Alkoxylated Alkyl Amine Polyester Pour Point Depressants for Wax Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additives for improving the low temperature flow properties of fuel oils and distillates are not highly effective and require high concentrations, leading to issues such as pipeline blockage, filter blockage, and supply interruptions due to n-paraffin crystallization and agglomeration.
Innovation Solution
A pour point depressant composition comprising an alkoxylated alkyl amine polyester, derived from the reaction of a polycarboxylic acid and an alkoxylated alkyl amine, is used to modify wax crystals and improve flow properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pour point depressants (polyalphaolefin copolymers, polyester copolymers, or polyolefin copolymers) are used, then pour point depression is achieved, but they cause unwanted side reactions with fuel stabilizers and other fuel additives, leading to degradation of fuel quality and formation of harmful substances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the pour point depressant by using alkoxylated alkyl amine polyesters with specific structural characteristics (alkyl amine group, ester group, alkoxyl group in specific arrangements) instead of conventional polyalphaolefin copolymers. This parameter change eliminates the harmful side reactions while maintaining pour point depression functionality, as the new chemical structure does not react with fuel stabilizers and additives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a molecular design approach where the alkoxylated alkyl amine polyester is synthesized through controlled reactions and then degraded or disposed of after serving its purpose, avoiding long-term accumulation of harmful substances. The temporary nature of the additive allows it to perform its function without causing persistent harmful effects in the fuel system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing pour point depressant formulations are used, then cold flow properties are improved, but compatibility with other fuel additives is compromised due to chemical reactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the polyester by incorporating specific functional groups (alkyl amine, ester, alkoxyl) in defined configurations. This creates a molecule that maintains the physical properties needed for pour point depression while having chemical characteristics that ensure compatibility with various fuel additives, eliminating the reactivity issues of conventional formulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The alkoxylated alkyl amine polyester is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a pour point depressant, a fuel stability agent, and a compatible additive that works with other fuel chemicals. The universal design allows it to function effectively across different fuel types and additive formulations without causing harmful interactions.
3Speed
If traditional polyester copolymers are used for pour point depression, then cold flow is improved, but they form harmful substances when reacting with fuel stabilizers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular structure parameters by using alkoxylated alkyl amine polyesters with specific functional group arrangements. This structural modification maintains the cold flow improvement capability while eliminating the chemical reactivity that leads to harmful substance formation with fuel stabilizers, achieving both performance and safety goals.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a pour point dispersant composition comprising an alkoxylated alkyl amine polyester. The pour point depressant composition may optionally be combined with a solvent and added to a hydrocarbon composition to improve the cold-flow properties of the hydrocarbon composition.