Novel Inhibitor Compositions and Methods of Use

Abstract

The invention concerns a formulation and method which allow for the efficient delivery of antipolymerants of low solubility into processes for the production of ethylenically unsaturated monomers, and associated process streams, and which avoid the potential health and safety problems and economic disadvantages which are associated with the methods of the prior art and facilitate the safe and efficient production of these monomers. Specifically, the invention provides an antipolymerant composition for the prevention of unwanted polymerisation reactions during the production and processing of ethylenically unsaturated compounds, the composition comprising a concentrated liquid formulation, wherein said concentrated liquid formulation is a suspension concentrate which comprises: (a) at least one compound selected from the group comprising phenols, quinones, thiazines, hydroxylamines and aromatic amines; (b) at least one dispersing agent; and (c) at least one polar or non-polar liquid carrier. Optionally the composition additionally comprises at least one stable free radical compound, typically a nitroxyl compound, and/or at least one thickening agent and/or at least one preservative agent.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.