Alkyl Aromatic Poly-ethoxy Alcohol Dewatering Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dewatering processes in refineries face challenges in efficiently and economically removing free, emulsified, and dissolved water from hydrocarbon feeds, leading to recurring costs and environmental concerns due to sludge accumulation and tank corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising at least two alkyl aromatic poly-ethoxy alcohols and one non-ionic surfactant, with a specific weight ratio, is used to separate water from hydrocarbon feeds, aided by a biocide and diluent to enhance water separation rates and prevent corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional settling time of 8-12 hours is given for crude in storage tanks, then water drainage is achieved, but sludge accumulates leading to storage volume loss and tank corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The dewatering composition is added to the crude oil before the settling process begins, performing preliminary action to modify the oil-water-emulsion system. This pre-treatment enables faster dewatering and reduces sludge formation during the subsequent settling period
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the crude oil system by introducing surfactants and other chemical agents that modify interfacial tension and emulsion stability. This alters the settling behavior to achieve faster water separation and reduced sludge accumulation
2Productivity
If intensive mechanical process is used for sludge removal, then water and sludge are removed from storage tanks, but severe environmental implications and high operational costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces intensive mechanical dewatering processes with a chemical-based dewatering composition. This substitution achieves effective water and sludge removal through chemical action rather than mechanical means, reducing environmental impact while maintaining productivity
3Productivity
If dewatering composition is added to hydrocarbon feed, then water separation rate increases, but composition cost and dosage optimization are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the concentration and composition of the dewatering formulation to achieve effective water separation at controlled dosages. By adjusting chemical parameters and formulation composition, the invention balances treatment effectiveness with dosage requirements
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 composition effectively separates water from hydrocarbon feeds at a faster rate than existing methods, reducing sludge formation and tank corrosion risks, with water separation rates ranging from 0.5 to 5 ml per minute and minimal residual water content in the oil layer.
Implementation Method 1
a composition comprising at least two alkyl aromatic poly-ethoxy alcohols and at least one non-ionic surfactant
Implementation Method 2
contacting the composition with the hydrocarbon feed to separate water and dewatered hydrocarbon feed
Implementation Method 3
separate water and dewatered hydrocarbon feed, wherein the composition is in a weight ratio range of 0.0001 to 0.005% with respect to the hydrocarbon feed
Implementation Method 4
water and sediments in the crude oil should be removed prior to processing in downstream units
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a composition for dewatering a hydrocarbon feed, the composition comprising: a) at least two alkyl aromatic poly-ethoxy alcohol; and b) at least one non-ionic surfactant, wherein the at least two alkyl aromatic poly-ethoxy alcohol to the at least one non-ionic surfactant weight ratio is in the range of 0.75: 1.5 to 1.5:3.0.