Addition of high molecular weight naphthenic tetra-acids to crude oils to reduce whole crude oil fouling
AssigneeExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
InventorsSteven W. LEVINE, Glen B. Brons, George A. Lutz, Daniel P. Leta, Clifford C. Walters
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Abstract
High molecular weight naphthenic tetra-acids are added to a base crude oil to prevent and/or reduce fouling of crude oil refinery equipment. The method includes adding an effective amount of a high molecular weight naphthenic tetra-acid to the base crude oil to form a crude oil mixture and feeding the crude oil mixture to a crude oil refinery component. Particularly, the high molecular weight naphthenic tetra-acids include ARN acids.
Claims35
A method for reducing fouling in a crude oil refinery component, comprising:
- providing a base crude oil;
- providing a high molecular weight naphthenic tetra-acid;
- adding an effective amount of the high molecular weight naphthenic tetra-acid to the base crude oil to form a crude oil mixture;
- and
- feeding the crude oil mixture to a crude oil refinery component.
A method for on-line cleaning of a fouled crude oil refinery component, comprising:
- operating a fouled crude oil refinery component;
- and
- feeding a crude oil mixture to the fouled crude oil refinery component, the crude oil mixture comprising:
- a base crude oil;
- and
- an effective amount of a high molecular weight naphthenic tetra-acid.
A system capable of experiencing fouling conditions associated with particulate or asphaltene fouling, comprising:
- at least one crude oil refinery component;
- a mixture in fluid communication with the at least one crude oil refinery component, the mixture including a base crude oil and an effective amount of a high molecular weight naphthenic tetra-acid.
A crude oil with increased fouling mitigation, comprising:
- a base crude oil;
- and
- an effective amount of a high molecular weight naphthenic tetra-acid.
A process for making a crude oil with increased fouling mitigation or on-line cleaning effects, comprising:
- providing a base crude oil;
- and
- adding an effective amount of a high molecular weight naphthenic tetra-acid to the base crude oil to form a crude oil mixture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.