Modified Alkylphenol Resins for Fuel Cold Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current additives fail to effectively prevent the sedimentation of paraffins in fuels and liquid hydrocarbon fuels at low temperatures, leading to issues such as clogged pipes and filters, and require additional dispersing agents.
Innovation Solution
Modified alkylphenol-aldehyde resins, obtained through a Mannich reaction involving alkylphenol, aldehyde, and alkylamine, are used to improve the cold stability and flow of fuels by limiting paraffin sedimentation without the need for additional dispersants, combining with ethylene/vinyl ester co- or ter-polymers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional alkylphenol-aldehyde resins are used as flow improvers, then the fluidity of mineral oils is improved, but they fail to effectively prevent paraffin sedimentation at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining alkylphenol-aldehyde resins with polar nitrogen compounds (such as amidines, guanidines, or isocyanates) to create a synergistic additive composition. This composite approach allows the resin component to improve fluidity while the polar nitrogen compound component effectively prevents paraffin sedimentation at low temperatures, resolving the contradiction between fluidity improvement and sedimentation prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two distinct functional additives into a single composition: the alkylphenol-aldehyde resin (for fluidity improvement) and the polar nitrogen compound (for sedimentation prevention). This merging allows both functions to work together in one additive package, eliminating the need for separate additives and achieving both fluidity enhancement and reliable paraffin dispersion at low temperatures.
2Reliability
If additional dispersing agents are used to prevent paraffin sedimentation, then sedimentation is controlled, but the device complexity and number of additives increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by creating an additive composition where the combination of alkylphenol-aldehyde resin and polar nitrogen compound provides both fluidity improvement and paraffin sedimentation prevention in a single additive package. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple separate additives, reducing formulation complexity while maintaining effective sedimentation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of flow improvement and paraffin dispersion into one combined additive composition. By formulating these components together in specific ratios, the patent reduces the total number of additives needed while achieving both desired effects, thereby simplifying the overall additive package.
3Ease of manufacture
If unmodified alkylphenol-aldehyde resins are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but they require combination with additional dispersants to achieve effective anti-sedimentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite additive composition that combines the easily manufactured alkylphenol-aldehyde resin with a polar nitrogen compound. This composite approach maintains the manufacturing simplicity of the resin while adding the sedimentation-prevention capability of the polar nitrogen compound, achieving both ease of manufacture and effective anti-sedimentation performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modified alkylphenol-aldehyde resins effectively prevent paraffin sedimentation, improving the cold flow properties and stability of fuels, as demonstrated by reduced sediment volume and improved cloud point measurements in ARAL sedimentation tests, outperforming conventional resins and resin-dispersant combinations.
Implementation Method 1
the modified alkylphenol-aldehyde resins according to the invention are used to improve the cold behaviour and in particular the dispersion of paraffins in fuels and liquid fuels
Implementation Method 2
improve the cold stability and flow of fuels by limiting paraffin sedimentation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to novel alkyl-phenol-aldehyde resins modified with one or more alkylamines, preferably with at least one primary amine grouping, as well as to the use thereof for improving the flow properties of hydrocarbon fuels, in particular such as jet fuel, diesel fuel, heating gas oil, and heavy fuel oil.