Phosphorous-Free Oil-Soluble Molybdenum Complexes for Fouling Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fouling in petroleum and gas production and refining processes leads to equipment inefficiencies and downtime due to the deposition of foulants like coke and asphaltenes, causing heat transfer losses and metallurgy deformation issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of sulfur-containing molybdenum complexes as anti-foulants, formulated with oxygen, nitrogen, or carbon-containing ligands, to inhibit the deposition of foulants on process equipment surfaces by passivating the metal surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional anti-foulants are used, then foulant deposition is reduced, but phosphorus content increases causing environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by eliminating phosphorus from the anti-foulant formulation and using sulfur-containing molybdenum complexes instead. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining foulant inhibition effectiveness while removing the harmful phosphorus component that causes environmental pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs readily available sulfur-containing molybdenum complexes that can be easily introduced into the hydrocarbon stream without requiring complex delivery systems. These complexes serve as effective anti-foulants during their operational lifespan and can be discarded or degraded without environmental harm, replacing the need for persistent phosphorus-based compounds.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sulfur-containing molybdenum complexes are introduced, then foulant deposition is inhibited, but complex formulation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sulfur-containing molybdenum complexes serve multiple functions: they act as anti-foulants by inhibiting coke and asphaltene deposition, and the sulfur component provides additional chemical stability and reactivity control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate additive packages, simplifying the overall formulation despite the complexity of the individual complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent standardizes the complex formulation by specifying clear structural parameters for the molybdenum complex (Formula I with defined ligands and coordination geometry). This parameter standardization simplifies the formulation process by providing precise structural guidelines rather than requiring empirical optimization of multiple variables.
3Productivity
If high temperature processes are used, then production efficiency increases, but foulant formation accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The sulfur-containing molybdenum complexes perform preliminary anti-action by passivating metal surfaces and reacting with reactive hydrocarbon species before they can polymerize and form foulants. This preemptive action allows the system to operate at high temperatures for improved productivity while preventing the acceleration of foulant formation that would otherwise occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The molybdenum complex acts as an intermediary substance between the high temperature process conditions and the hydrocarbon stream. It mediates the interaction by providing alternative reaction pathways that consume reactive species without leading to foulant formation, thereby enabling high temperature operation without proportional increases in foulant generation.
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
Reduces foulant deposition by up to 100% on treated process equipment, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing maintenance downtime.
Implementation Method 1
to inhibit the deposition of foulants on process equipment surfaces by passivating the metal surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are sulfur-containing molybdenum complexes used in compositions and methods for inhibiting or reducing the deposition of foulant on equipment.