Method of using high molecular weight demulsifiers
US7018957B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10G33/04
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Homopolymers and copolymers of an esterified reaction product of an epoxidized mono-hydroxyl alcohol and a free radical polymerizable monomer are highly effective demulsifying agents. The molecular weight of the polymer is between from about 10,000 to about 500,000. The epoxidized mono-hydroxyl alcohol is preferably a reaction product of a C6–C30 linear or branched alcohol and an alkylene oxide. The alkylene oxide is preferably either ethylene oxide, propylene oxide or butylenes oxide or a mixture thereof. The free radical polymerizable monomer is preferably a vinyl aromatic compound or an acrylic or methacrylic based monomer. The polymer preferably comprises a micellar assembly. Such polymers are highly effective in demulsifying crude oils having API gravities of from 8 to 28 or a crude oil having a viscosity between from about 3 to about 10,000 CPS @ at 25° C.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.