Diesel-Based Asphaltene Dissolution Composition

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Solution Overview

Problem

The oil industry faces significant challenges with the deposition of heavy organic compounds like asphaltenes, maltenes, and waxes in crude petroleum production and processing, leading to costly maintenance and lost production revenues due to their insolubility in conventional solvents and the environmental and health hazards associated with aromatic solvents used for dissolution.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising oxyalkylated tertiary dodecyl mercaptan, alkylaryl sulfonic acid or its salts, and a hydrocarbon distillate is used to chemically liquefy and disperse heavy organic solids, preventing re-deposition and extending the stability of these compounds in hydrocarbon streams, which can be diluted with available hydrocarbon base liquids for on-site application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If aromatic solvents like xylene and toluene are used to dissolve asphaltenes, then dissolution effectiveness is improved, but environmental and health hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedissolution effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental and health hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the solvent system by formulating a specialized diesel oil composition with specific additive packages that alter the dissolution mechanism, achieving effective asphaltene dissolution without relying on hazardous aromatic solvents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive and hazardous aromatic solvents with a more economical and environmentally friendly diesel oil-based composition, sacrificing some traditional solvent properties but gaining in safety and cost-effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If conventional solvents are used to remove heavy organic solids, then removal capability is limited, but the problem of insolubility persists

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval capabilityVSAvoidinsolubility of heavy organics

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite chemical composition consisting of diesel oil as the base combined with specific additives (surfactants, dispersants, and other functional chemicals) to create a synergistic effect that overcomes the insolubility of heavy organic solids

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces intermediary substances (surfactants and dispersants) that act as mediators between the diesel oil and heavy organic solids, facilitating dissolution and stabilization that neither component could achieve alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If mechanical cleaning methods are used to remove asphaltene deposits, then removal effectiveness is poor, but additional cleaning operations are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning operations required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical cleaning methods with a chemical dissolution system, substituting physical removal mechanisms with chemical reactions and solvation processes that effectively dissolve and stabilize asphaltene deposits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If dispersants are used to prevent asphaltene precipitation, then prevention effectiveness is partial, but stability in broad applications is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention effectivenessVSAvoidstability in broad applications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a multi-functional composition that not only prevents asphaltene precipitation but also dissolves existing deposits, stabilizes the crude oil under varying conditions, and provides corrosion inhibition, making it universally effective across diverse application scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 significantly enhances the dissolution rate and stability of heavy organic solids, reducing fouling in equipment and pipelines, minimizing maintenance costs, and allowing for extended use of petroleum process operations with reduced production losses and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

A composition is provided for chemically liquefying and dispersing heavy organic solids in hydrocarbon streams

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

The composition comprises oxyalkylated tertiary dodecyl mercaptan; alkylaryl sulfonic acid or its representative salts; alkyl di-substituted 9-decenamide; and a hydrocarbon distillate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Data Source

PatentUS10781378B2Compositions and methods for dissolution of heavy organic compounds

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 FQE CHEM INC

AI summary

A composition is provided for chemically liquefying and dispersing heavy organic solids in hydrocarbon streams. The composition comprises oxyalkylated tertiary dodecyl mercaptan; alkylaryl sulfonic acid or its representative salts; alkyl di-substituted 9-decenamide; and a hydrocarbon distillate.