Fischer-Tropsch Heavy Base Oil Cold Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fischer-Tropsch derived heavy base oils, despite their high wax content, are unexpectedly found to improve the cold flow properties of middle distillate fuel compositions, particularly reducing the cold filter plugging point (CFPP), contrary to expectations that their high wax content would detrimentally affect cold flow properties.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a Fischer-Tropsch derived paraffinic heavy base oil with a viscosity of at least 8 mm²/s at 100°C into middle distillate fuel compositions, which has been processed to enhance its branching and reduce pour point, thereby improving cold flow characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If Fischer-Tropsch derived heavy base oil with high wax content is added to middle distillate fuel, then viscosity and lubricating properties are improved, but cold filter plugging point (CFPP) is expected to increase (worsen)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the molecular structure of the Fischer-Tropsch derived heavy base oil through hydroisomerisation, which increases branching. This structural parameter change allows the oil to maintain improved lubricating properties and viscosity while simultaneously reducing the cold filter plugging point, resolving the contradiction between lubrication improvement and cold flow performance.
2Force
If Fischer-Tropsch derived heavy base oil with high wax content is added to middle distillate fuel, then viscosity is improved, but cloud point is expected to increase (worsen)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the molecular structure through hydroisomerisation, increasing branching in the hydrocarbon chains. This structural modification allows the fuel to maintain improved viscosity characteristics while simultaneously lowering the cloud point, resolving the contradiction between viscosity improvement and cloud point reduction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If lighter Fischer-Tropsch derived base oils are used in middle distillate fuel, then cold flow properties are acceptable, but lubricating properties and viscosity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming lighter Fischer-Tropsch base oils through hydroisomerisation, which increases their molecular branching and weight. This process enhances their lubricating properties and viscosity while maintaining acceptable cold flow characteristics, resolving the contradiction between cold flow acceptance and lubrication sufficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite fuel composition by blending hydroisomerised Fischer-Tropsch derived heavy base oil with middle distillate base fuel. This composite approach combines the beneficial lubricating properties and viscosity of the heavy base oil with the good cold flow properties of the base fuel, achieving a synergistic effect that resolves the contradictions.
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 inclusion of the Fischer-Tropsch derived heavy base oil significantly reduces the CFPP of middle distillate fuels, enhancing their cold flow properties and allowing for potential reductions in cold flow additives, while maintaining or improving other fuel properties like cetane number and viscosity.
Implementation Method 1
The Fischer-Tropsch condensation process is a reaction which converts carbon monoxide and hydrogen into longer chain, usually paraffinic, hydrocarbons: n(CO + 2H2) = (-CH2-)n + nH2O + heat, in the presence of an appropriate catalyst and typically at elevated temperatures (e.g. 125 to 300°C, preferably 175 to 250°C) and/or pressures (e.g. 5 to 100 bar, preferably 12 to 50 bar).
Data Source
AI summary
Middle distillate fuel composition containing (a) a middle distillate base fuel, in particular a diesel base fuel, and (b) a Fischer-Tropsch derived paraffinic base oil component with a viscosity of at least 8 mm2/s at 1000°C. In component (b), the ratio of the percentage of epsilon methylene carbon atoms to the percentage of isopropyl carbon atoms is suitably 8.2 or below. Its pour point may be -30°C or lower. Also provided is the use of a Fischer-Tropsch derived paraffinic heavy base oil in a middle distillate fuel composition, for the purpose of improving the cold flow properties of the composition and/or for reducing the concentration of a cold flow or flow improver additive in the composition.