Refinery Antifoulant Composition for Asphaltene Deposition Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asphalt and asphaltene components in crude oils cause fouling in pipelines and heat transfer surfaces, leading to efficiency decreases and clogging issues in refining processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of antifoulant compositions comprising nonylphenol formaldehyde ethylenediamine, ethoxylated nonylphenol, and phosphonothioic acid ester combinations to inhibit fouling by dispersing foulants and preventing their deposition on equipment surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antifoulant compositions are added to crude oil to prevent fouling, then heat transfer efficiency is improved and clogging is prevented, but the complexity of the chemical composition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite antifoulant compositions combining multiple chemical components (nonylphenol formaldehyde ethylenediamine, ethoxylated nonylphenol, and phosphonothioic acid ester) to achieve superior fouling prevention performance. This composite approach allows each component to contribute specific protective functions, improving heat transfer efficiency and preventing clogging while managing the complexity through synergistic chemical interactions.
2Productivity
If antifoulant compositions are used to disperse foulants, then fouling is reduced, but the cost of chemical additives increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of the antifoulant components within specific ranges (nonylphenol formaldehyde ethylenediamine: 1-50 wt%, ethoxylated nonylphenol: 1-40 wt%, phosphonothioic acid ester: 1-60 wt%) to achieve effective fouling prevention at economical concentrations. This parameter optimization ensures productive fouling control while minimizing chemical additive costs through efficient dosing.
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 antifoulant compositions effectively reduce fouling in refinery components by maintaining foulant dispersion, thereby enhancing heat transfer efficiency and preventing clogging.
Implementation Method 1
The antifoulant composition comprises a combination of a nonylphenol formaldehyde ethylenediamine and an ethoxylated nonylphenol, a combination of a nonylphenol formaldehyde ethylenediamine and a phosphonothioic acid ester, or a combination of an ethoxylated nonylphenol and a phosphonothioic acid ester... effectively reduce fouling in refinery components by maintaining foulant dispersion
Data Source
AI summary
Antifoulant compositions and methods of using the compositions to control fouling are provided herein. The compositions may be added to a medium, such as crude oil or a crude oil fraction. The medium may include a foulant, such as an asphaltene, and the compositions and methods provided herein are capable of dispersing the foulant, such that fouling of equipment in connection with the medium is minimized.