Paraffin Wax Dispersant Composition for Low-Temperature Hydrocarbon Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Paraffin wax deposits in hydrocarbon fluids cause equipment agglomeration and efficiency reductions during production, transport, and storage, with existing paraffin inhibitors often ineffective at low temperatures or impractical for downhole application.
Innovation Solution
A paraffin wax dispersant composition comprising a sorbitol-based compound, a quaternary ammonium compound, monoethanolamine, and alkyl benzene sulfonic acid, with optional 2-mercaptoethanol, which maintains stability and effectiveness down to -40°C, preventing wax formation and deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paraffin inhibitors are introduced downhole to prevent wax formation, then wax deposition is prevented, but the method is not always possible or effective at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the dispersant system by using a synergistic combination of multiple compounds (polyol, carboxylic acid, amine, and optionally sulfur compound) rather than a single inhibitor. This compositional parameter change enables the system to maintain effectiveness across a broader temperature range including low temperatures where conventional single-component inhibitors fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite dispersant system combining multiple chemical components with different functions: polyol for base protection, carboxylic acid for wax interaction, amine for stability enhancement, and optional sulfur compounds for low-temperature performance. This composite approach allows the system to achieve reliable wax prevention across varying temperature conditions that single-component inhibitors cannot handle.
2Productivity
If paraffin wax dispersants are added to prevent deposition, then equipment efficiency is maintained, but dispersant activity decreases under winterizing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The amine component acts as an intermediary that stabilizes the interaction between the carboxylic acid and paraffin wax at low temperatures. The sulfur compound optionally present in the system serves as another intermediary that enhances the dispersant's activity in winterizing conditions by modifying the chemical environment, ensuring the dispersant remains effective when temperatures drop.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the dispersant system by incorporating compounds that remain chemically active at low temperatures. The specific ratio and selection of polyol, carboxylic acid, amine, and sulfur compounds are optimized to maintain dispersant activity and stability under winterizing conditions, preventing the activity decrease that occurs with conventional dispersants.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If hydrocarbon fluids are kept above wax appearance temperature, then wax deposition is avoided, but production and transport costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the naturally occurring paraffin wax, which would otherwise be harmful as a deposit, into a dispersed and stabilized component within the hydrocarbon fluid. The dispersant system transforms the wax from a problematic solid deposit into a controlled dispersion that can be transported without causing equipment fouling, eliminating the need for costly heating while maintaining operational efficiency.
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 dispersant composition effectively prevents paraffin wax formation and deposition in hydrocarbon fluids at low temperatures, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs by maintaining fluid mobility and clarity.
Implementation Method 1
A paraffin wax dispersant composition comprises or consists of a sorbitol-based compound, a quaternary ammonium compound, monoethanolamine, and alkyl benzene sulfonic acid
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes introducing a paraffin wax dispersant composition to a hydrocarbon fluid. Another method includes storing or transporting a hydrocarbon fluid in or through a vessel, wherein the hydrocarbon fluid contains the paraffin wax dispersant composition. The paraffin wax dispersant composition can include a sorbitol-based compound, a quaternary ammonium compound, monoethanolamine, and alkyl benzene sulfonic acid in excess relative to the monoethanolamine. Alternatively, the paraffin wax dispersant composition can include a sorbitol-based compound, a quaternary ammonium compound, monoethanolamine, alkyl benzene sulfonic acid, and 2-mercaptoethanol, where monoethanolamine is in excess relative to the alkyl benzene sulfonic acid. A mixture can include the hydrocarbon fluid and the paraffin wax dispersant composition.