Use of alkanesulfonic acids as asphaltene-dispersing agents

US5925233A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Clariant Corporation · DE

Inventors

• Dennis Miller · Kelkheim, DE
• Axel Boris Vollmer · Kriftel, DE
• Michael Feustel · Kelkheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 14, 1997
• Grant date: Jul 20, 1999
• Expiry date: Oct 14, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C09K8/524
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of secondary alkanesulphonic acids as asphaltene dispersing agent in crude oils and products derived therefrom, wherein a chain length of 8 to 22 C atoms is present. The secondary alkanesulfonic acids are employed in an amount of from 1 to 10,000 ppm by volume. The alkanesulfonic acid is preferably formulated as a solution or microemulsion, and can further contain optional alkyl-formaldehyde resin, oxyalkylated amines, or wax-dispersing agents. The alkanesulfonic acids provide reduced precipitate amounts, slow the rate of precipitate formation, form a more finely divided precipitate and reduce the tendency of the precipitate to be deposited on surfaces.