Haze Mitigation in Base Stocks via Controlled Pore Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy GTL and hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized waxy feed lubricating oil base stocks are prone to haze formation at ambient temperatures, which is difficult to remove using conventional dewaxing methods, leading to reduced product quality and potential filter clogging issues.
Innovation Solution
A filtration process using a filter with a high surface area and specific pore size to remove haze-causing wax particles, allowing the oil to remain clear and bright for extended periods without the need for severe processing steps like additional dewaxing or adsorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional dewaxing methods (solvent or catalytic) are used to remove wax, then pour point and cloud point are reduced, but haze formation at ambient temperatures persists due to removal of only larger wax crystals
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the filtration parameter from temperature-based (conventional dewaxing operates at low temperatures to remove wax) to particle size-based selection. By using a filter with specifically controlled pore sizes (0.01 to 1 micron), the process selectively removes haze-forming wax particles regardless of temperature, thereby reducing haze formation while maintaining low pour point achieved through conventional dewaxing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the harmful component (haze-forming wax particles) from the base stock using a filtration system. The filter media with controlled pore sizes physically removes these particles from the oil, separating them from the lubricating oil base stock that contains the desired long-chain paraffins for low pour point performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If severe dewaxing or adsorption processes are applied to remove haze, then haze is reduced, but processing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a disposable or regenerable filter element with controlled pore sizes as a simple, cost-effective solution. Rather than implementing complex severe dewaxing or adsorption processes, the filter acts as a straightforward physical barrier that removes haze particles, significantly reducing processing complexity and operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter media serves as an intermediary component between the base stock and the final product. It physically intercepts and removes haze-forming wax particles through its controlled pore structure, providing a simple and effective haze removal mechanism without requiring complex chemical or thermal processes.
3Quantity of substance
If filter cloth media is used in solvent dewaxing, then some wax is removed, but haze precursors with dimensions of 0.01 to 1 micron pass through due to insufficient filtration precision
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the filtration precision parameter by specifying controlled pore sizes (0.01 to 1 micron) in the filter media. This precise control over pore dimensions enables the filter to capture haze precursors with dimensions of 0.01 to 1 micron, which would pass through conventional filter cloth media, thereby achieving both effective wax removal and high filtration precision.
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 process effectively reduces haze in base stocks to the point where they appear clear and bright at ambient temperature, maintaining clarity for several days to months, and prevents filter clogging, enhancing the quality and usability of lubricating oils.
Implementation Method 1
filtering the haze producing wax out of the base stock using a filter characterized by a high surface area of at least 0.5 m2/g to up to 100 m2/g and pores of from 0.2 to 50 microns
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a process for removing waxy haze from and improving the filterability of base stocks including heavy mineral oil base stocks, gas-to-liquids (GTL) and hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized waxy feed basestocks by filtering the waxy haze causing particles out of the base stock employing a filter characterized by a high surface area of pores accessible to the haze wax particles which have particles dimensions of no more than about 5 microns.