Molybdenum Anti-Foulant Complexes for High-Temperature Process Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fouling in petroleum and gas production and refining processes leads to equipment degradation, efficiency loss, and increased maintenance costs due to the deposition of foulants like coke and asphaltene on heated surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The use of molybdenum-containing complexes, such as molybdenum dithiophosphates and dithiocarbamates, as anti-foulants to inhibit the deposition of foulants on process equipment surfaces by coating and passivating the metal surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anti-foulant methods are used, then some fouling inhibition is achieved, but effectiveness at high temperatures (above 500°F) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using molybdenum complexes with specific ligand structures (Formulae I-IV) that are thermally stable at high temperatures. The complex includes molybdenum bonded to sulfur and oxygen from dithiophosphate and dithiocarbamate ligands, creating a composition that maintains anti-foulant effectiveness above 500°F where conventional organic anti-foulants decompose.
2Productivity
If process equipment is operated continuously, then productivity is maintained, but foulant deposition increases leading to efficiency loss
Solution Approach 1:
The molybdenum complex composition is introduced into the hydrocarbon stream before the hydrocarbon contacts the process equipment surfaces. The composition proactively inhibits foulant formation and deposition as it occurs during continuous operation, preventing the buildup that would otherwise lead to heat transfer losses and require shutdowns for cleaning.
3Reliability
If process equipment is shut down frequently for cleaning, then fouling is removed, but production time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The molybdenum complex composition enables continuous anti-foulant protection during ongoing hydrocarbon processing operations. The composition remains active in the fluid stream, continuously preventing foulant deposition on equipment surfaces throughout the production cycle, eliminating the need for intermittent shutdowns for cleaning maintenance.
4Reliability
If conventional anti-foulant compositions are used, then some protection is provided, but they decompose at high temperatures reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite chemical structure consisting of a molybdenum central atom bonded to dithiophosphate and dithiocarbamate ligands through sulfur and oxygen atoms. This composite molecular structure combines the thermal stability of molybdenum-sulfur-oxygen bonding with the anti-foulant properties of the organic ligands, maintaining effectiveness at temperatures above 500°F where conventional organic anti-foulants decompose.
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
Significantly reduces foulant deposition by up to 100% on treated equipment surfaces, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing maintenance downtime.
Implementation Method 1
coating and passivating the metal surfaces
Implementation Method 2
molybdenum-containing complex comprising at least one molybdenum-containing complex having the formula selected from Formula I, II, III, or IV
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are molybdenum-containing complexes used in compositions and methods for inhibiting or reducing the deposition of foulant on equipment.