevent asphaltene aggregation (or flocculation) and / or asphaltene precipitation in and / or from petroleum feedstocks heated at elevated temperatures, particularly during a petroleum refining operation of a refineable petroleum feedstock when the feedstock is heated at elevated temperatures during the refining operation. [Background technology]

[0002] Background of the Invention Petroleum refineries incur significant additional energy costs due to fouling and the resulting inefficiencies caused by fouling. More specifically, the thermal processing of crude oils, crude oil blends, and fractions derived therefrom in refining vessels, e.g., heat transfer devices such as heat exchangers and furnaces, is hindered by the deposition of insoluble asphaltenes and other contaminants (e.g., particulate matter and salts) found in the crude oils, crude oil blends, and fractions derived therefrom, which are further refined in petroleum refineries. Furthermore, asphaltenes and other organics can thermally decompose into coke when exposed to high surface temperatures, e.g., high heater tube surface temperatures, found in petroleum refining operations. Fouling of refinery vessels, such as heat transfer equipment, that receive the petroleum feedstock due to deposits of materials that are made insoluble due to the thermal instability of the petroleum feedstock and the temperature difference (ΔT) between the petroleum feedstock and the walls of the refinery vessel (e.g., heat exchanger walls) is a major problem in petroleum refining operations, especially since petroleum feedstocks are commonly heated to high temperatures, e.g., in some refining operations at temperatures above 300°C.

[0003] Petroleum feedstocks contain asphaltenes. Asphaltenes comprise molecules with many different complex structures. Generally, asphaltenes comprise high molecular weight aromatic molecules, such as unsaturated polymers, composed primarily of carbon and hydrogen but also containing minor components such as sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, and / or various metals, particularly heavy metals. Asphaltenes are characterized by their solubility in aromatic solvents and are more commonly defined as the portion of a refineable petroleum feedstock (e.g., crude oil) that is soluble in xylene and toluene but insoluble in paraffinic solvents such as heptane or pentane. Asphaltenes are generally present in refineable petroleum feedstocks as soluble species and / or in the form of colloidal dispersions through interactions with resins present in the petroleum feedstock. The solubilization and / or dispersion of asphaltenes in refineable petroleum feedstocks is a delicate balance that can be disrupted by heating the petroleum feedstock at high temperatures, particularly the high temperatures used in petroleum refinery operations to refine the petroleum feedstock. Heating refineable petroleum feedstocks at such high temperatures, particularly during petroleum refining operations, generally promotes asphaltene aggregation in the feedstock and asphaltene precipitation in and / or from the feedstock, pyrolysis of asphaltenes to coke, and deposition of asphaltenes and / or coke on high-temperature surfaces in the refinery vessel. Furthermore, the high ΔT experienced in heat transfer refining operations results in high surface or skin temperatures as the feedstock is introduced into the refinery vessel. This high ΔT can further contribute to the precipitation of asphaltenes and other insoluble particulate matter from the feedstock. During refining operations of petroleum feedstocks, asphaltene macromolecules are removed to form molecules with significantly different chemical structures in the finished refined product. These molecules in the finished refined product, also referred to as asphaltenes, have significantly different chemical and physical properties than the precursor asphaltene molecules present in the refineable petroleum feedstock (e.g., as found in crude oil).

[0004] Another common cause of fouling by refineable petroleum feedstocks during petroleum refining operations is the presence of salts, particulate matter, and impurities (e.g., inorganic contaminants) found in the petroleum feedstocks. For example, iron oxide / sulfide, calcium carbonate, silica, sodium chloride, and calcium chloride have all been found to deposit directly on the surface of fouled heater rods and throughout coke deposits. These solids generally promote and / or enable further fouling by the refineable petroleum feedstocks. The accumulation of insoluble deposits in refinery vessels, such as heat transfer equipment, creates an undesirable insulating effect, reducing the heat transfer efficiency of the vessel. Fouling also reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the processing equipment, thereby reducing flow rates and desired pressure differentials, resulting in suboptimal operation. To overcome these drawbacks, refinery vessels are typically taken offline and mechanically or chemically cleaned, resulting in lost production time and, in certain circumstances, a complete shutdown of part or all of the refinery's operations.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need to reduce fouling of refinery vessels used to refine refineable petroleum feedstocks in petroleum refinery operations, where the refineable petroleum feedstocks are at elevated temperatures during the refinery operations. Additionally, there is a need to reduce the precipitation of particulate matter, particularly asphaltenes, in and / or from the refineable petroleum feedstocks, and to reduce the aggregation of asphaltenes in the refineable petroleum feedstocks when the refineable petroleum feedstocks are heated at elevated temperatures during the refinery operations. Additionally, there is a need to reduce the deposition of particulate matter, particularly asphaltenes, on heated refinery vessel surfaces during the refinery operations of the refineable petroleum feedstocks (thereby preventing and / or mitigating fouling of the refinery vessels) and before the asphaltenes are pyrolyzed or coked. This would improve the overall efficiency of the refinery operations, enhance the performance of heat transfer equipment, reduce or eliminate planned shutdowns for fouling mitigation efforts, and reduce energy costs associated with the refinery operations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Summary of the Invention The present invention provides improved antifouling performance during petroleum refining operations for petroleum feedstocks that are heated to high temperatures during refining operations.

[0006] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for reducing or preventing fouling, particularly asphaltene fouling, in a refinery vessel during a petroleum refining operation of a refineable petroleum feedstock, the method comprising providing a refineable petroleum feedstock in fluid communication with a refinery vessel during a petroleum refining operation, the refineable petroleum feedstock being at an elevated temperature during the refining operation and comprising Additive A or Additive B, or a combination of Additive A and Additive B, wherein: (i) Additive A, if present, is present in an effective small amount of from 1 to 1000 ppm by weight, based on the total weight of the refineable petroleum feedstock, and comprises one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, wherein more than 50 wt. % of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, have a total of 32 or more carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC; and (ii) Additive B, if present, is present in an effective small amount of from 1 to 1000 ppm by weight, based on the total weight of the refineable petroleum feedstock, and comprises one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, wherein more than 50 wt.%, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B, have poly(propylenyl) substituents of 21 or more total carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC.

[0007] In a second aspect, the present invention provides the use of an effective small amount of Additive A or Additive B, or an effective small amount of a combination of Additive A and Additive B, as a single additive or a combination of Additive A and Additive B, in a refineable petroleum feedstock, to reduce and / or prevent fouling, particularly asphaltene fouling, of a refinery vessel by the refineable petroleum feedstock during petroleum refining operations, wherein Additive A comprises one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, and the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids are in a proportion of one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids. and wherein more than 50 weight percent of the poly(butylenyl) substituents, based on the total weight of the entire sulfonic acids, have a total of 32 or more carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC; and Additive B comprises one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, wherein more than 50 weight percent of the poly(propylenyl) substituents, based on the total weight of the entire one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, have a total of 21 or more carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC; and the petroleum feedstock is at an elevated temperature and is in fluid communication with the refinery vessel during the petroleum refining operation. Preferably, the method of the first aspect and / or the use of the second aspect reduces and / or prevents asphaltene fouling in an oil refinery vessel.

[0008] In a third aspect, the present invention provides the use of an effective minor amount of Additive A or Additive B, or an effective minor amount of a combination of Additive A and Additive B, either as a single additive or as a combination of Additive A and Additive B, in an asphaltenes-containing refineable petroleum feedstock to reduce or prevent asphaltene aggregation (or flocculation) and / or asphaltene precipitation in and / or from the refineable petroleum feedstock when the feedstock is heated at elevated temperatures, wherein Additive A comprises one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, and the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids are independently selected from the group consisting of 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, and 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids. and Additive B comprises one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, and more than 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, of poly(butylenyl) substituents have a total of 32 or more carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC. Additive B also comprises one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, and more than 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, of poly(propylenyl) substituents have a total of 21 or more carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC. Preferably, the use of the third aspect is in a refinery operation of the refineable petroleum feedstock, wherein the refineable petroleum feedstock is heated at an elevated temperature during the refinery operation. More preferably, the use of the third aspect is in a refinery operation of the refineable petroleum feedstock, wherein the feedstock is heated at an elevated temperature and the feedstock is in fluid communication with a refinery vessel during the refinery operation, thereby mitigating or preventing asphaltene agglomeration and / or asphaltene precipitation and / or coke formation within the refinery vessel during the refinery operation. Suitably, the method of the first aspect and / or the use of the second aspect and / or the use of the third aspect of the present invention may each independently comprise the step of refining the refineable petroleum feedstock.

[0009] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a system for refining a refineable petroleum feedstock, comprising: (a) a refinery vessel for refining a refineable petroleum feedstock at an elevated temperature; and (b) a refineable petroleum feedstock in fluid communication with the refinery vessel, wherein the refineable petroleum feedstock comprises Additive A or Additive B, or a combination of Additive A and Additive B, wherein: (i) Additive A, if present, is present in an effective small amount of 1 to 1000 ppm by weight, based on the total weight of the refineable petroleum feedstock, and comprises one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, wherein more than 50 weight percent of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, have a total of 32 or more carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC; and (ii) Additive B, if present, is present in an effective small amount of from 1 to 1000 ppm by weight, based on the total weight of the refineable petroleum feedstock, and the system comprises one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, wherein more than 50 weight percent of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, have a total of 21 or more carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC. Preferably, the refineable petroleum feedstock of the fourth aspect of the present invention is at an elevated temperature. Suitably, the refineable petroleum feedstocks defined in the first, second and fourth aspects contain asphaltenes.

[0010] It has been unexpectedly found that a significant reduction in fouling, particularly asphaltene fouling, of refinery vessels used to refine refineable petroleum feedstocks during refinery operations can be achieved by using specific 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid(s) (Additive A) or specific 4-poly(propylene)benzenesulfonic acid(s) (Additive B) as additives in the petroleum feedstock, where the majority of poly(butylenyl) substituents in Additive A or the majority of poly(propylene) substituents in Additive B have a defined, narrow total carbon chain length distribution. Furthermore, this technical effect can be achieved by adding a relatively small amount (e.g., 1 to 1000 ppm by weight, preferably less than 1 to 100 ppm by weight) of Additive A or Additive B to the refineable petroleum feedstock. Suitably, the use of relatively small amounts (e.g., 1 to 1000 ppm by weight, preferably less than 1 to 100 ppm by weight) of specific 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid(s) (Additive A) or specific 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid(s) (Additive B) in a refineable petroleum feedstock generally significantly reduces fouling by the petroleum feedstock during refinery operations, and reduces asphaltene aggregation (or flocculation) and / or asphaltene precipitation in and / or from the petroleum feedstock, when the petroleum feedstock is heated at high temperatures, particularly when the petroleum feedstock is heated at high temperatures used in petroleum refining operations, compared to a refineable petroleum feedstock not containing Additive A or Additive B. Furthermore, unexpectedly, the use of Additive A has been found to be more effective than the use of Additive B.

[0011] Thus, in accordance with preferred embodiments of any and all aspects of the present invention, an effective minor amount of Additive A is added to the refineable petroleum feedstock. It has also been unexpectedly found that the use of a combination of Additive A and Additive B in a refineable petroleum feedstock generally provides a further significant reduction in fouling, particularly asphaltene fouling, of refinery vessels used to purify the refineable petroleum feedstock during refinery operations. Furthermore, the use of a combination of Additive A and Additive B generally provides a further reduction in asphaltene aggregation (or flocculation) and / or asphaltene precipitation in and / or from the petroleum feedstock when the petroleum feedstock is heated at high temperatures, particularly at the high temperatures used during petroleum refining operations. Thus, the use of a combination of Additive A and Additive B enables a further reduction in fouling, particularly asphaltene fouling, of refinery vessels used to purify the refineable petroleum feedstock during refinery operations. It has also been unexpectedly found that the use of a combination of Additive A and Additive B can provide a synergistic reduction in fouling by the petroleum feedstock and / or a reduction in asphaltene aggregation (or flocculation) and / or asphaltene precipitation in and / or from the petroleum feedstock when the petroleum feedstock is heated at high temperatures. Thus, in accordance with preferred embodiments of any and all aspects of the present invention, a combination of Additive A and Additive B is added to the refineable petroleum feedstock. Advantageously, the use of Additive A or Additive B, or a combination of Additive A and Additive B, as one additive or a combination of Additive A and Additive B, in a refineable petroleum feedstock during a refining operation of the refineable petroleum feedstock generally improves the overall efficiency of the refining operation, enhances the performance of refinery vessels (e.g., heat transfer equipment) used during the refining operation, reduces or eliminates planned shutdowns for fouling mitigation efforts, and / or reduces energy costs associated with the refining operation.

[0012] Suitably, the refineable oil feedstock is at an elevated temperature during the refinery operation, and preferably is heated to an elevated temperature. The refineable oil feedstock may be heated at several different points during the refinery operation, for example, in a preheater and / or heat exchanger upstream of the desalting unit, in a heater / furnace upstream of the distillation unit, in the distillation unit, in the cracking unit, and in the coking unit. Furthermore, the refineable oil feedstock is typically heated at different temperatures in such units. Suitably, the temperature of the refineable oil feedstock is typically increased in stages from the beginning to the end of the refinery operation. Suitably, the refineable oil feedstock is heated to an elevated temperature during the refinery operation, for example, in a preheater and / or heat exchanger upstream of the desalting unit, to greater than 40°C, preferably greater than 60°C, more preferably greater than 80°C, and even more preferably greater than 100°C. Suitably, the refineable petroleum feedstock is heated during the refining operation to an elevated temperature of above 200°C, preferably above 300°C, more preferably above 325°C, for example in a heater / furnace upstream of a distillation unit, in particular such a furnace / heater downstream of a desalting unit and upstream of a distillation unit, in particular an atmospheric distillation unit.

[0013] Suitably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the refineable petroleum feedstock may be at an elevated temperature of greater than 40° C., preferably greater than 60° C., more preferably greater than 80° C., even more preferably greater than 100° C., and even more preferably greater than 120° C. Suitably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the refineable petroleum feedstock may be at an elevated temperature of greater than 200° C., preferably greater than or equal to 300° C., and more preferably greater than or equal to 325° C. Preferably, the refineable petroleum feedstocks defined in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention include crude oils, crude oil blends comprising two or more different types of crude oils, and fractions obtained from the refining of crude oils and crude oil blends, which fractions are further refined in petroleum refining operations. Suitably, the crude oils, crude oil blends, and fractions obtained therefrom contain asphaltenes.

[0014] Suitably, the refinery vessel defined in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention is selected from one or more of the following: a heat transfer component (e.g., a heat exchanger, a furnace / heater, and / or a preheater), a distillation unit, a catalytic cracking unit, a hydrocracker, a visbreaker, a coker unit, a hydrotreater, a catalytic reformer, an alkylation unit, and the associated processing and transport mechanisms within, at least partially comprising, and / or in direct fluid communication with such components. Preferably, the refinery vessel is selected from one or more of the following: a heat exchanger, a furnace / heater, and / or a preheater, and the associated processing and transport mechanisms within, at least partially comprising, and / or in direct fluid communication with such components. Suitably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, Additive A may be added to the refineable petroleum feedstock before it reaches the refinery (e.g., during transport of the petroleum feedstock to the refinery and / or during storage of the petroleum feedstock to the refinery) and / or while the petroleum feedstock is at the refinery.

[0015] Preferably, Additive A is added to the oil feedstock at the refinery. Additive A can be added to the oil feedstock at the refinery at any stage before the oil feedstock is refined (e.g., added to the oil feedstock stored in the refinery) and / or during the oil feedstock is refined (e.g., added to the oil feedstock being transported in a flow line feeding the refinery). Preferably, Additive A is added to the oil feedstock during the oil refining operation. Preferably, Additive A is added to the petroleum feedstock in the petroleum refinery, particularly during the petroleum refining operation, and at a stage before the petroleum feedstock enters heat transfer components (e.g., heat exchangers, furnaces / heaters, and / or preheaters) for heating the petroleum feedstock during the petroleum refining operation. More preferably, Additive A is added to the petroleum feedstock capable of being refined (e.g., crude oil or a blend of crude oils) in the petroleum refinery, particularly during the petroleum refining operation, and at one or more stages including: (i) before the petroleum feedstock enters a preheater upstream of a desalting unit; (ii) before the petroleum feedstock (e.g., crude oil or a blend of crude oils) enters a heat exchanger upstream of a desalting unit; or (iii) before the petroleum feedstock (e.g., crude oil or a blend of crude oils) enters a heater / furnace downstream of a desalting unit and upstream of a distillation unit, such as an atmospheric distillation unit.

[0016] Suitably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, Additive B may be added to the refineable petroleum feedstock before it reaches the refinery (e.g., during transport of the petroleum feedstock to the refinery and / or during storage of the petroleum feedstock to the refinery) and / or while the petroleum feedstock is at the refinery. Preferably, Additive B is added to the oil feedstock at the refinery. Additive B can be added to the oil feedstock at the refinery at any stage before the oil feedstock is refined (e.g., added to the oil feedstock stored in the refinery) and / or during the oil feedstock is refined (e.g., added to the oil feedstock being transported in a flow line feeding the refinery). Preferably, Additive B is added to the oil feedstock during the oil refining operation. Preferably, additive B is added to the petroleum feedstock in the petroleum refinery, particularly during the petroleum refining operation, and at a stage before the petroleum feedstock enters heat transfer components (e.g., heat exchangers, furnaces / heaters, and / or preheaters) for heating the petroleum feedstock during the petroleum refining operation. More preferably, additive B is added to the petroleum feedstock capable of being refined (e.g., crude oil or a blend of crude oils) in the petroleum refinery, particularly during the petroleum refining operation, and at one or more stages including: (i) before the petroleum feedstock enters a preheater upstream of a desalting unit; (ii) before the petroleum feedstock (e.g., crude oil or a blend of crude oils) enters a heat exchanger upstream of a desalting unit; or (iii) before the petroleum feedstock (e.g., crude oil or a blend of crude oils) enters a heater / furnace downstream of a desalting unit and upstream of a distillation unit, such as an atmospheric distillation unit.

[0017] Suitably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, when Additive B is used in combination with Additive A, it may be added to the refineable petroleum feedstock simultaneously with Additive A or sequentially to Additive A. Preferably, Additive B is added to the refineable petroleum feedstock essentially simultaneously with Additive A. Additive A and Additive B may be in the form of a single additive package. Suitably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, Additive B, when used in combination with Additive A, may be added to the refineable petroleum feedstock at the same stage of a refinery operation as Additive A or at a different stage of a refinery operation. Preferably, Additive B is added to the petroleum feedstock at the same stage of a refinery operation as Additive A, and more preferably, Additive A and Additive B are added to the petroleum feedstock essentially simultaneously at the same stage of a refinery operation.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment when a combination of Additive A and Additive B is used, Additive A and Additive B are added to a refineable petroleum feedstock (e.g., a crude oil or a crude oil blend comprising two or more different crude oils) while the petroleum feedstock is in the refinery, particularly during petroleum refining operations, and essentially simultaneously at one or more of the following stages: (i) before the petroleum feedstock enters a preheater upstream of a desalting unit; (ii) before the petroleum feedstock enters a heat exchanger upstream of a desalting unit; (iii) before the petroleum feedstock enters a heater / furnace downstream of a desalting unit and upstream of a distillation unit, such as an atmospheric distillation unit; or combinations thereof.

[0019] Preferably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, 55% by weight or more, preferably 60% by weight or more, more preferably 65% ​​by weight or more of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids as a whole, have a total of 32 or more carbon atoms in the substituents as determined by GC. Preferably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, not more than 35% by weight, preferably not more than 30% by weight, more preferably not more than 25% by weight, more preferably not more than 20% by weight of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids as a whole, have a total of 60 or more carbon atoms in the substituents as determined by GC. Preferably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, 40 to 70 mass %, preferably 40 to 65 mass %, of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A, based on the total mass of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, have a total of 32 to 56 carbon atoms in the substituents as determined by GC. Suitably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A comprise poly(butylenyl) substituents having a total of 32, 36, 40, 44 and / or 48 carbon atoms as determined by GC, preferably 32, 36 and / or 40. Suitably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, Additive A has a number average molecular weight (M) of 550 to 800 Daltons as determined by liquid-liquid extraction and potentiometric titration methods described herein. n ), preferably 550 to 800 daltons number average molecular weight (M n ) and a polydispersity index of 1.1 to 1.5. Preferably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A are derived from the polymerization of but-1-ene.

[0020] Preferably, the poly(butylenyl) substituent of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid additive A has a branched structure. By "branched structure" is meant that the polybutylenyl substituent consists of branched butanediyl repeating groups. The poly(butylenyl) substituent can be considered to consist essentially of a relatively long, linear, acyclic alkyl chain attached to a benzene ring, the alkyl chain being further substituted with two or more methyl and / or ethyl groups along its length (i.e., branching occurs along the relatively long alkyl chain with pendant methyl and / or ethyl substituents). When additive A contains such branched poly(butylenyl) substituents, this has been found to generally further reduce fouling by the feedstock, asphaltene aggregation (or flocculation) and / or asphaltene precipitation in and / or from the feedstock when the feedstock is heated at high temperatures, compared to the use of poly(alkylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid additives in which the poly(alkylenyl) substituent is essentially a linear carbon chain.

[0021] Suitably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, highly preferred additive A comprises one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, wherein the poly(butylenyl) substituents are derived from the polymerization of but-1-ene and have a branched chain structure, and 55% by weight or more of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids have 32 or more total carbon atoms in the substituent, and 40 to 65% by weight of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids have 32 to 56 total carbon atoms in the substituent, with the poly(butylenyl) substituents including poly(butylenyl) substituents having 32, 36, and / or 40 total carbon atoms. Preferably, in such highly preferred additive A, additive A has a number average molecular weight (M) of 550 to 800 Daltons. n ) and a polydispersity index of 1.1 to 1.5. Suitably, Additive A may be present in the refineable petroleum feedstock in an amount of from 1 to 1000 ppm by mass, preferably from 1 to 500 ppm by mass, more preferably from 1 to 100 ppm by mass, and most preferably from 1 to less than 100 ppm by mass, based on the total mass of the petroleum feedstock. Preferably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, 55% by mass or more, preferably 60% by mass or more, more preferably 65% ​​by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, and even more preferably 75% by mass or more of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B, based on the total mass of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, have a total of 21 or more carbon atoms in the substituents as determined by GC.

[0022] Preferably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, not more than 30% by weight, preferably not more than 25% by weight, more preferably not more than 20% by weight, of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids as a whole, have a total of 30 or more carbon atoms in the substituents as determined by GC. Preferably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, 60 to 95 mass %, preferably 65 to 95 mass %, more preferably 67 to 90 mass % of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B, based on the total mass of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, have a total of 21 to 27 carbon atoms in the substituents as determined by GC. Preferably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B include poly(propylenyl) substituents having 21, 24 and / or 27 total carbon atoms as determined by GC. Suitably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, Additive B has a number average molecular weight (M) of 400 to 600 Daltons as determined by liquid-liquid extraction and potentiometric titration methods as described herein. n )

[0023] Preferably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B are derived from the polymerization of prop-1-ene. Preferably, the poly(propylenyl) substituent of the one or more poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, Additive B, has a branched structure, i.e., the poly(propylenyl) substituent consists of branched propanediyl repeat groups. The poly(propylenyl) substituent can be considered to consist essentially of a relatively long, linear, acyclic alkyl chain attached to a benzene ring, the alkyl chain being further substituted with two or more methyl groups along the length of the chain (i.e., branching along the relatively long alkyl chain by pendant methyl substituents). Suitably, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, highly preferred additive B comprises one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, wherein the poly(propylenyl) substituents are derived from the polymerization of prop-1-ene and have a branched chain structure, and 60% by weight or more of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids have a total of 21 or more carbon atoms in the substituent, and 65 to 95% by weight of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids have a total of 21 to 27 carbon atoms in the substituent, with the poly(propylenyl) substituents including poly(propylenyl) substituents having 21, 24, and / or 27 total carbon atoms. Preferably, in such highly preferred additive B, additive B has a number average molecular weight (M) of 400 to 600 daltons. n )

[0024] Suitably, additive B may be present in the refineable petroleum feedstock in an amount of from 1 to 1000 ppm by mass, preferably from 1 to 500 ppm by mass, more preferably from 1 to 100 ppm by mass, and most preferably from 1 to less than 100 ppm by mass, based on the total mass of the petroleum feedstock. Suitably, when a combination of Additive A and Additive B is used in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the combined treat rate of Additive A and Additive B is 2 to 2000 mass ppm, preferably 2 to 1000 mass ppm, more preferably 2 to 200 mass ppm, and even more preferably 2 to less than 100 mass ppm, based on the total mass of the petroleum feedstock. Suitably, when a combination of Additive A and Additive B is used in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the mass:mass ratio of Additive A to Additive B is in the range of 20:1 to 1:20, for example 10:1 to 1:10, preferably 3:1 to 1:3. Most preferably, Additive A is used in excess of Additive B, and the mass:mass ratio of Additive A to Additive B is in the range of 20:1 to 1:1, for example 10:1 to 1:1, preferably 3:1 to 1:1. Unexpectedly, strong synergistic effects are generally observed when Additive A is used in excess of Additive B. Preferably, Additive A, Additive B, and the combination of Additive A and Additive B are each independently soluble or dispersible in the refineable petroleum feedstock.

[0025] definition As used herein, the following words and expressions, if and when used, shall have the following meanings: "active ingredient" or "(ai)" refers to an additive material that is not a diluent or solvent; "Comprising" or any cognate term specifies the presence of a stated feature, step, or integer or ingredient, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, integers, ingredients, or groups thereof. "Consists of" or "consists essentially of" or cognate expressions can be included in "comprises" or any cognate term. The expression "consists essentially of" allows for the inclusion of substances that do not materially affect the characteristics of the composition to which it is applied. "Consists of" or any cognate expression means that only the stated feature, step, integer, ingredient, or group thereof to which this expression refers is present;

[0026] "Ashless" in reference to an additive means that the additive is metal-free; "Ash-containing" with respect to an additive means that the additive contains metal; "Fouling" generally refers to the accumulation of undesirable materials in refinery vessels, particularly on the surfaces of refinery vessels. "Fouling" primarily includes fouling caused by the presence of variable amounts of organic particulate matter (particularly "asphaltene fouling") or inorganic particulate matter. Organic particulate matter includes, but is not limited to, insoluble materials (e.g., asphaltenes) precipitated from petroleum feedstocks when the feedstocks are at or preferably heated to high temperatures during refining operations. Inorganic particulate matter includes, but is not limited to, silica, iron oxide, iron sulfide, alkaline earth metal oxides, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and other inorganic salts. One of the primary sources of these particulate matter results from incomplete solids removal during desalting and / or other particulate matter removal processes. Solids promote fouling of crude oils, blends, and fractions derived therefrom through physical effects by modifying the surface area of ​​heat transfer equipment, increasing hold-up time at wall temperatures, and promoting coke formation from asphaltenes and / or crude oils;

[0027] "Asphaltene fouling" refers to the accumulation of asphaltenes and / or the formation of coke particles therefrom in refinery vessels, particularly on the surfaces of refinery vessels, particularly asphaltene accumulation. Asphaltene fouling generally occurs as a result of asphaltene aggregation in refineable petroleum feedstocks and / or asphaltene precipitation in and / or from the petroleum feedstock when the petroleum feedstock is at elevated temperatures, particularly those used during petroleum refining operations. The thermal decomposition of asphaltenes to coke generally occurs due to the relatively high operating temperatures of refineries. Asphaltene fouling can also be promoted by incomplete removal of inorganic particulate matter from crude oils, blends, and fractions derived therefrom;

[0028] "Petroleum refinery operation" means any process that is used or can be used in the refining of a petroleum feedstock, such as any process used in an oil refinery operation. Petroleum refinery operations include any process that is used or can be used in the refining of crude oil, crude oil blends containing two or more different crude oils, and further refining of fractions resulting from the refining of crude oil and crude oil blends. Petroleum refinery operations generally include, but are not limited to, the following processing units, components, and / or equipment: desalting units for removing inorganic salts from the petroleum feedstock (i.e., crude oil); heat transfer components, such as heat exchangers, furnaces, crude oil preheaters, coker preheaters, etc., for heating the petroleum feedstock; atmospheric distillation units for distilling the petroleum feedstock (i.e., crude oil) into various fractions; vacuum distillation units for further distilling the bottom heavy fraction from the atmospheric distillation unit; catalytic cracking units (e.g., fluidized beds) for cracking larger molecules into smaller, lighter hydrocarbon fractions; and catalytic cracking units (e.g., catalytic cracking units) for cracking larger molecules into smaller, lighter hydrocarbon fractions. catalytic cracking units; catalytic hydrocracking units for upgrading heavier aromatic and unsaturated fractions from distillation units to gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel; visbreaker units for upgrading heavy bottom fractions from vacuum distillation units to lighter hydrocarbon fractions by their thermal cracking; coking units (e.g., delayed coking, fluid coking, flexi-coking units) for thermally cracking very heavy residual fractions from distillation units, especially vacuum distillation units, into end products such as petroleum coke, naphtha, and diesel by-products; hydrotreaters for desulfurizing fractions from distillation units; catalytic reforming units for converting desulfurized fractions into higher octane molecules; and isomerization units for converting linear fractions into branched fractions with higher octane numbers.

[0029] "Refinery vessel" means any component and / or equipment of a petroleum refinery operation, such as an oil refining step, that is in fluid communication with a refineable petroleum feedstock and that is or may be susceptible to fouling. Refinery vessels include, but are not limited to, the aforementioned processing units, components, and / or equipment of a "petroleum refinery operation," particularly heat transfer components (e.g., heat exchangers, furnaces, crude preheaters, coker preheaters, or any other heaters), FCC slurry bottoms, development exchangers / towers, other feed / effluent exchangers, furnace air preheaters in refinery facilities, flare compressor components, steam cracker / reformer tubes, fractionation or distillation columns, scrubbers, reactors, liquid-jacketed tanks, pipestills, cokers, hydrocrackers, hydrotreaters, catalytic reformers, isomerization plants, and visbreakers in petrochemical facilities. "Refining vessel," as used herein, is understood to encompass tubing, piping, baffles, and other processing transport features that are within, at least partially comprise, and / or are in direct fluid communication with any one of the aforementioned refiner components.

[0030] "Refinable petroleum feedstocks" include crude oils, crude oil blends containing two or more different crude oils, and fractions resulting from the refining of crude oils and blends thereof, which fractions are further refined in petroleum refining operations to form commercially available end products. For example, fractions resulting from the refining of crude oil that are further refined include, but are not limited to, distillate fractions resulting from atmospheric crude distillation units (which may be further processed, for example, in hydrotreaters, catalytic reformers, and / or isomerization units); atmospheric gas oils resulting from atmospheric crude distillation units (which may be further processed, for example, in hydrotreaters and catalytic converters); atmospheric bottoms (heavy resids) from atmospheric crude distillation units (which may be used as a feed to vacuum distillation units); vacuum gas oils resulting from vacuum distillation units (which may undergo catalytic cracking and / or hydrocracking); and bottoms from vacuum distillation units (which may be used as a feed to visbreakers and coking units). The term "refinable petroleum feedstock" does not include the final refined commercial end products of petroleum refining operations that are not subjected to further refining operations, such as gasoline and diesel fuels, light and heavy naphthas, kerosene, fuel oils, and lubricating oils.

[0031] "Asphaltene-containing refineable petroleum feedstock" means a refineable petroleum feedstock, as defined herein, that contains asphaltenes; "Crude oil" refers to underground hydrocarbon fossil fuel oil that is extracted and refined in petroleum refining operations. Crude oil includes intermediate (light) crude oil, medium crude oil, heavy crude oil, and shale oil; "Hydrocarbyl group" means a monovalent radical containing only hydrogen and carbon atoms, the group being directly attached to the remainder of the compound through a single carbon atom. The term "hydrocarbyl group" includes "alkyl," "alkylenyl," "alkenyl," "aryl," and "aryl" groups. Preferably, the hydrocarbyl group is an aliphatic hydrocarbyl group, more preferably, the hydrocarbyl group is a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl group, even more preferably, a branched saturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl group, even more preferably, a branched alkyl group, even more preferably, a branched acyclic alkyl group;

[0032] "Alkyl group" means a monovalent alkyl radical (i.e., a monovalent hydrocarbon group that contains no double or triple bonds) that is directly attached to the remainder of the compound through a single carbon atom. Preferably, the alkyl group is a branched-chain acyclic alkyl group. "Alkylene" is synonymous with "alkanediyl" and means a divalent saturated hydrocarbon group (i.e., a divalent hydrocarbon group that contains no double or triple bonds) derived from an alkane by the removal of hydrogen atoms from two different carbon atoms; this group can be linear or branched. "Poly(alkylene)" is synonymous with "poly(alkene)" and refers to a polymer containing suitable alkanediyl repeating groups. Such polymers can be formed by polymerizing the appropriate alkenes (e.g., poly(butylene) can be formed by polymerizing but-1-ene, but-2-ene, and / or 2-methylpropene; poly(propylene) can be formed by polymerizing propene).

[0033] A "poly(alkylenyl)" substituent refers to a monovalent polymeric substituent containing appropriate alkanediyl repeating groups, attached to the remainder of the compound through a single carbon atom. Suitably, the poly(alkylenyl) group can be formed from the corresponding poly(alkylene) (e.g., a poly(butylenyl) group can be formed from poly(butylene), a poly(propylene) group can be formed from poly(propylene); Reference to a particular polymeric group or compound (e.g., poly(propyleneyl), poly(butylenyl), poly(butylene), poly(propylene)) preferably encompasses polymers consisting of the respective alkanediyl repeat groups, but also extends to those containing predominantly the respective alkanediyl repeat groups, with negligible amounts of other substitutions and / or interruptions along the polymer chain. In other words, reference to a group that is poly(butylenyl) or poly(propylene) does not require that the group, in its broadest aspect, consist of, for example, 100% butanediyl or 100% propanediyl repeat groups, respectively, without linking groups, substitutions, or impurities. Such impurities or other substituents may be present in relatively small amounts, so long as they do not substantially affect the performance of the additive compared to the same additive containing 100% pure of the respective alkanediyl repeat groups;

[0034] "Alkene" is synonymous with "alkylene" and means a hydrocarbon compound containing one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, such as propylene or propene, prop-1-ene, butylene or butene, and but-1-ene; "Alkenyl group" means a monovalent hydrocarbon radical containing one or more carbon-carbon double bonds and attached directly to the remainder of the compound through a single carbon atom; "Halo" or "halogen" includes fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo;

[0035] As used herein, "oil-soluble" or "oil-dispersible," or terms of cognate origin, do not necessarily indicate that a compound or additive is solubilizable, dissolvable, miscible, or suspendable in the petroleum feedstock in all proportions. However, they do mean that Additive A, Additive B, and combinations of Additive A and Additive B, for example, are soluble or stably dispersible in the petroleum feedstock to a degree sufficient to exert their intended effect. Furthermore, the additional incorporation of other additives may allow for higher incorporation levels of a particular additive, if desired; "Major amount" means more than 50% by weight of the composition, preferably 60% by weight or more, more preferably 70% by weight or more, and even more preferably 80% by weight or more; By "minor amount" is meant less than 50% by weight of the composition, preferably 40% by weight or less, more preferably 30% by weight or less, and even more preferably 20% by weight or less; "Effective amount" with respect to an additive or combination of additives means the amount of such additive in the composition that is effective to provide the desired technical effect and provides that effect; "ppm" means parts per million by mass relative to the total mass of the composition; "TBN" of an additive ingredient or composition means Total Base Number (mg KOH / g) as measured by ASTM D2896; "K.V. 100 " means kinematic viscosity at 100°C as measured by ASTM D445;

[0036] M n means the number average molecular weight. M of Additive A and Additive B n can be determined by liquid-liquid extraction and two-phase potentiometric titration methods described herein. The M of poly(butylene) used in the synthesis of additive A n can be determined by gel permeation chromatography; the M of the poly(propylene) used in the synthesis of additive B n may be determined by gas chromatography (GC) using a flame ionization detector (FID) and simulated distillation according to ASTM D2887, as described herein; M w means the weight average molecular weight. M of Additive A and Additive B w The M of the poly(butylene) and poly(propylene) used in the synthesis of Additive A and Additive B, respectively, can be determined by gas chromatography (GC) and simulated distillation using a flame ionization detector (FID) according to ASTM D2887, as described herein. w can be determined by GC using the same method;

[0037] The "polydispersity index" of a polymer entity is the M w / M n and represents an index of the width of the molecular weight distribution. The weight percent of poly(butylenyl) substituents in Additive A having a specified total number of carbon atoms, relative to the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A, is determined by measuring the mass distribution of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A by gas chromatography (GC) and simulated distillation according to ASTM D2887 using a flame ionization detector (FID), as described herein; The weight percent of poly(propylenyl) substituents in Additive B having a specified total number of carbon atoms, relative to the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B, is determined by measuring the mass distribution of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A by gas chromatography (GC) and simulated distillation according to ASTM D2887 using a flame ionization detector (FID), as described herein; Fouling reduction is generally achieved when the ability of particulate matter to adhere to heated equipment surfaces in the refining vessel is reduced, thereby reducing the fouling-promoting impact of the refineable petroleum feedstock at elevated temperatures;

[0038] All reported percentages are weight percent on an active ingredient basis, ie, without regard to carrier or diluent oil, unless otherwise specified. It is also understood that the various ingredients used, which are not only essential but also optimal and customary, may react under conditions of formulation, storage or use, and the present invention also provides products obtainable or obtainable as a result of such reactions. Furthermore, it is understood that the upper and lower limits of the amounts, ranges, and ratios described herein can be independently combined. Thus, the upper and lower limits of the amounts, ranges, and ratios described herein in connection with a particular technical feature of the present invention can be independently combined with the upper and lower limits of the amounts, ranges, and ratios described herein in connection with one or more other particular technical features of the present invention. Furthermore, a particular technical feature of the present invention, and all preferred variations thereof, can be independently combined with other particular technical features, and all preferred variations thereof, regardless of whether such features are indicated as preferred. It will also be understood that preferred features of each aspect of the invention are considered to be preferred features of each and every other aspect of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Detailed Description of the Invention Petroleum refining operations separate (i.e., refine) crude oil, blends of different crude oils, and fractions resulting from the refining of these crude oils and blends, and further refine these fractions (referred to herein as refineable petroleum feedstocks) into useful commercial end products such as gasoline fuel, diesel fuel, jet fuel, heavy oil, coke, fuel gas, and lubricating oil. Petroleum refining operations include many different refinery processing units and support facilities. Distillation is generally the primary means of separating the components of refineable petroleum feedstocks, such as crude oil. Fractions resulting from the refining of crude oil and its blends can be sold directly as commercial end products or used as feedstocks for further refinement in petroleum refining processes. Further petroleum refining processes may involve extractive separation or may use catalysts to alter chemical species to produce an additional range of commercial end products. Generally, a petroleum refinery operation may include the following components and / or equipment: a desalting unit; heat transfer components such as heat exchangers, furnaces, and preheaters (e.g., crude oil preheaters, coker preheaters) for heating the refineable petroleum feedstock; an atmospheric distillation unit; a vacuum distillation unit; a catalytic cracking unit; a catalytic hydrocracking unit; a visbreaker unit; a coking unit; a hydrotreater; a catalytic reforming unit; and an isomerization unit. Accordingly, refineable petroleum feedstocks are typically heated to high temperatures during petroleum refining operations, and such high temperatures typically promote fouling of petroleum refinery components and associated processing and transport mechanisms by the petroleum feedstock. Preferably, during petroleum refining operations, the refineable petroleum feedstock is at and / or heated to high temperatures in one or more of the aforementioned components and / or equipment of the refinery operation and associated processing and transport mechanisms (e.g., tubing, piping, baffles) within, at least partially comprising, and / or in direct fluid communication with such components and / or equipment.

[0040] Preferably, the refinery vessel includes one or more of the following: a heat transfer component, a distillation unit, a catalytic cracking unit, a catalytic hydrocracking unit, a visbreaker unit, a coking unit, a hydrotreater, a catalytic reforming unit, an isomerization unit, and associated process transport mechanisms (e.g., tubing, piping, baffles) that are within, at least partially comprise, and / or are in direct fluid communication with such components and / or equipment. Preferably, the refinery vessel includes one or more of the following: a heat transfer component, particularly a heat exchanger, a furnace / heater, a preheater (e.g., a crude oil preheater, a coker preheater), a distillation unit, a catalytic cracking unit, a catalytic hydrocracking unit, a visbreaker unit, a coking unit, and associated process transport mechanisms. More preferably, the refinery vessel includes one or more of the following: a heat exchanger, a furnace / heater, a preheater (e.g., a crude preheater, a coker preheater), a distillation unit such as an atmospheric distillation unit or a vacuum distillation unit, a coking unit, and related processing and transport mechanisms. More preferably, the refinery vessel includes one or more of the following: a heat exchanger, a furnace / heater, a crude preheater, a coker preheater, particularly a crude preheater and a furnace / heater, used to heat the refineable petroleum feedstock, and related processing and transport mechanisms.

[0041] In accordance with highly preferred aspects of the present invention, the refining vessel includes one or more of a crude oil preheater upstream of the desalting unit (i.e., a preheater before the desalting unit), a crude oil heat exchanger upstream of the desalting unit, a furnace downstream of the desalting unit and upstream of the distillation unit (i.e., a furnace after the desalting unit and before the distillation unit), and / or an atmospheric distillation unit and its associated processing and transport mechanisms. Suitably, the refineable petroleum feedstock is at, and preferably is heated to, various elevated temperatures during the refining operation in the different refining vessels mentioned above. Typically, the refineable petroleum feedstock (e.g., crude oil or a blend of crude oils) is preheated to a temperature above 40°C, preferably above 60°C, more preferably above 80°C in a preheater upstream of the desalting unit. Typically, the refineable petroleum feedstock (e.g., crude oil or a blend of crude oils) is heated to a temperature above 80°C, preferably above 100°C, more preferably above 120°C in a heat exchanger upstream of the desalting unit. Typically, the refineable petroleum feedstock (e.g., crude oil or a blend of crude oils) is heated to a temperature above 200°C, preferably above 300°C, more preferably above 325°C in heaters / furnaces upstream of the distillation unit, particularly downstream of the desalting unit and upstream of the distillation unit, especially the atmospheric distillation unit. Refinable petroleum feedstocks (e.g., further refineable fractions obtained from the refining of crude oil or blends of crude oils) may be heated to temperatures greater than 400°C, preferably greater than 500°C, and more preferably greater than 600°C in refining vessels such as catalytic crackers, coking units, and thermal crackers.

[0042] Suitably, the refineable petroleum feedstock is at and / or is heated to an elevated temperature of above 40°C, preferably above 60°C, preferably above 80°C, preferably above 100°C, preferably above 120°C, preferably above 200, preferably above 300°C, more preferably above 325°C during the refining operation. Although the feed may be at and / or be heated to temperatures greater than 500°C during some refining operations, preferably the feed is at and / or is heated to temperatures of 475°C or less during refining operations, more preferably 450°C or less, more preferably 425°C or less. Suitably, the refineable petroleum feedstock comprises a crude oil or a crude oil blend comprising two or more different crude oils. Preferably, the refineable petroleum feedstock contains asphaltenes.

[0043] Additive A Additive A is one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids having a single sulfonic acid group and a single substituent that is a poly(butyleneyl) substituent attached to the benzene ring para to the sulfonic acid group (i.e., the remainder of the benzene ring is unsubstituted and contains hydrogen atoms). The use of such mono-substituted one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids has generally been found to provide improved reduction in refinery vessel fouling when the feedstock is heated at high temperatures and / or further reduction in asphaltene aggregation (or flocculation) and / or asphaltene precipitation in and / or from the feedstock compared to the use of one or more 4-poly(alkylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid additives that also include one or more additional alkyl substituents ortho and / or meta to the poly(alkylenyl) substituent (i.e., the mono-substituted 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid(s) are generally more effective). One or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids (Additive A) contain sulfonic acid groups as free acids. Additive A is ashless and does not contain salts (e.g., metal salts) of the sulfonic acid. Suitably, Additive A is derived from the polymerization of butene, preferably but-1-ene.

[0044] In general, Additive A can be synthesized by standard laboratory techniques well known to those skilled in the art. For example, intermediate one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenes having a desired weight percent of poly(butylenyl) substituents having a specific total number of carbon atoms can be synthesized by reacting butene, particularly but-1-ene, with benzene using a Friedel-Crafts reaction (e.g., using a Friedel-Crafts catalyst such as an AlCl3 / HCl slurry at low temperatures, such as 3-10°C). The intermediate one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenes can then be sulfonated using standard techniques with a sulfonating agent (e.g., oleum, SO2, SO3) to form one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A having the desired characteristics, particularly the desired weight percent of poly(butylenyl) substituents having a specific total number of carbon atoms. Preferably, the integrity of the poly(butylenyl) substituents (e.g., the weight percent of poly(butylenyl) substituents having a specified total number of carbon atoms) of the intermediate one or more poly(butylenyl)benzenes is essentially maintained during the sulfonation reaction of the intermediate. Thus, the weight percent of poly(butylenyl) substituents having a specified total number of carbon atoms in the intermediate one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenes is essentially the same as the weight percent of poly(butylenyl) substituents having a specified total number of carbon atoms in the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A. Suitable poly(butylene) reactants used to form one or more intermediate 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenes can be produced by polymerizing butene, specifically but-1-ene, using a suitable catalyst system, such as EtAlCl and HCl. A suitable source of butene, specifically but-1-ene, is the Raffinate II stream obtained as a by-product from the synthesis of poly(isobutylene), for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,952,739. Preferably, the characteristics of the poly(butylene) reactant (e.g., the M of poly(butylene) having a particular number of total carbon atoms) can be determined. n , M W, % by weight, should be substantially the same as the corresponding desired characteristics of the poly(butylenyl) substituents in the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenes of the intermediate and in the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A. Suitably, the preferred poly(butylene) is obtained by polymerizing but-1-ene, in which case the poly(butylene) has (i) an M of 450 to 650 daltons, preferably 500 to 600 daltons, as measured by gel permeation chromatography. n (See W.W. Yau, J.J. Kirkland and D.D. Bly, "Modern Size Exclusion Liquid Chromatography," John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1979); (ii) a polydispersity of 1.1 to 1.5, preferably 1.2 to 1.4; (iii) greater than 55 wt.%, preferably greater than 60 wt.%, of the poly(butylenes), based on the total weight of the poly(butylenes), have 32 or more total carbon atoms, as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887; and (iv) less than 35 wt.%, based on the total weight of the poly(butylenes), have 60 or more total carbon atoms, as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887.

[0045] Preferably, a high proportion of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of Additive A have a relatively narrow total carbon chain length distribution in which at least 50%, preferably at least 55%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 65%, by weight of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids as a whole, have 32 or more total carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887. Preferably, no more than 35%, preferably no more than 30%, more preferably no more than 25%, more preferably no more than 20%, by weight of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids as a whole, have 60 or more total carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887. Suitably, from 40 to 70 wt. %, preferably from 40 to 65 wt. %, of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A, based on the total weight of the entire one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, have a total of from 32 to 56 carbon atoms in the substituents as determined by GC according to ASTM D2887. Suitably, the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids include poly(butylenyl) substituents having 32, 36, 40, 44 and / or 48, preferably 32, 36 and / or 40, total carbon atoms.

[0046] Suitably, Additive A has a number average molecular weight (M) of 550 Daltons or greater, preferably 600 Daltons or greater, more preferably 650 Daltons or greater, as determined by liquid-liquid extraction and two-phase potentiometric titration methods described herein. n ) Suitably, Additive A has a number average molecular weight (M) of 800 Daltons or less, preferably 750 Daltons or less, more preferably 700 Daltons or less, as determined by liquid-liquid extraction and two-phase potentiometric titration methods described herein. n ) Suitably, additive A has a polydispersity index of 1.1 to 1.5, preferably 1.2 to 1.4. Preferably, the poly(butylenyl) substituent of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids has a branched structure, in other words, the poly(butylenyl) substituent of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids comprises one or more branched butanediyl repeating groups. Preferably, the poly(butylenyl) substituent of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids comprises one or more poly(butylenyl) substituents attached to the para position of the benzene ring by the C-2 or C-1 position of the poly(butylenyl) substituent.

[0047] Additive A may be present in the refineable petroleum feedstock in an amount of 1 to 1000 ppm by mass, preferably 1 to 500 ppm by mass, more preferably 1 to 100 ppm by mass, and even more preferably 1 to less than 100 ppm by mass, based on the total mass of the petroleum feedstock. Suitably, additive A as defined herein is of formula I [ka] Formula I wherein each R independently represents a poly(butylenyl) substituent as defined herein. The compound may be represented by one or more compounds of the formula:

[0048] Additive A can be added to the oil feedstock while it is at the oil refinery and / or before it arrives at the oil refinery. When Additive A is added to the oil feedstock at the oil refinery, Additive A can be added at any stage during and / or prior to the oil refining operation. Examples of when Additive A may be added to the petroleum feedstock include, but are not limited to, transportation lines between an oil well and an oil refinery, storage tanks between an oil well and an oil refinery, storage tanks at an oil refinery, during refining operations before or while the petroleum feedstock enters a heating unit (e.g., a preheater, heat exchanger, or furnace), during refining operations before or while the petroleum feedstock enters a heating unit (e.g., a preheater) upstream of a desalting unit, during refining operations before or while the petroleum feedstock enters a heating unit (e.g., a furnace) downstream of a desalting unit and upstream of a distillation unit, during refining operations before or while the petroleum feedstock enters a heating unit (e.g., a furnace) downstream of a desalting unit and upstream of a distillation unit, during refining operations before or while the petroleum feedstock enters a heating unit (e.g., a furnace) downstream of a distillation unit and upstream of further refining units such as a catalytic cracking unit, a catalytic hydrocracking unit, a visbreaker unit, a coking unit, and / or associated processing and transport mechanisms (e.g., tubing, piping, baffles) within, at least partially comprising, and / or in direct fluid communication with all such components and / or equipment. Preferably, Additive A is added to the oil feedstock at the refinery. More preferably, Additive A is added to the oil feedstock during the refining operation and before or while the oil feedstock enters a heating unit (e.g., a preheater, heat exchanger, or furnace), even more preferably at one of the following stages: (i) before or while the oil feedstock enters a heating unit (e.g., a preheater or heat exchanger) upstream of the desalting unit; (ii) before or while the oil feedstock enters a heating unit (e.g., a furnace) downstream of the desalting unit and upstream of the distillation unit. Additive A can be added to the oil feedstock by methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, Additive A can be blended into the oil feedstock and / or injected into the flowlines transporting the oil feedstock. Additive A suitable for use in the present invention is available from Infineum UK Limited.

[0049] Additive B Additive B is one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids having a single sulfonic acid group and a single substituent that is a poly(propylenyl) substituent attached to the benzene ring para to the sulfonic acid group (i.e., the remainder of the benzene ring is unsubstituted and contains a hydrogen atom). The use of such monosubstituted one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids has generally been found to provide improved reduction in refinery vessel fouling when the feedstock is heated at high temperatures and / or further reduction in asphaltene aggregation (or flocculation) and / or asphaltene precipitation in and / or from the feedstock. Furthermore, it has been found that the use of such mono-substituted one or more 4-poly(propyleneyl)benzenesulfonic acids (Additive B), when used in combination with Additive A, can provide a synergistic reduction in fouling by the feedstock when the feedstock is heated at high temperatures and / or a synergistic reduction in asphaltene aggregation (or flocculation) and / or asphaltene precipitation in and / or from the feedstock. The one or more 4-poly(propylene)benzenesulfonic acids contain sulfonic acid groups as free acids. Additive B is ashless and does not contain salts (e.g., metal salts) of the sulfonic acids. Preferably, Additive B is derived from the polymerization of prop-1-ene.

[0050] In general, Additive B can be synthesized by standard experimental techniques well known to those skilled in the art. For example, Additive B can be synthesized by similar techniques as described herein for Additive A by substituting the appropriate poly(propylene) reactant for the poly(butylene) reactant. Preferably, the integrity of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the intermediate one or more poly(propylenyl)benzenes (e.g., the weight percent of poly(propylenyl) substituents having a specific total number of carbon atoms) is essentially maintained during the sulfonation reaction of the intermediate. Thus, the weight percent of poly(propylenyl) substituents having a specific total number of carbon atoms in the intermediate one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenes is essentially the same as the weight percent of poly(propylenyl) substituents having a specific total number of carbon atoms in the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B. Suitable poly(propylene) reactants used to form one or more intermediate 4-poly(propyleneyl)benzenes can be produced by polymerizing propene using a suitable catalyst system, such as boron trifluoride and water. Preferably, the characteristics of the poly(propylene) reactant (e.g., the M of a poly(butylene) having a particular number of total carbon atoms) can be determined by the polymerization of propene. n , M W , % by weight, should be substantially the same as the corresponding desired characteristics of the poly(propylene) substituents in the one or more 4-poly(propylene)benzenes of the intermediate and in the one or more 4-poly(propylene)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B. Suitably, the preferred poly(propylene) reactant is obtained by polymerizing prop-1-ene, in which case the poly(propylene) has (i) an M of 250 to 400 daltons, preferably 300 to 375 daltons, as measured by GC according to ASTM D2887. n (ii) greater than 55 wt.%, preferably greater than 60 wt.%, of the poly(propylene), based on the total weight of the poly(propylene), have a total of 21 or more carbon atoms, as determined by GC according to ASTM D2887, and (iii) less than 25 wt.%, of the poly(propylene), based on the total weight of the poly(propylene), have a total of 30 or more carbon atoms, as determined by GC according to ASTM D2887.

[0051] Preferably, a high proportion of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of Additive B have a narrow total carbon chain length distribution in which at least 55%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 65%, more preferably at least 70%, and even more preferably at least 75%, by weight of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids as a whole, have 21 or more total carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887. Preferably, at most 30%, preferably at most 25%, and more preferably at most 20%, by weight of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids as a whole, have 30 or more total carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887. Suitably, 60 to 95 wt. %, preferably 65 to 95 wt. %, more preferably 70 to 90 wt. % of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, have 21 to 27 carbon atoms in the substituent as determined by GC according to ASTM D2887. Preferably, the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B include poly(propylenyl) substituents having 21, 24 and / or 27 total carbon atoms. Suitably, Additive B has a number average molecular weight (M) of 400 Daltons or greater, preferably 450 Daltons or greater, more preferably 475 Daltons or greater, as determined by liquid-liquid extraction and two-phase potentiometric titration methods described herein. n )

[0052] Suitably, Additive B has a number average molecular weight (M) of 600 Daltons or less, preferably 550 Daltons or less, more preferably 525 Daltons or less, as determined by liquid-liquid extraction and two-phase potentiometric titration methods described herein. n ) Preferably, additive B has a polydispersity index of 1.1 to 1.5. Preferably, the poly(propylenyl) substituent of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids has a branched structure, in other words, the poly(propylenyl) substituent comprises one or more branched propanediyl repeat groups. Preferably, the poly(propylenyl) substituent of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids comprises one or more poly(propylenyl) substituents attached to the para position of the benzene ring by the C-2 or C-1 position of the poly(propylenyl) substituent. Preferably, additive B as defined herein is of formula II [ka] Formula II wherein each R2 independently represents a poly(propylenyl) substituent as defined herein. The compound may be represented by one or more compounds of the formula:

[0053] Additive B may be present in the refineable petroleum feedstock in an amount of 1 to 1000 ppm by mass, preferably 1 to 500 ppm by mass, more preferably 1 to 100 ppm by mass, and even more preferably 1 to less than 100 ppm by mass, based on the total mass of the petroleum feedstock. Additive B can be added to the oil feedstock while it is at the oil refinery and / or before it arrives at the oil refinery. When Additive B is added to the oil feedstock at the oil refinery, Additive B can be added at any stage during and / or prior to the oil refining operation. Examples of when Additive B may be added to the petroleum feedstock include, but are not limited to, transportation lines between an oil well and an oil refinery, storage tanks between an oil well and an oil refinery, storage tanks at an oil refinery, during refining operations before or while the petroleum feedstock enters a heating unit (e.g., a preheater, heat exchanger, or furnace), during refining operations before or while the petroleum feedstock enters a heating unit (e.g., a preheater) upstream of a desalting unit, during refining operations before or while the petroleum feedstock enters a heating unit (e.g., a furnace) downstream of a desalting unit and upstream of a distillation unit, during refining operations before or while the petroleum feedstock enters a heating unit (e.g., a furnace) downstream of a desalting unit and upstream of a distillation unit, during refining operations before or while the petroleum feedstock enters a heating unit (e.g., a furnace) downstream of a distillation unit and upstream of further refining units such as a catalytic cracking unit, a catalytic hydrocracking unit, a visbreaker unit, a coking unit, and / or associated processing and transport mechanisms (e.g., tubing, piping, baffles) within, at least partially comprising, and / or in direct fluid communication with all such components and / or equipment. Preferably, additive B is added to the oil feedstock at the refinery. More preferably, additive B is added to the oil feedstock during the refining operation and before or while the oil feedstock enters a heating unit (e.g., a preheater, heat exchanger, or furnace), even more preferably at one of the following stages: (i) before or while the oil feedstock enters a heating unit (e.g., a preheater or heat exchanger) upstream of the desalting unit; (ii) before or while the oil feedstock enters a heating unit (e.g., a furnace) downstream of the desalting unit and upstream of the distillation unit.

[0054] Additive B can be added to the oil feedstock by methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, Additive B can be blended into the oil feedstock and / or injected into the flowlines transporting the oil feedstock. Additive B suitable for use in the present invention is available from Infineum UK Limited. It has unexpectedly been found that when an effective minor amount of Additive B is added to a refineable petroleum feedstock in combination with Additive A, a synergistic reduction in fouling, particularly asphaltene fouling, of refinery vessels by the petroleum feedstock during refining operations on the petroleum feedstock can be achieved. Additionally and / or alternatively, the use of a combination of Additive A and Additive B in a refineable petroleum feedstock may provide a synergistic reduction in asphaltene aggregation (or flocculation) and / or asphaltene precipitation in and / or from the petroleum feedstock when the petroleum feedstock is heated at high temperatures, particularly at the high temperatures used during petroleum refining operations. Advantageously, the use of a combination of Additive A and Additive B has been found to provide a synergistic effect.

[0055] When used in combination with Additive A, Additive B can be added to the refineable petroleum feedstock simultaneously with Additive A or sequentially to Additive A. For example, a blend containing both Additives A and B can be added to the petroleum feedstock; Additive A can be added first, followed by Additive B; or Additive B can be added first, followed by Additive A. In a preferred embodiment when a combination of Additive A and Additive B is also added to the petroleum feedstock, both Additive A and Additive B are added to the petroleum feedstock essentially simultaneously. Additive B may be added to the petroleum feedstock at the stage or stages of the petroleum refinery operation described herein for Additive A. Thus, when used in combination with Additive A, Additive B may be added to the refineable petroleum feedstock at the same stage of the refinery operation as Additive A or at a different stage of the refinery operation. Preferably, Additive B is added to the refineable petroleum feedstock at the same stage of the refinery operation as Additive A, and more preferably, Additive A and Additive B are added to the feedstock essentially simultaneously at the same stage of the refinery operation. Suitably, when a combination of Additive A and Additive B is used, the combined treat rate of Additive A and Additive B is 2 to 2000 mass ppm, preferably 2 to 1000 mass ppm, more preferably 2 to 200 mass ppm, and even more preferably 2 to less than 100 mass ppm, based on the total mass of the refineable petroleum feedstock. Suitably, when a combination of Additive A and Additive B is used, the mass:mass ratio of Additive A to Additive B is in the range of 20:1 to 1:20, for example 10:1 to 1:10, preferably 3:1 to 1:3. More preferably, Additive A is used in excess of Additive B, and the mass:mass ratio of Additive A to Additive B is in the range of 20:1 to 1:1, for example 10:1 to 1:1, preferably 3:1 to 1:1.

[0056] Composition for reducing fouling Additive A and / or Additive B may be used in compositions to prevent fouling; these compositions may further contain a hydrophobic oil solubilizer and / or dispersant for the additive. Such solubilizers may include, for example, surfactants and / or carboxylic acid solubilizers. These compositions may further include, for example, viscosity index improvers, antifoam agents, antiwear agents, demulsifiers, antioxidants, and other corrosion inhibitors. [Example]

[0057] The present invention is illustrated, but in no way limited, by the following examples.

[0058] M n Liquid-liquid extraction and potentiometric titration for the determination of M of 4-poly(alkylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, such as Additive A and Additive B, as defined herein n is determined in the following way: Weigh out 4-poly(alkylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid (typically 3 g) and record the sample mass in grams (record the sample mass as P1). Dissolve the sample in propan-2-ol (15 ml). Add an alcoholic solution of phenolphthalein indicator to the 4-poly(alkylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid / propan-2-ol solution, and titrate the solution with 1N aqueous sodium hydroxide until the indicator turns pink (record the volume of sodium hydroxide added as V1). Next, add 1N aqueous hydrochloric acid dropwise to the solution until the indicator turns pink. The resulting solution is configured to form a solution having a volume ratio of water to propan-2-ol of 1:1, taking into account the total volume of aqueous sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid added to the initial 4-poly(alkylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid / propan-2-ol solution, by adding a minimum volume of water if the total volume of aqueous sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid added is less than 15 mL, or by adding a minimum volume of propan-2-ol if the total volume of aqueous sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid added is more than 15 mL. The resulting solution is extracted with pentane (1 × 40 mL, then 2 × 20 mL), and the combined pentane extracts are washed with a water / propan-2-ol solution (1:1 volume ratio, 3 × 15 mL). The combined water / propan-2-ol extracts are warmed at 60°C to remove traces of pentane, allowed to cool to room temperature, and made up to 100 mL with water / propan-2-ol solution (1:1 by volume) to form the final poly(alkylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid-water / propan-2-ol solution.

[0059] Transfer 40 mL of the final poly(alkylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid-water / propan-2-ol solution to a pre-weighed empty beaker (record the empty beaker mass in grams as P2). Evaporate this solution to dryness at 70 °C under a stream of nitrogen. Dry the product in an oven at 130–150 °C for at least 1 h, then cool to room temperature in a desiccator for 1 h. Record the mass of the beaker and sample in grams as P3. Transfer another 40 mL of the final poly(alkylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid-water / propan-2-ol solution to a separatory funnel, add water (75 mL) and p-toluidine hydrochloride (2 g), and extract the resulting solution with dichloromethane (1 × 40 mL and 2 × 20 mL). Add the combined dichloromethane extracts to the water / propan-2-ol solution (100 mL, 3:7 by volume) to form a two-phase solution. The biphasic solution is stirred and titrated potentiometrically against aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.1 N) using a Metrohm titration unit set to titrate at 20 microliters, and the volume of aqueous sodium hydroxide added to reach the endpoint is recorded as V2. To calibrate the potentiometric two-phase titration method, 40 mL of sample-free water / propan-2-ol (1:1 by volume) solution was transferred to a separatory funnel, to which water (75 mL) and p-toluidine hydrochloride (2 g) were added. The resulting solution was extracted with dichloromethane (1 x 40 mL and 2 x 20 mL). The dichloromethane extract was added to a water / propan-2-ol solution (100 mL, 3:7 by volume) to form a two-phase solution. This two-phase solution was stirred and titrated potentiometrically against aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.1 N) using a Metrohm titration unit; the volume of aqueous sodium hydroxide added to reach the endpoint was recorded as V3.

[0060] The number average molecular weight (M n ) is calculated by the following formula:

number

[0061] Poly(butylene) M n Gel permeation chromatography for determining Poly(butylene) M n is determined by gel permeation chromatography using a MIXED-D PLgel HPLC column from Agilent Technologies Inc., a refractive index detector (30°C), and a tetrahydrofuran mobile phase at 1 ml / min (see W.W. Yau, J.J. Kirkland and D.D. Bly, "Modern Size Exclusion Liquid Chromatography", John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1979), and calibrated with EasiCal PS-2 polystyrene standards from Agilent Technologies Inc.

[0062] Gas chromatography and FID according to ASTM D2887 Additive A M w , Additive B M w , M of poly(butylene) used in the synthesis of additive A w , and M of poly(propylene) used in the synthesis of additive B w and M nis determined by gas chromatography (GC) using a flame ionization detector (FID) and simulated distillation according to ASTM D2887. Preferably, this analytical method provides the weight percent distribution of poly(alkylenyl) substituents having a specified total number of carbon atoms in Additive A and Additive B, respectively. Preferably, this analytical method provides the weight percent distribution of poly(alkylene) chains having a specified total number of carbon atoms in poly(butylene) and poly(propylene). The ASTM D2887 instrument and operating conditions were as follows: the chromatograph was not equipped with a cryogenic device because the starting temperature was 35°C; the sample was diluted with pentane instead of carbon disulfide; the instrument was calibrated using Agilent Technologies Inc. Reference Boiling Point Calibration Sample 1 (product number 5080-8716) (i.e., an n-paraffinic sample of known composition) dissolved in carbon disulfide; and the gas chromatograph was a Hewlett Packard 5890 Series 2 Plus equipped with a Restek MXT-1HT SimDist column (5 m long, 0.53 mm diameter, 10 μm film thickness). The carrier gas is helium with an output flow of 6 ml / min; the detector is a flame ionization detector; the oven temperature is set at 35°C for 2 minutes, then heated at a rate of 8°C / min to reach 410°C and then held at this temperature for 15 minutes; injector type: on-column; the initial injector temperature is 38°C and the final temperature is 413°C (injector temperature = oven temperature + 3°C); the FID detector temperature is 400°C.

[0063] component The following additive ingredients and crude oils were used: Component (A) Component A represents Additive A as defined herein. (i) Synthesis of poly(butylene) In a continuous process, the Raffinate II stream is polymerized in Isopar-L solvent using concentrated hydrochloric acid and an ethylaluminum dichloride catalyst system (a 3:1 mass ratio of HCl to EtAlCl) at a temperature of 25-45°C for 30 minutes. The reactor product is washed with water and sodium hydroxide, and the unreacted C4 butylenes / butanes are removed from the product (at a temperature of 200-230°C and a pressure of less than 0.5 bar) to produce poly(butylene) having an M of 540 daltons as determined by gel permeation chromatography. n a polydispersity index of 1.3; and greater than 55 wt.% of the poly(butylene), based on the total weight of the poly(butylene), having a total of 32 or more carbon atoms as determined by GC according to ASTM D2887.

[0064] (ii) Synthesis of 1-poly(butylenyl)benzene In a continuous process, poly(butylene) (1 mole) from step (i) and benzene (14.5 moles) are reacted in the presence of an aluminum trichloride / hydrochloric acid catalyst slurry at a temperature of 3-8°C for 45 minutes. The sludge is removed from the reactor, and the remaining liquid phase in the reactor is washed multiple times with aqueous sodium hydroxide (7% by weight) at a temperature of 90-100°C, followed by water. The organic liquid phase is then distilled at 160-170°C (atmospheric pressure) to remove excess benzene and lower-boiling 1-poly(butyleneyl)benzenes in which the polybutylenyl substituents have less than 16 total carbon atoms. The desired 1-poly(butylenyl)benzene product is obtained by distillation under reduced pressure (20-40 mmHg) at 320°C to produce 1-poly(butylenyl)benzene having: (i) a polydispersity of 1.3; (ii) 55% or more by weight of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 1-poly(butylenyl)benzenes have 32 or more total carbon atoms in the substituent as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887; (iii) 40% to 70% by weight of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 1-poly(butylenyl)benzenes have 32% to 56 total carbon atoms in the substituent as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887; and (iv) 25% or less by weight of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 1-poly(butylenyl)benzenes have 32% to 56 total carbon atoms in the substituent as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887. (v) the poly(butylenyl) substituents include poly(butylenyl) substituents having 32, 36, and / or 40 total carbon atoms as determined by GC in accordance with D2887; and (vi) the poly(butylenyl) substituents include poly(butylenyl) substituents having a branched chain structure.

[0065] (iii) Synthesis of 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid The reactor is charged with the 1-poly(butylenyl)benzene product from step (ii) and excess sulfur dioxide (4:1 volume ratio of sulfur dioxide to 1-poly(butylenyl)benzene) is added with stirring while maintaining the reaction temperature at 0 to -5°C. Then, excess sulfur trioxide (120:1 molar ratio of sulfur trioxide to 1-poly(butylenyl)benzene) is added while maintaining the reaction temperature at 0 to -5°C. The reaction mixture is then allowed to stand at a temperature of -2 to 5°C for 1 hour. The excess sulfur dioxide / sulfur trioxide is removed at 120°C and 0.1 bar, and the reaction mixture is cooled to 60°C to obtain the title compound. The title compound can be diluted with diluent oil such as SN80 (commercially available from Repsol). The isolated 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid has: (i) an M of 600-700 daltons; n (ii) a polydispersity of 1.3; (iii) 55% by weight or more of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids have 32 or more total carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887; (iv) 40 to 70% by weight of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids have 32 to 56 total carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887; (v) 25% by weight or less of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids have 32 to 56 total carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887. (vi) the poly(butylenyl) substituents include poly(butylenyl) substituents having 32, 36, and / or 40 total carbon atoms as determined by GC in accordance with D2887; and (vii) the poly(butylenyl) substituents include poly(butylenyl) substituents having a branched chain structure. A suitable Additive A is available from Infineum UK Ltd and comprises, for example, 83% by weight ai of 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid.

[0066] Ingredient (B) Component B represents Additive B as defined herein. (i) Synthesis of poly(propylene) A sealed reactor is charged with propene, boron trifluoride catalyst, and water as a cocatalyst (1:2 molar ratio of boron trifluoride to water) at 24-28°C and 16 bar pressure, and the resulting reaction mixture is stirred for 1 hour. The reaction mixture is then heated first to 50°C (atmospheric pressure) and then to 90-120°C under vacuum (60 mbar) to distill off residual propane, boron trifluoride, and boron trifluoride / water complex. The remaining purified poly(propylene) remaining in the reactor is cooled and stored at 60°C. This poly(propylene) has: (i) an M of 340 daltons as measured by GC according to ASTM D2887; n (ii) greater than 65 wt.% of the poly(propylene), based on the total weight of the poly(propylene), has a total of 21 or more carbon atoms as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887, and (iii) less than 25 wt.% of the poly(propylene), based on the total weight of the poly(propylene), has a total of 30 or more carbon atoms as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887.

[0067] (ii) Synthesis of 1-poly(propylenyl)benzene The title compound is synthesized from poly(propylene) obtained from step (i) using the same procedure for forming 1-poly(butylenyl)benzene as described in step (ii) for component A, using a benzene to poly(propylene) molar ratio of 7.5:1. A 1-poly(propylenyl)benzene product is obtained by distillation at 295°C under reduced pressure (20-40 mmHg) to produce the following 1-poly(propylenyl)benzenes: (i) 60% or more by weight of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 1-poly(propylenyl)benzenes have 21 or more total carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887; (ii) 65% to 90% by weight of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 1-poly(propylenyl)benzenes have 21 to 27 total carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887; (iii) 25% or less by weight of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 1-poly(propylenyl)benzenes have 21 to 27 total carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887. (v) the poly(propylenyl) substituents include poly(propylenyl) substituents having 21, 24, and / or 27 total carbon atoms as determined by GC in accordance with D2887; and (v) the poly(propylenyl) substituents include poly(propylenyl) substituents having a branched chain structure.

[0068] (iii) Synthesis of 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid The title compound is synthesized from the 1-poly(propylenyl)benzene product of step (ii) using the same procedure to form 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid, as described in step (iii) for component A. The isolated 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid has: (i) an M of 450-550 daltons; n(ii) 60% by weight or more of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids have 21 or more total carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887; (iii) 65 to 90% by weight of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids have 21 to 27 total carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887; (iv) 25% by weight or less of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids have 21 to 27 total carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC in accordance with ASTM D2887. (v) the poly(propylenyl) substituents include poly(propylenyl) substituents having 21, 24, and / or 27 total carbon atoms as determined by GC in accordance with D2887; and (vi) the poly(propylenyl) substituents include poly(propylenyl) substituents having a branched chain structure. A suitable additive B is available from Infineum UK Ltd and comprises, for example, 85% by weight ai of 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acid.

[0069] Ingredients (C) Component C represents a comparative additive and is available from Infineum UK Limited. Component C contains 81.5 wt. % ai of 4-poly(propylenyl)-2,3-(dimethyl)sulfonic acid. The 4-poly(propylenyl) substituent has an M of 200 Daltons. n and has a branched chain structure, with more than 60% by weight of the substituents having a total of more than 12 carbon atoms.

[0070] Crude Oil Blend Asphaltene-containing blends of Basra heavy crude oil, Enbridge crude oil and shale oil at 40%, 10% and 50%, respectively.

[0071] test Tests were conducted using 150 ml samples of a crude oil blend containing no additive (as a control) and a crude oil blend containing the respective amounts of additive components added as cutbacks to the crude oil blend, as shown in the results table below. The test used a 5-Rod Thermal Deposition Test (5-RTDT), which was designed to simulate the antifouling performance of a refinery. The 5-RTDT uses an instrument with five independently heated test sections connected in series. Each test section consists of an electrically resistively heated steel rod encased in an outer steel jacket, electrically insulated from the rod. The test crude oil sample flows through the cavity between the rod and the jacket. The temperature of the rod is controlled at the rod's center point and maintained constant throughout the test. As the crude oil flows over the hot rod in each test section, it absorbs heat from the rod; the temperature of the crude oil entering and exiting each test section is recorded. As deposits accumulate on the rod surface, the deposits reduce the efficiency of heat transfer from the rod to the crude oil, resulting in a decrease in the temperature of the crude oil entering and exiting each test section. The difference in crude oil outlet temperature (ΔT°C) from the start to the end of the test was calculated for each of the five rods (i.e., each test section) and summed. A higher value indicates a greater temperature difference and therefore worse fouling. Tests were conducted for 5 hours using rod temperatures of 120°C, 160°C, 200°C, 240°C, and 280°C. Each of the five rods was weighed before and after the test to determine the deposition of particulate matter, particularly asphaltenes.

[0072] result [Table 1]

[0073] These results show that in both tests, when a single additive was used, Additive A provided the best antifouling results in terms of both deposit (mg) and ΔT°C. Additive B provided particularly good antifouling results in terms of ΔT°C. These results also show that in both tests, the combination of Additive A and Additive B (835 ppm, 3:1 ratio of (A) + (B)) provided the best overall antifouling results, and that (A) and (B) act synergistically. Comparative Additive C performs better than the control (no additive), but is significantly worse than Additive A, as well as the combination of Additive A and Additive B.

Claims

1. 1. A method for reducing or preventing fouling, particularly asphaltene fouling, in a refinery vessel during a petroleum refining operation of a refineable petroleum feedstock, the method comprising providing a refineable petroleum feedstock in fluid communication with a refinery vessel during a petroleum refining operation, the refineable petroleum feedstock being at an elevated temperature during the refining operation and comprising Additive A or Additive B, or a combination of Additive A and Additive B, wherein: (i) Additive A, if present, is present in an effective minor amount of from 1 to 1000 ppm by weight, based on the total weight of the refineable petroleum feedstock, and comprises one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, wherein more than 50 weight percent of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A, based on the total weight of the entire one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, have a total of 32 or more carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC; and (ii) Additive B, if present, is present in an effective minor amount of from 1 to 1000 ppm by weight, based on the total weight of the refineable petroleum feedstock, and comprises one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, wherein more than 50 weight percent of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of said one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B, based on the total weight of all said one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, have a total of 21 or more carbon atoms in said substituents, as determined by GC.

2. 1. Use of Additive A or Additive B, as a single additive or a combination of Additive A and Additive B, in a refineable petroleum feedstock, in an effective small amount of from 1 to 1000 ppm by mass, based on the total mass of the refineable petroleum feedstock, or in an effective small amount of from 2 to 2000 ppm by mass, based on the total mass of the refineable petroleum feedstock, to reduce and / or prevent fouling, particularly asphaltene fouling, of a petroleum refinery vessel by the refineable petroleum feedstock during petroleum refining operations of the refineable petroleum feedstock, wherein Additive A comprises one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, and wherein the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A comprise one or more of the 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids. and wherein more than 50 wt. % of the poly(butylenyl) substituents, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, have a total of 32 or more carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC; and Additive B comprises one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, wherein more than 50 wt. % of the poly(propylenyl) substituents, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, of Additive B have a total of 21 or more carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC; and wherein the petroleum feedstock is at an elevated temperature and is in fluid communication with the refinery vessel during the petroleum refining operation.

3. 1. The use of Additive A or Additive B, as a single additive or a combination of Additive A and Additive B, in an asphaltenes-containing refineable petroleum feedstock, in an effective minor amount of from 1 to 1000 ppm by weight, based on the total weight of the refineable petroleum feedstock, or in an effective minor amount of from 2 to 2000 ppm by weight, based on the total weight of the refineable petroleum feedstock, to reduce or prevent asphaltene aggregation (or flocculation) and / or asphaltene precipitation in and / or from the refineable petroleum feedstock when the feedstock is heated at elevated temperatures, wherein Additive A is selected from the group consisting of one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfones. and Additive B comprises one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, and Additive A comprises one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, and Additive B ...

4. 4. The method or use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the refineable petroleum feedstock is heated to an elevated temperature above 40°C, preferably above 60°C, more preferably above 80°C, even more preferably above 100°C, even more preferably above 120°C.

5. 4. The method or use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the refineable petroleum feedstock is heated to an elevated temperature above 200°C, preferably above 300°C, more preferably above 325°C.

6. 6. The method or use of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the refineable petroleum feedstocks include crude oil, crude oil blends comprising two or more different types of crude oil, and fractions obtained from the refining of crude oil and crude oil blends, which fractions are further refined in petroleum refining operations.

7. 7. The method or use of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein Additive A or Additive B, or a combination of Additive A and Additive B, are each independently added to the refineable petroleum feedstock when the feedstock is in an oil refinery and / or before the feedstock is in an oil refinery.

8. 8. The method or use of claim 7, wherein Additive A or Additive B, or a combination of Additive A and Additive B, are each independently added to the refineable petroleum feedstock at a petroleum refinery during or prior to petroleum refining operations on the feedstock, preferably during petroleum refining operations on the feedstock.

9. 9. The method or use of claim 8, wherein Additive A or Additive B, or a combination of Additive A and Additive B, is independently added to the refineable petroleum feedstock at one or more of the following stages: (i) before the feedstock enters a preheater upstream of a desalting unit; (ii) before the feedstock enters a heat exchanger upstream of a desalting unit; or (iii) before the feedstock enters a furnace / heater downstream of a desalting unit and upstream of a distillation unit.

10. 10. The method or use according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein less than 30% by weight of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A, based on the total weight of all the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, have a total of 60 or more carbon atoms in the substituents as determined by GC.

11. 11. The method or use according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein 40 to 70 weight percent of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A, based on the total weight of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids as a whole, have a total of 32 to 56 carbon atoms in the substituents as determined by GC.

12. The method or use according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the poly(butylenyl) substituent of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A has a branched chain structure.

13. 13. The method or use according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the poly(butylenyl) substituents of said one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A are derived from the polymerization of but-1-ene.

14. Additive A has a number average molecular weight (M n ), preferably 550 to 800 daltons number average molecular weight (M n 14. The method or use according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the polydispersity index is from 1.1 to 1.

5.

15. 15. The method or use according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein 60 to 95 wt. % of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B, based on the total weight of all the one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, have a total of 21 to 30 carbon atoms in the substituents as determined by GC.

16. Additive B has a number average molecular weight (M n 16. The method or use according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein

17. 17. The method or use according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the poly(propylenyl) substituents of said one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B are derived from the polymerization of prop-1-ene.

18. 18. The method or use according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein additive A and additive B are used in combination, and the mass:mass ratio of additive A to additive B is in the range of from 10:1 to 1:10, preferably from 3:1 to 1:3, more preferably from 3:1 to 1:

1.

19. 19. The method or use according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein additive A and additive B are used in combination, and the combined treat rate of additive A and additive B is from 2 to 2000 ppm by mass, preferably from 2 to 1000 ppm by mass, based on the total mass of the refineable petroleum feedstock.

20. 20. The method or use of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the refineable petroleum feedstock contains asphaltenes.

21. 1. A system for refining a refineable petroleum feedstock, comprising: (a) a refinery vessel for refining a refineable petroleum feedstock at an elevated temperature; and (b) a refineable petroleum feedstock in fluid communication with the refinery vessel, wherein the refineable petroleum feedstock comprises Additive A or Additive B, or a combination of Additive A and Additive B, wherein: (i) Additive A, if present, is present in an effective minor amount of from 1 to 1000 ppm by weight, based on the total weight of the refineable petroleum feedstock, and comprises one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, wherein more than 50 weight percent of the poly(butylenyl) substituents of the one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive A, based on the total weight of the entire one or more 4-poly(butylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, have a total of 32 or more carbon atoms in the substituent, as determined by GC; and (ii) Additive B, if present, is present in an effective minor amount of from 1 to 1000 ppm by weight, based on the total weight of the refineable petroleum feedstock, and comprises one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, wherein more than 50 weight percent of the poly(propylenyl) substituents of said one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids of Additive B, based on the total weight of all said one or more 4-poly(propylenyl)benzenesulfonic acids, have a total of 21 or more carbon atoms in said substituents, as determined by GC.

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