Polymer Additives for Cold Flow Improvement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymer additives for improving the cold flow properties of crude oils and their derivatives often face issues with phase separation, inadequate flowability at low temperatures, and reduced efficacy due to high pour points and gel formation, requiring significant dilution or heating for use.
Innovation Solution
The development of polymer compositions through free-radical polymerization of mixtures of alkyl (meth)acrylates derived from linear C16-C40 fatty alcohols and singly branched C12-C40 alcohols, combined with ethylene-vinyl ester copolymers, which are free-flowing at temperatures below 10°C and maintain performance over prolonged periods without the need for heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymer additives are used to improve cold flow properties, then pour point is lowered and paraffin dispersion is improved, but phase separation occurs and gel formation reduces efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer and poly(alkyl (meth)acrylate) into a single additive composition. The ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer provides paraffin modification through cocrystallization, while poly(alkyl (meth)acrylate) with linear alkyl radicals (C18-C36) provides pour point depression. This merging of two polymer systems into one composition prevents phase separation and maintains stability while delivering both paraffin inhibition and flow improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite polymer additive system where ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer and poly(alkyl (meth)acrylate) work synergistically. The composite structure allows the two polymers to maintain compatibility through specific molecular characteristics (linear alkyl chains matching n-paraffin dimensions), preventing phase separation while providing enhanced cold flow performance compared to individual polymers.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If polymer concentrates are stored and handled at low temperatures, then heating requirements are reduced, but flowability deteriorates due to high pour points and gel formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular parameters of the polymer additive by selecting poly(alkyl (meth)acrylate) with linear alkyl radicals of C18-C36 chain length. This parameter selection matches the dimensions of n-paraffin molecules, enabling effective interaction that depresses pour point to below -50°C. The linear structure prevents gel formation while maintaining low-temperature flowability, eliminating the need for heating during storage and handling.
3Reliability
If linear alkyl radicals with 18 or more carbon atoms are used in poly(alkyl (meth)acrylates), then paraffin inhibition efficacy is improved, but compatibility with ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer deteriorates causing phase separation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by specifying that only a portion of the poly(alkyl (meth)acrylate) chains (20-80% by weight) contain the linear C18-C36 alkyl radicals necessary for paraffin inhibition. The remaining portions can have different structures that enhance compatibility with ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer. This localized optimization of chain structure allows both high efficacy and stability.
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
These polymer compositions effectively lower the pour point and improve paraffin dispersion in crude and residue oils, maintaining flowability and stability at low temperatures, thus simplifying handling and storage without the need for heating or significant dilution.
Implementation Method 1
In the case of the ethylene copolymers, cocrystallization with paraffins proceeds via the poly(ethylene) sequences of the main chain
Implementation Method 2
at least some of the alkyl acrylate monomers are grafted here onto the ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer
Implementation Method 3
free-radical polymerization of mixtures of alkyl (meth)acrylates derived from linear C16-C40 fatty alcohols and singly branched C12-C40 alcohols, combined with ethylene-vinyl ester copolymers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a polymer composition that can be obtained by means of the free radical polymerisation of A) 95-40 wt. % of alkyl (meth)acrylate containing Ai) 20-95 wt. % of at least one alkyl (meth)acrylate with 16 to 40 C-atoms in the alcohol group, and Aii) 5-80 wt. % of at least one (meth)acrylic acid ester of a C8-C22 alcohol carrying a C6-C20 alkyl group in the 2-position relative to the hydroxyl group, in the presence of B) 5-60 wt. % ethylene copolymer. The invention also relates to a method for producing same and to the use of same as a flow improver for mineral oils and mineral oil distillates.