Paraffin Inhibitor Concentrate Low-Temperature Flowability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Paraffin inhibitor concentrates (PICs) used in crude oil transportation and storage become solid at low temperatures, leading to dispensing and usage issues, and the addition of low-boiling solvents like methanol increases vapor pressure at higher temperatures, posing a separate problem.
Innovation Solution
A nonpolymeric glycol ether compound is used in combination with paraffin inhibitors to create a stable, flowable liquid PIC that remains effective from -40°C to 60°C, preventing solidification and minimizing vapor pressure issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If low-boiling solvents like methanol are added to prevent PIC solidification at low temperatures, then the flowability at low temperature is improved, but the vapor pressure increases at higher temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing low-boiling solvents (methanol) with high-boiling solvents having specific properties (vapor pressure less than 20 mmHg at 60°C, boiling point greater than 100°C). This parameter substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining low-temperature flowability while eliminating the harmful high-temperature vapor pressure effect.
2Productivity
If paraffin inhibitor concentrate is used to prevent paraffin wax deposition, then the efficiency of crude oil transportation is improved, but the PIC solidifies at low temperatures causing dispensing problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical state parameters of the PIC by selecting solvents with specific boiling points (>100°C) and vapor pressures (<20 mmHg at 60°C). These parameter changes ensure the PIC remains liquid and pumpable at low temperatures (down to -40°C) while maintaining the paraffin inhibition function for efficient transportation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the PIC formulation uses conventional solvents to maintain stability, then the chemical stability is improved, but the dispensing reliability fails in severe cold weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the solvent system by specifying high-boiling solvents (boiling point >100°C) with low vapor pressure ( <20 mmHg at 60°C). This parameter selection ensures both chemical stability through proper solvation and dispensing reliability in cold weather by preventing solidification down to -40°C.
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 solution ensures that paraffin inhibitor concentrates remain stable and flowable across a wide temperature range, enhancing the efficiency of crude oil transportation and storage by preventing paraffin wax deposition and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
A nonpolymeric glycol ether compound is used in combination with paraffin inhibitors to create a stable, flowable liquid PIC that remains effective from -40°C to 60°C, preventing solidification
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are compositions including up to 20 wt % of a paraffin inhibiting polymer and one or more non-polymeric glycol ether compounds, wherein the compositions are stable and flow at a temperature between about 0° C. and −40° C., in many cases between about −20° C. and −40° C. The glycol ether compounds are non-polymeric, are liquids at 20° C. (1 atm) and have boiling points over 100° C., in many cases over 200° C. The compositions are useful paraffin inhibitor concentrates for use in the petroleum industry wherein the concentrates are stable, pumpable, and pourable at temperatures as low as −40° C. and as high as 60° C.