Olefin Oligomer Sulfonation for Tailored Surfactants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing surfactants and lubricating oil additives lack efficiency in tailoring physical and mechanical properties, which are crucial for specific commercial applications such as enhanced oil recovery and lubrication, due to limitations in oligomerization and functionalization processes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves oligomerizing C3 to C6 mono-olefins to form olefin oligomers and subsequently functionalizing them with sulfonation, alkylation, or ethylenically saturated carboxylic acid groups to create alpha olefin sulfonates, internal olefin sulfonates, succinimide dispersants, and other functionalized compounds suitable for various commercial applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional methods are used to produce surfactants and lubricating oil additives, then the production process is simple, but the ability to tailor physical and mechanical properties for specific applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying oligomerization conditions (temperature, pressure, catalyst type, monomer ratio) and functionalization parameters (sulfonation degree, alkylation position, carboxylic acid saturation) to tailor the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting olefin oligomers for specific commercial applications such as enhanced oil recovery and lubrication
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functionalization methods are employed to create different surfactant and additive types, then product versatility increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent demonstrates universality by showing that a single olefin oligomerization platform can produce multiple types of surfactants and additives through different functionalization pathways, including alpha olefin sulfonates, internal olefin sulfonates, succinimide dispersants, and detergent additives, each suitable for different commercial applications
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
This approach enables the production of surfactants and additives with tailored properties, enhancing their performance in enhanced oil recovery, lubrication, and other applications by optimizing their molecular structure and functional groups.
Implementation Method 1
oligomerizing a monomer comprising a C3 to C6 mono-olefin to form an oligomerization product
Implementation Method 2
sulfonating the oligomerization product
Implementation Method 3
functionalizing the oligomerization product with an ethylenically saturated carboxylic acid group
Implementation Method 4
alkylating a hydroxyaromatic compound with the oligomerization product
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method of treating a hydrocarbon-containing reservoir. The method involves introducing into the reservoir a surfactant composition. The surfactant composition includes an alpha olefin sulfonate or an isomerized olefin sulfonate. The alpha olefin sulfonate or the isomerized olefin sulfonate is synthesized by i) oligomerizing a monomer comprising a C3 to C6 mono-olefin to form an oligomerization product and ii) sulfonating the oligomerization product.