Polymeric Additives for Haze Reduction in GTL Base Stocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base stocks exhibit haze formation at ambient temperatures, which is difficult to address with conventional wax removal techniques and results in reduced product quality and potential filter clogging, requiring additional processing steps that reduce yield.
Innovation Solution
The addition of specific polymeric additives, such as those described in the patent, to GTL base stocks and oils with high kinematic viscosity, which effectively reduces haze formation to levels below 2.0 NTU at 20°C ± 1°C for extended periods, maintaining a clear and bright appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional wax removal techniques (solvent dewaxing or catalytic dewaxing) are used to reduce pour point and cloud point, then low temperature flow properties are improved, but haze formation at ambient temperatures increases
Solution Approach 1:
A polymeric additive is introduced as an intermediary substance to bind with wax precursors and prevent their aggregation into visible haze. The polymer acts as a mediator between the wax molecules and the oil matrix, keeping wax in a dispersed, non-visible state while maintaining low pour point achieved by conventional dewaxing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the system by adding polymeric compounds with specific molecular weights and structures (e.g., polyacrylates, polymethacrylates with Mn 10,000-1,000,000). These parameter changes enable the system to maintain both low pour point and reduced haze through the polymer's ability to interact with wax molecules.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If additional processing steps are applied to reduce haze in GTL base stocks, then haze formation is reduced, but production yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric additive is introduced early in the processing sequence, preferably during or immediately after the dewaxing step. This preliminary action prevents haze formation before it becomes a problem, eliminating the need for subsequent severe processing steps like adsorption or re-dewaxing that would reduce yield.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer serves as an intermediary that resolves the haze issue without requiring additional material removal steps. By chemically interacting with wax precursors, the polymer enables haze control while preserving the majority of the base stock that would otherwise be lost in additional processing.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If severe processing steps are used to eliminate haze, then haze formation is reduced, but product quality and yield are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric additive acts as a gentle intermediary that controls haze through molecular interaction rather than severe physical or chemical processing. This approach maintains product quality by avoiding the harsh conditions of adsorption, re-dewaxing, or other severe treatments that could degrade the base stock.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves haze control through controlled parameter changes by selecting polymers with specific characteristics (molecular weight, structure, composition) rather than applying severe processing. This enables quality maintenance while achieving the desired haze reduction.
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 use of these polymeric additives significantly mitigates ambient temperature haze in GTL base stocks, ensuring a clear and bright appearance for at least 13 days, and up to 90 days or longer, while maintaining the desired viscosity and pour point characteristics without the need for severe processing steps that reduce yield.
Implementation Method 1
The haze precursors are wax types which are more difficult to remove than are the waxes typically associated with pour point and cloud point
Data Source
AI summary
Haze formation in heavy Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base stock is mitigated by the addition to said GTL base stock of one or more particular additives.