U.S. patent application number 11/911688 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-31 for turbine fuel composition exhibiting improved cold properties.
This patent application is currently assigned to BASF Aktiengesellschaft. Invention is credited to Wolfgang Ahlers, Frank-Olaf Mahling, Thomas Pfeiffer, Dietmar Posselt.
Application Number | 20080178523 11/911688 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36617343 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080178523 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ahlers; Wolfgang ; et
al. |
July 31, 2008 |
Turbine Fuel Composition Exhibiting Improved Cold Properties
Abstract
The invention relates to the use of polymers which comprise, in
copolymerized form, an .alpha.-olefin, an alkenyl ester of a
carboxylic acid and an ester of an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated
carboxylic acid as an additive for turbine fuels and in particular
as a cold flow improver for turbine fuels, to the turbine fuels
additized with these polymers, and to additive packets comprising
such copolymers.
Inventors: |
Ahlers; Wolfgang;
(Lambsheim, DE) ; Mahling; Frank-Olaf; (Mannheim,
DE) ; Pfeiffer; Thomas; (Bohl-Iggelheim, DE) ;
Posselt; Dietmar; (Heidelberg, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
BASF Aktiengesellschaft
Ludwigshafen
DE
|
Family ID: |
36617343 |
Appl. No.: |
11/911688 |
Filed: |
April 13, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
April 13, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP06/03428 |
371 Date: |
October 16, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
44/388 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C10L 1/1973 20130101;
C10L 10/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
44/388 |
International
Class: |
C10L 1/18 20060101
C10L001/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 18, 2005 |
EP |
05008420.1 |
Sep 28, 2005 |
EP |
05021172.1 |
Claims
1-16. (canceled)
17: An additive for turbine fuels comprising a polymer which is
composed of monomers comprising M1, M2 and, optionally, M3 where
M1, M2 and M3 have the following general formulae: ##STR00005## in
which R.sup.1 is H or C.sub.1-C.sub.40-hydrocarbyl; R.sup.2,
R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each independently H or
C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl; R.sup.5 is unsubstituted
C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl or, in the case that the polymer does not
comprise monomer M3 in copolymerized form, is unsubstituted
C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl; R.sup.6, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 are each
independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl; and R.sup.9 is methyl or
ethyl.
18: The additive according to claim 17, wherein the polymer
comprises, in copolymerized form, the monomers M1, M2 and,
optionally, M3 in random distribution.
19: The additive according to claim 17, wherein the monomers M1, M2
and M3 are present in the following molar fractions in the polymer:
M1: from 0.60 to 0.99 M2: from 0.01 to 0.40 M3: 0 to 0.20.
20: The additive according to claim 17, wherein monomer M1 is
ethylene.
21: The additive according to claim 17, wherein R.sup.2, R.sup.3
and R.sup.4 are each H or two of the R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4
radicals are each H and the other radical is methyl.
22: The additive according to claim 17, wherein R.sup.5 is
C.sub.8-C.sub.2-alkyl.
23: The additive according to claim 22, wherein R.sup.5 is
2-ethylhexyl or lauryl.
24: The additive according to claim 17, wherein M2 is 2-ethylhexyl
acrylate or lauryl acrylate.
25: The additive according to claim 17, wherein M3 is vinyl
acetate.
26: The additive according to claim 17, wherein the polymer is used
as a cold flow improver.
27: The additive according to claim 26, wherein the polymer
decreases the pour point of the turbine fuel mixed therewith.
28: A turbine fuel composition comprising a major proportion by
weight of a turbine fuel and a minor proportion by weight of at
least one additive as defined in claim 17.
29: The composition according to claim 17, wherein the polymer is
used in combination with additional turbine fuel additives.
30: An additive package comprising at least one polymer as defined
in claim 17 in combination with at least one additional turbine
fuel additive and, optionally, at least one diluent.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to the use of polymers which comprise,
in copolymerized form, an .alpha.-olefin, an ester of an
.alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid and, if appropriate, an
alkenyl ester of a carboxylic acid as an additive for turbine fuels
and in particular as a cold flow improver for turbine fuels, to the
turbine fuels additized with these polymers, and to additive
packages comprising such copolymers.
STATE OF THE ART
[0002] Turbine fuels, which are also known as aviation turbine
fuels, jet fuels, aviation fuels or turbo fuels, have to satisfy
high demands on their cold properties owing to their use in
aviation and the associated temperature conditions. For instance,
the freezing point of the turbine fuel has to be sufficiently low
that the fuel flow is not impaired under the temperature conditions
prevailing at great heights and also passes through fuel filters
without difficulty. In the case of turbine fuels, the freezing
point refers to that temperature at which precipitated hydrocarbon
crystals which have formed by cooling beforehand dissolve again
fully. Depending on the field of use, the freezing point in civil
and military aviation must not exceed -40.degree. C. or about
-50.degree. C. When the temperature goes below the freezing point,
relatively long-chain paraffins crystallize out and form large,
platelet-shaped wax crystals. These wax crystals have a spongelike
structure and lead to inclusion of other fuel constituents in the
crystal structure. The occurrence of these crystals leads to the
fuel being able to pass only slowly through small orifices and
filters. Moreover, the viscosity of the fuel increases, as a result
of which the fuel flow is worsened. At temperatures below the pour
point (PP), the fuel finally no longer flows.
[0003] At present, the freezing point of turbine fuels is adjusted
in particular by distillative measures in the refineries, for
example by the reduction of the proportion of high boiler fractions
which also comprise wax fractions. However, a disadvantage in this
context is the resulting increasing cost of the turbine fuel.
[0004] Chemical measures for freezing point depression are also
known. For instance, EP-A-1357168 describes a turbine fuel
composition which, in addition to a turbine fuel, comprises one of
the following additives: copolymers of ethylene with at least one
unsaturated ester which is selected from vinyl esters having at
least 5 carbon atoms, alkyl(meth)acrylates, dialkyl fumarates and
dialkyl maleates; ethylene/alkene copolymers; ethylene/vinyl
acetate copolymers comprising less than 15 mol % of vinyl acetate;
nucleators; waxes; alkylphenol/formaldehyde condensates; comb
polymers; and organic nitrogen compounds. These additives are
intended to keep turbine fuels additized therewith free-flowing
even below the freezing point specified in their specification.
[0005] WO 01/62874 describes a composition which, in addition to a
turbine fuel, comprises additives which are selected from the
reaction products of alkanolamines with long-chain-substituted
acylating agents; phenol/aldehyde condensates; specific aromatic
systems; and ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers. These additives are
intended to lower the freezing point of the turbine fuel additized
therewith.
[0006] DE 1250188 describes copolymers of ethylene and an acrylic
ester with at least 7 carbon atoms in the ester molecule, which is
said to lower the pour point of heating oils, diesel fuels and jet
fuels. In the examples, however, no jet fuels are used.
[0007] There is therefore still a need for additives which further
improve the cold properties of turbine fuels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It was accordingly an object of the present invention to
provide novel additives of this type.
[0009] Surprisingly, this object is achieved by virtue of the
unexpected observation that polymers which comprise, in
copolymerized form, an .alpha.-olefin, an ester of an
.alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid and, if appropriate, an
alkenyl carboxylate improve the cold properties, in particular the
cold flow properties, of turbine fuels and also have better
performance than the ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers described in
the prior art.
[0010] The invention accordingly relates firstly to the use of a
polymer which comprises, in copolymerized form, an .alpha.-olefin,
an ester of an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid and, if
appropriate, an alkenyl ester of a carboxylic acid as an additive
for turbine fuels. In particular, the polymers used comprise, in
copolymerized form, the ester of the .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated
carboxylic acid and the alkenyl ester present if appropriate, in
random distribution. The polymer is preferably a binary polymer
which is composed substantially of the .alpha.-olefin and the ester
of an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid, or is
alternatively preferably a terpolymer which is composed
substantially of the three aforementioned monomers.
[0011] Preference is given to using polymers which are composed of
monomers comprising the monomers M1, M2 and, if appropriate, M3,
where M1, M2 and M3 have the following general formulae
##STR00001##
in which R.sup.1 is H or C.sub.1-C.sub.40-hydrocarbyl; R.sup.2,
R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each independently H or
C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl; R.sup.5 is C.sub.1-C.sub.20-hydrocarbyl;
R.sup.6, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 are each independently H or
C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl; and R.sup.9 is
C.sub.1-C.sub.19-hydrocarbyl.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Unless stated otherwise, the following general definitions
apply in the context of the present invention:
[0013] C.sub.1-C.sub.40-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
1 to 40 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon
radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In
particular C.sub.1-C.sub.40-hydrocarbyl is C.sub.1-C.sub.40-alkyl.
C.sub.1-C.sub.40-alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having
1 to 40 carbon atoms. Examples of this are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,
isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl,
neopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, neooctyl, nonyl,
neononyl, decyl, 2-propylheptyl, neodecyl, undecyl, neoundecyl,
dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl,
octadecyl, nonadecyl, eicosyl, hencosyl, docosyl, tricosyl,
tetracosyl, pentacosyl, hexacosyl, heptacosyl, octacosyl,
nonacosyl, squalyl, their constitutional isomers, higher homologs
and the accompanying constitutional isomers.
[0014] The same applies to C.sub.1-C.sub.20-hydrocarbyl radicals,
i.e. they are a hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 20 carbon
atoms. They are preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as
alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular,
C.sub.1-C.sub.20-hydrocarbyl is C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl.
C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having
1 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples of this are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,
isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl,
neopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, neooctyl, nonyl,
neononyl, decyl, 2-propylheptyl, neodecyl, undecyl, neoundecyl,
dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl,
octadecyl, nonadecyl, eicosyl and their constitutional isomers.
[0015] C.sub.1-C.sub.19-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
from 1 to 19 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic
hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl.
In particular, C.sub.1-C.sub.19-hydrocarbyl is
C.sub.1-C.sub.19-alkyl. C.sub.1-C.sub.19-alkyl is a linear or
branched alkyl radical having 1 to 19 carbon atoms. Examples of
this are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl,
isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl,
2-ethylhexyl, neooctyl, nonyl, neononyl, decyl, 2-propylheptyl,
neodecyl, undecyl, neoundecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl,
pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl and their
constitutional isomers.
[0016] C.sub.1-C.sub.10-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic
hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl.
In particular, C.sub.1-C.sub.10-hydrocarbyl is
C.sub.1-C.sub.10-alkyl. C.sub.1-C.sub.10-alkyl is a linear or
branched alkyl radical having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of
this are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl,
isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl,
2-ethylhexyl, neooctyl, nonyl, neononyl, decyl, 2-propylheptyl,
neodecyl and their constitutional isomers.
[0017] C.sub.1-C.sub.9-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
from 1 to 9 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon
radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In
particular, C.sub.1-C.sub.9-hydrocarbyl is C.sub.1-C.sub.9-alkyl.
C.sub.1-C.sub.9-Alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having
from 1 to 9 carbon atoms. Examples of this are methyl, ethyl,
n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl,
pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, neooctyl,
nonyl, neononyl and their constitutional isomers.
[0018] C.sub.5-C.sub.16-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
from 5 to 16 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic
hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl.
In particular, C.sub.5-C.sub.16-hydrocarbyl is
C.sub.5-C.sub.16-alkyl. C.sub.5-C.sub.16-Alkyl is a linear or
branched alkyl radical having from 5 to 16 carbon atoms. Examples
of this are pentyl, neopentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, heptyl,
octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, neooctyl, nonyl, neononyl, isononyl, decyl,
2-propylheptyl, neodecyl, undecyl, neoundecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl,
tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl and their constitutional
isomers.
[0019] C.sub.8-C.sub.12-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
from 8 to 12 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic
hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl.
In particular, C.sub.8-C.sub.12-hydrocarbyl is
C.sub.8-C.sub.12-alkyl. C.sub.8-C.sub.12-Alkyl is a linear or
branched alkyl radical having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples
of this are octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, neooctyl, nonyl, neononyl,
isononyl, decyl, 2-propylheptyl, neodecyl, undecyl, neoundecyl,
dodecyl and their constitutional isomers.
[0020] C.sub.8-C.sub.14-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
from 8 to 14 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic
hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl.
In particular, C.sub.8-C.sub.14-hydrocarbyl is
C.sub.8-C.sub.14-alkyl. C.sub.8-C.sub.14-Alkyl is a linear or
branched alkyl radical having from 8 to 14 carbon atoms. In
addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for
C.sub.8-C.sub.12-alkyl, examples are tridecyl und tetradecyl and
their constitutional isomers.
[0021] C.sub.8-C.sub.16-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
from 8 to 16 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic
hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl.
In particular, C.sub.8-C.sub.16-hydrocarbyl is
C.sub.8-C.sub.16-alkyl. C.sub.8-C.sub.16-Alkyl is a linear or
branched alkyl radical having from 8 to 16 carbon atoms. In
addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for
C.sub.8-C.sub.14-alkyl, examples are pentadecyl und hexadecyl and
their constitutional isomers.
[0022] C.sub.8-C.sub.20-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
from 8 to 20 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic
hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl.
In particular, C.sub.8-C.sub.20-hydrocarbyl is
C.sub.8-C.sub.20-alkyl. C.sub.8-C.sub.20-Alkyl is a linear or
branched alkyl radical having from 8 to 20 carbon atoms. In
addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for
C.sub.8-C.sub.16-alkyl, examples are heptadecyl, octadecyl,
nonadecyl und eicosanyl and their constitutional isomers.
[0023] C.sub.6-C.sub.14-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
from 6 to 14 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic
hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl.
In particular, C.sub.6-C.sub.14-hydrocarbyl is
C.sub.6-C.sub.14-alkyl. C.sub.6-C.sub.14-Alkyl is a linear or
branched alkyl radical having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms. In
addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for
C.sub.8-C.sub.14-alkyl, examples are hexyl und heptyl and their
constitutional isomers.
[0024] C.sub.6-C.sub.16-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
from 6 to 16 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic
hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl.
In particular, C.sub.6-C.sub.16-hydrocarbyl is
C.sub.6-C.sub.16-alkyl. C.sub.6-C.sub.16-Alkyl is a linear or
branched alkyl radical having from 6 to 16 carbon atoms. In
addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for
C.sub.8-C.sub.16-alkyl, examples are hexyl und heptyl and their
constitutional isomers.
[0025] C.sub.6-C.sub.20-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
from 6 to 20 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic
hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl.
In particular, C.sub.6-C.sub.20-hydrocarbyl is
C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl. C.sub.6-C.sub.20-Alkyl is a linear or
branched alkyl radical having from 6 to 20 carbon atoms. In
addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for
C.sub.8-C.sub.20-alkyl, examples are hexyl und heptyl and their
constitutional isomers.
[0026] C.sub.5-C.sub.20-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
from 5 to 20 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic
hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl.
In particular, C.sub.5-C.sub.20-hydrocarbyl is
C.sub.5-C.sub.20-alkyl. C.sub.5-C.sub.20-Alkyl is a linear or
branched alkyl radical having from 5 to 20 carbon atoms. In
addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for
C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, examples are pentyl and its constitutional
isomers.
[0027] C.sub.4-C.sub.14-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
from 4 to 14 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic
hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl.
In particular, C.sub.4-C.sub.14-hydrocarbyl is
C.sub.4-C.sub.14-alkyl. C.sub.4-C.sub.14-Alkyl is a linear or
branched alkyl radical having from 4 to 14 carbon atoms. In
addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for
C.sub.6-C.sub.14-alkyl, examples are pentyl and its constitutional
isomers, and also n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl und tert-butyl.
[0028] C.sub.4-C.sub.16-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
from 4 to 16 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic
hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl.
In particular, C.sub.4-C.sub.16-hydrocarbyl is
C.sub.4-C.sub.16-alkyl. C.sub.4-C.sub.16-Alkyl is a linear or
branched alkyl radical having from 4 to 16 carbon atoms. In
addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for
C.sub.6-C.sub.16-alkyl, examples are pentyl and its constitutional
isomers, and also n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl und tert-butyl.
[0029] C.sub.4-C.sub.20-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
from 4 to 20 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic
hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl.
In particular, C.sub.4-C.sub.20-hydrocarbyl is
C.sub.4-C.sub.20-alkyl. C.sub.4-C.sub.20-Alkyl is a linear or
branched alkyl radical having from 4 to 20 carbon atoms. In
addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for
C.sub.5-C.sub.20-alkyl, examples are n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl
und tert-butyl.
[0030] C.sub.1-C.sub.4-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having
from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon
radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In
particular, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-hydrocarbyl is C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl,
such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl,
isobutyl and tert-butyl.
[0031] The hydrocarbyl radicals, for example the alkyl radicals,
may be unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted. Suitable
substituents are, for example, OH, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkoxy,
NR.sup.11R.sup.12 (R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are each independently H
or C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl) or carbonyl (COR.sup.11). However, they
are preferably unsubstituted.
[0032] C.sub.1-C.sub.4-Alkoxy is a C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl radical
bonded via an oxygen atom. Examples thereof are methoxy, ethoxy,
n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, 2-butoxy, isobutoxy and
tert-butoxy.
[0033] C.sub.1-C.sub.4-Alkanol is a C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl radical
which is substituted by from 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups on different
carbon atoms. C.sub.1-C.sub.10-Alkanol is a C.sub.1-C.sub.10-alkyl
radical which is substituted by from 1 to 6 hydroxyl groups on
different carbon atoms. C.sub.1-C.sub.20-Alkanol is a
C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl radical which is substituted by from 1 to 6
hydroxyl groups on different carbon atoms. C.sub.1-C.sub.40-Alkanol
is a C.sub.1-C.sub.40-alkyl radical which is substituted by from 1
to 6 hydroxyl groups on different carbon atoms. Examples of
C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkanols are methanol, ethanol, n-propanol,
isopropanol, n-butanol, sec-butanol, isobutanol, tert-butanol,
ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and glycerol.
[0034] C.sub.1-C.sub.10-Alkanol is additionally, for example,
pentanol, hexanol, heptanol, octanol, 2-ethylhexanol, nonanol,
decanol, their constitutional isomers, and also erythritol,
pentaerythritol and sorbitol.
[0035] C.sub.1-C.sub.20-Alkanol is additionally, for example,
undecanol, dodecanol, tridecanol, tetradecanol, pentadecanol,
hexadecanol, heptadecanol, octadecanol, nonadecanol and eicosanol
and their constitutional isomers.
a) Polymers Used in Accordance with the Invention
[0036] The remarks made below on the preferred embodiments of the
polymers used in accordance with the invention and of the monomers
from which they are formed apply both alone and in combination.
[0037] The polymers used in accordance with the invention may
comprise the monomers M1, M2 and M3 in the following molar
fractions (Mx/(M1+M2+M3)) in the polymer:
M1: preferably from 0.60 to 0.99; M2: preferably from 0.01 to 0.40;
M3: preferably from 0 to 0.20.
[0038] In the case that the polymers used in accordance with the
invention do not comprise the monomer M3 in copolymerized form:
M1: preferably from 0.60 to 0.99, more preferably from 0.7 to 0.95,
in particular from 0.75 to 0.85; M2: preferably from 0.01 to 0.6,
more preferably from 0.05 to 0.3, in particular from 0.05 to
0.25.
[0039] In the case that the polymers used in accordance with the
invention comprise the monomer M3 in copolymerized form:
M1: preferably from 0.60 to 0.98, more preferably from 0.7 to 0.95,
in particular from 0.75 to 0.9; M2: preferably from 0.01 to 0.20,
more preferably from 0.01 to 0.17, in particular from 0.015 to
0.16; M3: preferably from 0.01 to 0.20, more preferably from 0.02
to 0.15, in particular from 0.03 to 0.12, especially from 0.03 to
0.11.
[0040] The monomers M1 are preferably monoalkenes with a terminal
double bond, such as ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene,
1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, their
constitutional isomers and also the higher monounsaturated homologs
having up to 40 carbon atoms.
[0041] In the monomers M1, R.sup.1 is preferably H or
C.sub.1-C.sub.20-hydrocarbyl, more preferably H or
C.sub.1-C.sub.10-hydrocarbyl, and even more preferably H or
C.sub.1-C.sub.4-hydrocarbyl. Hydrocarbyl is preferably alkyl. In
particular, R.sup.1 is H, methyl or ethyl. Accordingly, the monomer
M1 is in particular ethylene, propylene or 1-butene. R.sup.1 is
especially H, i.e. M1 is especially ethylene.
[0042] In the monomer M2, the R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 radicals
are preferably each H or methyl. More preferably, two of the
R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 radicals are each H and the other
radical is H or methyl. In particular, all three R.sup.2, R.sup.3
and R.sup.4 are H.
[0043] Accordingly, the monomer M2 is preferably the esters of
.alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acids which are selected from
acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid and isocrotonic acid,
more preferably from acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and in
particular acrylic acid.
[0044] Examples of such preferred .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated
carboxylic acids M2 include: acrylic esters of
C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkanols, such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate,
propyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl
acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate, n-pentyl acrylate, neopentyl
acrylate, isopentyl acrylate, hexyl acrylate, isohexyl acrylate,
heptyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, neooctyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl
acrylate, nonyl acrylate, neononyl acrylate, decyl acrylate,
neodecyl acrylate, 2-propylheptyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate,
palmityl acrylate and stearyl acrylate; and also the corresponding
methacrylic, crotonic and isocrotonic esters, preference being
given to the acrylates (acrylic esters).
[0045] R.sup.5 is C.sub.1-C.sub.20-hydrocarbyl, preferably
C.sub.1-C.sub.20-alkyl.
[0046] In the case that the polymer used in accordance with the
invention comprises no alkenyl ester and especially no monomer M3,
R.sup.5 in a preferred embodiment of the invention is a hydrocarbyl
radical having at least 5 carbon atoms, for example
C.sub.5-C.sub.20-hydro-carbyl. R.sup.5 is more preferably a
hydrocarbyl radical having at least 6 carbon atoms, for example
C.sub.6-C.sub.20-hydrocarbyl, preferably
C.sub.6-C.sub.16-hydrocarbyl or more preferably
C.sub.6-C.sub.14-hydrocarbyl. In particular, R.sup.5 is a
hydrocarbyl radical having at least 8 carbon atoms, for example
C.sub.8-C.sub.20-hydrocarbyl, preferably
C.sub.8-C.sub.11-hydrocarbyl and more preferably
C.sub.8-C.sub.14-hydrocarbyl. R.sup.5 is especially
C.sub.8-C.sub.12-hydrocarbyl. Hydrocarbyl is preferably alkyl.
Accordingly, R.sup.5 in this case is preferably an alkyl radical
having at least 5 carbon atoms, for example C.sub.5-C.sub.20-alkyl,
R.sup.5 is more preferably an alkyl radical having at least 6
carbon atoms, for example C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, preferably
C.sub.6-C.sub.16-alkyl or more preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.14-alkyl.
In particular, R.sup.5 is an alkyl radical having at least 8 carbon
atoms, for example C.sub.8-C.sub.20-alkyl, preferably
C.sub.8-C.sub.16-alkyl and more preferably C.sub.8-C.sub.14-alkyl.
R.sup.5 is especially C.sub.8-C.sub.12-alkyl.
[0047] In the case that the polymer used in accordance with the
invention comprises, in copolymerized form, an alkenyl ester and
especially the monomer M3, R.sup.5 in a preferred embodiment of the
invention is C.sub.4-C.sub.20-hydrocarbyl, for example
C.sub.4-C.sub.18-hydrocarbyl or C.sub.4-C.sub.16-hydrocarbyl or
C.sub.4-C.sub.14-hydrocarbyl or C.sub.4-C.sub.12-hydrocarbyl, more
preferably C.sub.5-C.sub.20-hydrocarbyl, for example
C.sub.5-C.sub.18-hydrocarbyl or C.sub.5-C.sub.16-hydrocarbyl or
C.sub.5-C.sub.14-hydrocarbyl or C.sub.5-C.sub.12-hydrocarbyl, even
more preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-hydrocarbyl, for example
C.sub.6-C.sub.18-hydrocarbyl or C.sub.6-C.sub.16-hydrocarbyl or
C.sub.6-C.sub.14-hydrocarbyl or C.sub.6-C.sub.12-hydrocarbyl, and
in particular C.sub.8-C.sub.20-hydrocarbyl, for example
C.sub.8-C.sub.18-hydrocarbyl or C.sub.8-C.sub.16-hydrocarbyl or
C.sub.8-C.sub.14-hydrocarbyl or C.sub.8-C.sub.12-hydrocarbyl.
R.sup.5 is especially C.sub.8-C.sub.12-hydrocarbyl. Hydrocarbyl is
preferably alkyl. Accordingly, R.sup.5 in this case is preferably
C.sub.4-C.sub.20-alkyl, for example C.sub.4-C.sub.18-alkyl or
C.sub.4-C.sub.16-alkyl or C.sub.4-C.sub.14-alkyl or
C.sub.4-C.sub.12-alkyl, more preferably C.sub.5-C.sub.20-alkyl, for
example C.sub.5-C.sub.18-alkyl or C.sub.5-C.sub.16-alkyl or
C.sub.5-C.sub.14-alkyl or C.sub.5-C.sub.12-alkyl, even more
preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, for example
C.sub.6-C.sub.18-alkyl or C.sub.6-C.sub.16-alkyl or
C.sub.6-C.sub.14-alkyl or C.sub.6-C.sub.12-alkyl, and in particular
C.sub.8-C.sub.20-alkyl, for example C.sub.8-C.sub.18-alkyl or
C.sub.8-C.sub.16-alkyl or C.sub.8-C.sub.14-alkyl or
C.sub.8-C.sub.12-alkyl. R.sup.5 is especially
C.sub.8-C.sub.12-alkyl.
[0048] Irrespective of their chain length and irrespective of
whether the polymer does or does not comprise an alkenyl ester,
especially the monomer M3, in copolymerized form, preferred alkyl
radicals R.sup.5 are preferably linear or lightly branched. Lightly
branched means that, in the case of n carbon atoms in the longest
carbon chain of the alkyl radical, a maximum of (n-3) branches are
present. Examples of such lightly branched alkyl radicals are
isopentyl (--(CH.sub.2).sub.2--CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), isohexyl
(--(CH.sub.2).sub.3--CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 2-ethylhexyl, isononyl
(3,5,5-dimethylhexyl), 2-propylheptyl and the like. The alkyl
radical R.sup.5 is more preferably linear or comprises at most 2
branches. In particular, it is linear or comprises one branch.
[0049] Irrespective of whether the polymer comprises, in
copolymerized form, an alkenyl ester and especially the monomer M3,
R.sup.5 is in particular n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-nonyl, isononyl,
n-decyl, 2-propylheptyl, n-undecyl, lauryl (=n-dodecyl) or
n-tridecyl, and especially 2-ethylhexyl or lauryl.
[0050] More preferably, the monomer M2 is selected from octyl
acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, n-nonyl acrylate, isononyl
acrylate, n-decyl acrylate, 2-propylheptyl acrylate, n-undecyl
acrylate, lauryl acrylate, and n-tridecyl acrylate. In particular,
the monomer M2 is selected from 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and lauryl
acrylate. It is especially 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.
[0051] The monomer M3 is the alkenyl ester, for example a vinyl or
propenyl ester, of an aliphatic carboxylic acid, which may be
unsaturated or preferably saturated.
[0052] Examples of the alkenyl esters, in particular of the vinyl
or propenyl esters, of an aliphatic carboxylic acid which may be
unsaturated or preferably saturated are the vinyl or propenyl
esters of aliphatic C.sub.2-C.sub.20-carboxylic acids such as
acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric
acid, pivalic acid, neopentanoic acid, caproic acid, enanthic acid,
caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, versatic
(Versatic.TM. acid), in particular neononanoic acid and neodecanoic
acid (e.g. VeoVa.TM.=vinyl ester of versatic acid), capric acid,
neoundecanoic acid, lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, myristic acid,
pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid,
nonadecanoic acid and arachic acid. Preference is given to the
vinyl esters of the carboxylic acids mentioned.
[0053] In the monomer M3, R.sup.6, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 are each
independently preferably H or methyl, and more preferably H.
[0054] R.sup.9 is preferably C.sub.1-C.sub.9-hydrocarbyl.
Hydrocarbyl is preferably alkyl. R.sup.9 is more preferably ethyl
or methyl, and in particular methyl.
[0055] The monomer M3 is more preferably vinyl acetate.
[0056] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the copolymer
used in accordance with the invention comprises the monomer M3 in
copolymerized form and is thus formed from monomers comprising the
monomers M1, M2 and M3.
[0057] The polymers used in accordance with the invention are
preferably formed substantially from the above-defined monomers M1,
M2 and, if appropriate, M3. As a result of the preparation, small
fractions of a compound used as a regulator (chain terminator) may
be present if appropriate.
[0058] The polymers used in accordance with the invention also have
a number-average molecular weight M.sub.n in the range from about
1000 to 20 000, more preferably from 1000 to 10 000, in particular
from 1500 to 6000 and especially from 1500 to 5000.
[0059] The polymers may also have a weight-average molecular weight
M.sub.w of from 1000 to 30 000, in particular from 2000 to 20 000,
and/or an M.sub.w/M.sub.n ratio of from 1.5 to 5.0, preferably from
1.8 to 4.0 and in particular from 1.9 to 3.5.
[0060] The number-average and weight-average molecular weights
M.sub.n and M.sub.w relate to values obtained by means of gel
permeation chromatography (GPC).
[0061] The viscosity of such polymers (determined to Ubbelohde DIN
51562) is from about 5 to 25 000 mm.sup.2/s, preferably from about
10 to 1000 mm.sup.2/s, in particular from about 50 to 700
mm.sup.2/s, in each case at a temperature of about 120.degree.
C.
[0062] Polymers used with preference are selected from the
copolymers of ethylene and C.sub.5-C.sub.20-alkyl acrylates, e.g.
C.sub.5-C.sub.18-alkyl acrylates or C.sub.5-C.sub.16-alkyl
acrylates or C.sub.5-C.sub.14-alkyl acrylates, and the copolymers
of ethylene, vinyl acetate and C.sub.5-C.sub.20-alkyl acrylates,
e.g. C.sub.5-C.sub.18-alkyl acrylates or C.sub.5-C.sub.16-alkyl
acrylates or C.sub.5-C.sub.14-alkyl acrylates. Polymers used with
particular preference are selected from the copolymers of ethylene
and C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl acrylates, e.g. C.sub.6-C.sub.18-alkyl
acrylates or C.sub.6-C.sub.16-alkyl acrylates or
C.sub.6-C.sub.14-alkyl acrylates, and the copolymers of ethylene,
vinyl acetate and C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl acrylates, e.g.
C.sub.6-C.sub.18-alkyl acrylates or C.sub.6-C.sub.16-alkyl
acrylates or C.sub.6-C.sub.14-alkyl acrylates. Polymers used with
even greater preference are selected from the copolymers of
ethylene and C.sub.8-C.sub.20-alkyl acrylates, e.g.
C.sub.8-C.sub.18-alkyl acrylates or C.sub.8-C.sub.16-alkyl
acrylates or C.sub.8-C.sub.14-alkyl acrylates or
C.sub.8-C.sub.12-alkyl acrylates, and the copolymers of ethylene,
vinyl acetate and C.sub.8-C.sub.20-alkyl acrylates, e.g.
C.sub.8-C.sub.18-alkyl acrylates or C.sub.8-C.sub.16-alkyl
acrylates or C.sub.8-C.sub.14-alkyl acrylates or
C.sub.8-C.sub.12-alkyl acrylates.
[0063] In particular, the polymers used are selected from
ethylene/2-ethylhexyl acrylate polymers, ethylene/2-ethylhexyl
acrylate/vinyl acetate polymers and ethylene/lauryl acrylate/vinyl
acetate polymers.
[0064] Based on a polymer composed of ethylene, 2-ethylhexyl
acrylate (EHA) and vinyl acetate (VAC), the proportion by weight of
the monomers is:
EHA: 4-80% by weight, preferably from 5 to 62% by weight, in
particular from 7 to 47% by weight VAC: 1-42% by weight, preferably
from 1 to 30% by weight, in particular from about 1 to 25% by
weight, especially from 1 to 20% by weight
[0065] The difference to 100% by weight corresponds to the fraction
of ethylene.
[0066] Preference is given to using the polymers as cold flow
improvers. Particular preference is given to using them to lower
the pour point (PP) of the turbine fuel additized therewith.
[0067] The above-described polymers are used alone or in
combination with other such polymers in amounts which are
sufficient to exhibit an effect on the cold properties, in
particular on the cold flow performance of the turbine fuel
additized therewith.
[0068] The polymers used in accordance with the invention may also
be used in combination with further conventional cold flow
improvers and/or further turbine fuel additives.
b) Preparation of the Polymers
[0069] The polymers used in accordance with the invention are
prepared by processes known per se. Preference is given to
preparing them by free-radical polymerization, in particular
high-pressure polymerization, of the monomers M1, M2 and, if
appropriate, M3. Such processes for direct free-radical
high-pressure copolymerization of unsaturated compounds are known
from the prior art (cf., for example, Ullmann's Encyclopedia of
Industrial Chemistry 5th edition, "Waxes", Vol. A 28, p. 146 ff.,
VCH Weinheim, Basle, Cambridge, New York, Tokyo, 1996; and also
U.S. Pat. No. 3,627,838; DE-A 2515805; DE-A 3141507; EP-A
0007590).
[0070] The copolymers which are to be used in accordance with the
invention and are obtainable by the polymerization process are
preferably formed substantially from the above-defined monomers M1,
M2 and, if appropriate, M3. As a result of the preparation, small
proportions of a compound used as a regulator (chain terminator)
may be present if appropriate.
[0071] The copolymers are preferably prepared in stirred
high-pressure autoclaves or in high-pressure stirred reactors or
combinations of the two. In this apparatus, the length/diameter
ratio varies predominantly within ranges of from 5:1 to 30:1,
preferably 10:1 to 20:1.
[0072] Suitable pressure conditions for the polymerization are from
1000 to 3000 bar, preferably from 1500 to 2000 bar. The reaction
temperatures are, for example, in the range from 160 to 320.degree.
C., preferably in the range from 200 to 280.degree. C.
[0073] The regulator used to control the molecular weight of the
copolymers is, for example, an aliphatic aldehyde or an aliphatic
ketone of the general formula I
##STR00002##
or mixtures thereof.
[0074] In the formula, the R.sup.a and R.sup.b radicals are the
same or different and are selected from [0075] hydrogen; [0076]
C.sub.1-C.sub.6-alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl,
n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl,
sec-pentyl, neopentyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, isoamyl, n-hexyl,
isohexyl, sec-hexyl; more preferably C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl such as
methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl
and tert-butyl; [0077] C.sub.3-C.sub.12-cycloalkyl such as
cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl,
cyclooctyl, cyclononyl, cyclodecyl, cycloundecyl and cyclododecyl;
preference is given to cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl.
[0078] The R.sup.a and R.sup.b radicals may also be covalently
bonded to one another to form a 4- to 13-membered ring. For
example, R.sup.a and R.sup.b together may form the following
alkylene groups: --(CH.sub.2).sub.4--, --(CH.sub.2).sub.5--,
--(CH.sub.2).sub.6--, --(CH.sub.2).sub.7--,
--CH(CH.sub.3)--CH.sub.2--CH.sub.2--CH(CH.sub.3)-- or
--CH(CH.sub.3)--CH.sub.2--CH.sub.2--CH.sub.2--CH(CH.sub.3)--.
[0079] Very particular preference is given to the use of
propionaldehyde or ethyl methyl ketone as a regulator.
[0080] Further very suitable regulators are unbranched aliphatic
hydrocarbons, for example propane, or branched aliphatic
hydrocarbons having tertiary hydrogen atoms, for example isobutane,
isopentane, isooctane or isododecane
(2,2,4,6,6-pentamethylheptane). Further additional regulators which
can be used are higher olefins, for example propylene.
[0081] Preference is likewise given to mixtures of the above
regulators with hydrogen or hydrogen alone.
[0082] The amount of regulator used corresponds to the amounts
customary for the high-pressure polymerization process.
[0083] Useful initiators for the free-radical polymerization are
the customary free-radical initiators, for example organic
peroxides, oxygen or azo compounds. Also suitable are mixtures of a
plurality of free-radical initiators. Useful free-radical
initiators include, for example, one or more peroxides selected
from the following commercially obtainable substances: [0084]
didecanoyl peroxide,
2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(2-ethylhexanoylperoxy)hexane, tert-amyl
peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, dibenzoyl peroxide, tert-butyl
peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, tert-butyl peroxydiethyl acetate,
tert-butyl peroxydiethyl isobutyrate,
1,4-di(tert-butylperoxycarbo)cyclohexane as an isomer mixture,
tert-butyl perisononanoate,
1,1-di(tert-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane,
1,1-di(tert-butylperoxy)cyclohexane, methyl isobutyl ketone
peroxide, tert-butyl peroxyisopropyl carbonate,
2,2-di-tert-butylperoxy)butane or tert-butyl peroxyacetate; [0085]
tert-butyl peroxybenzoate, di-tert-amyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide,
the isomeric di(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzenes,
2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di-tert-butylperoxyhexane, tert-butyl cumyl
peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)hex-3-yne,
di-tert-butyl peroxide, 1,3-diisopropyl monohydroperoxide, cumene
hydroperoxide or tert-butyl hydroperoxide; or [0086] dimeric or
trimeric ketone peroxides, as disclosed, for example, by EP-A 0 813
550.
[0087] Particularly suitable peroxides are di-tert-butyl peroxide,
tert-butyl peroxypivalate, tert-butyl peroxyisononanoate or
dibenzoyl peroxide or mixtures thereof. An example of an azo
compound is azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN). The free-radical
initiators are used in amounts customary for polymerizations.
[0088] In a preferred method, the polymers to be used in accordance
with the invention are prepared in such a way that a mixture of the
monomers M1, M2 and, if appropriate, M3 is passed in the presence
of the regulator at a temperature within the range from about 20 to
50.degree. C., for example of 30.degree. C., preferably
continuously, through a stirred autoclave which is maintained at a
pressure in the range from about 1500 to 2000 bar, for example of
about 1700 bar. The preferably continuous addition of initiator
which is generally dissolved in a suitable solvent, for example
isododecane, keeps the temperature in the reactor at the desired
reaction temperature, for example at from 200 to 250.degree. C. The
polymer obtained after decompression of the reaction mixture is
then isolated in a customary manner.
[0089] Modifications to this method are of course possible and can
be undertaken by those skilled in the art without unreasonable
effort. For example, the comonomers and the regulator can be
separately metered into the reaction mixture, or the reaction
temperature can be varied during the process, to name only a few
examples.
c) Turbine Fuel Compositions
[0090] The invention further relates to turbine fuel compositions
comprising a major proportion by weight of a turbine fuel and a
minor proportion by weight of at least one polymer used in
accordance with the invention, as defined above.
[0091] In the context of the present invention, the polymers used
in accordance with the invention may be used in combination with
further conventional cold flow improvers and/or further turbine
fuel additives.
[0092] The turbine fuel composition comprises a majority of a
liquid turbine fuel, which may be a turbine fuel customary in civil
or military aviation. These include, for example, fuels of the
designations Jet A, Jet A-1, Jet B, JP-4, JP-5, JP-7, JP-8 and
JP-8+100. Jet A and Jet A-1 are commercially obtainable turbine
fuel specifications based on kerosine. The accompanying standards
are ASTM D 1655 and DEF STAN 91-91. According to their particular
specification, Jet A and Jet A-1 have maximum freezing points of,
respectively, -40.degree. C. and -47.degree. C. Jet B is a fuel
which has been further fractionated and is based on naphtha and
kerosine fractions. JP-4 is equivalent to Jet B. JP 4, JP-5, JP-7,
JP-8 and JP-8+100 are military turbine fuels, as used, for example,
by the marines and air force. Some of these standards designate
formulations which already comprise further additives such as
corrosion inhibitors, icing inhibitors, static dissipaters, etc.
Preferred turbine fuels are Jet A, Jet A-1 and JP 8.
[0093] The polymer used in accordance with the invention is
preferably used in a proportion, based on the total amount of the
turbine fuel composition, which in itself has a substantially
sufficient influence on the cold flow properties of the turbine
fuel composition. Preference is given to using the polymer in an
amount of from 10 to 10 000 mg/l, more preferably from 50 to 7000
mg/l, in particular from 100 to 5000 mg/l, based on 1 l of the
turbine fuel composition.
d) Coadditives
[0094] The polymers used in accordance with the invention may be
added to the turbine fuel compositions individually or as a mixture
of such polymers and, if appropriate, in combination with further
additives known per se.
[0095] Suitable additives which may be present in the inventive
turbine fuel compositions comprise further additives which improve
the cold properties of the fuel (cold flow improvers), detergents,
corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants such as sterically hindered
tert-butylphenols or N-butylphenylenediamines, metal deactivators
such as N,N'-disalicylidene-1,2-diaminopropane, solubilizers,
antistats such as Stadis 450, biocides, antiicing agents such as
diethylene glycol methyl ether, and mixtures thereof.
[0096] Conventional cold flow improvers include in particular:
[0097] (a) copolymers of ethylene with at least one further
ethylenically unsaturated monomer which are different from the
polymers used in accordance with the invention; [0098] (b) comb
polymers; [0099] (c) nucleators; [0100] (d) polar nitrogen
compounds; [0101] (e) sulfo carboxylic acids or sulfonic acids or
their derivatives; [0102] (f) poly(meth)acrylic esters; [0103] (g)
reaction products of alkanolamines with acylating agents; [0104]
(h) condensation products of hydroxyaromatics with aldehydes; and
[0105] (i) waxes.
[0106] In the copolymers of ethylene with at least one further
ethylenically unsaturated monomer (a), the monomer is preferably
selected from alkenylcarboxylic esters, (meth)acrylic esters,
fumaric esters, maleic esters and olefins.
[0107] Suitable olefins are, for example, those having from 3 to 20
carbon atoms and having from 1 to 3, preferably having 1 or 2,
carbon-carbon double bonds, in particular having one carbon-carbon
double bond. In the latter case, the carbon-carbon double bond may
either be terminal .alpha.-olefins) or internal. However,
preference is given to .alpha.-olefins, particular preference to
.alpha.-olefins having from 3 to 20, more preferably from 3 to 10
and in particular from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, such as propene,
1-butene, 1-pentene and 1-hexene.
[0108] Suitable (meth)acrylic esters are, for example, esters of
(meth)acrylic acid with C.sub.1-C.sub.10-alkanols, in particular
with methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol,
sec-butanol, isobutanol, tert-butanol, pentanol, hexanol, heptanol,
octanol, 2-ethylhexanol, nonanol and decanol. The notation
"(meth)acrylic acid" is intended to express that both acrylic acid
and methacrylic acid are comprised.
[0109] Suitable alkenylcarboxylic esters are, for example, the
vinyl and propenyl esters of carboxylic acids having from 2 to 20
carbon atoms, whose hydrocarbon radical may be linear or branched.
Among these, preference is given to the vinyl esters. Among the
carboxylic acids having branched hydrocarbon radicals, preference
is given to those whose branch is disposed in the .alpha.-position
to the carboxyl group, and particular preference is given to the
.alpha.-carbon atom being tertiary, i.e. to the carboxylic acid
being a neocarboxylic acid.
[0110] Examples of suitable alkenylcarboxylic esters are vinyl
acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl neopentanoate,
vinyl hexanoate, vinyl octanoate, vinyl 2-ethylhexanoate, vinyl
neononanoate, vinyl neodecanoate and the corresponding propenyl
esters, preference being given to the vinyl esters. A particularly
preferred alkenylcarboxylic ester is vinyl acetate.
[0111] Particular preference is given to selecting the
ethylenically unsaturated monomer from alkenylcarboxylic
esters.
[0112] Also suitable are copolymers which comprise, in
copolymerized form, two or more different alkenylcarboxylic esters
which differ in the alkenyl function and/or in the carboxylic acid
group. Likewise suitable are copolymers which, in addition to the
alkenylcarboxylic ester(s), comprise at least one copolymerized
olefin and/or at least one copolymerized (meth)acrylic ester.
[0113] The ethylenically unsaturated monomer is copolymerized in
the copolymer in an amount of preferably from 1 to 50 mol %, more
preferably from 10 to 50 mol % and in particular from 5 to 20 mol
%, based on the overall copolymer. The copolymer (a) preferably has
a number-average molecular weight M.sub.n of from 1000 to 20 000,
more preferably from 1000 to 10 000 and in particular from 1000 to
6000.
[0114] Such ethylene copolymers (a) are described, for example, in
WO 01/62874 or EP-A 1357168, which are hereby fully incorporated by
reference.
[0115] Comb polymers (b) are, for example, those described in
"Comb-Like Polymers, Structure and Properties", N. A. Plate and V.
P. Shibaev, J. Poly. Sci. Macromolecular Revs. 8, pages 117 to 253
(1974). Among those described there, suitable comb polymers are,
for example, those of the formula II
##STR00003##
in which
D is R.sup.17, COOR.sup.17, OCOR.sup.7, R.sup.18, OCOR.sup.18 or
OR.sup.17,
E is H, CH.sub.3, D or R.sup.18,
G is H or D,
[0116] J is H, R.sup.18, R.sup.18COOR.sup.17, aryl or
heterocyclyl,
K is H, COOR.sup.18, OCOR.sup.18, OR.sup.18 or COOH,
[0117] L is H, R.sup.18, COOR.sup.18, OCOR.sup.18, COOH or aryl,
where R.sup.17 is a hydrocarbon radical having at least 10 carbon
atoms, preferably having from 10 to 30 carbon atoms, R.sup.18 is a
hydrocarbon radical having at least one carbon atom, preferably
having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, m is a molar fraction in the
range from 1.0 to 0.4 and n is a molar fraction in the range from 0
to 0.6.
[0118] Preferred comb polymers are obtainable, for example, by
copolymerization of maleic anhydride or fumaric acid with another
ethylenically unsaturated monomer, for example with an
.alpha.-olefin or an unsaturated ester, such as vinyl acetate, and
subsequent esterification of the anhydride or acid function with an
alcohol having at least 10 carbon atoms. Further preferred comb
polymers are copolymers of .alpha.-olefins and esterified
comonomers, for example esterified copolymers of styrene and maleic
anhydride or esterified copolymers of styrene and fumaric acid.
Also suitable are mixtures of comb polymers. Comb polymers may also
be polyfumarates or polymaleates. Homo- and copolymers of vinyl
ethers are also suitable comb polymers.
[0119] Suitable nucleators (c) are in particular polyoxyalkylenes,
for example polyoxyalkylene esters, ethers, ester/ethers and
mixtures thereof. The polyoxyalkylene compounds preferably comprise
at least one, more preferably at least two, linear alkyl group(s)
having from 10 to 30 carbon atoms and a polyoxyalkylene group
having a molecular weight of up to 5000. The alkyl group of the
polyoxyalkylene radical preferably comprises from 1 to 4 carbon
atoms. Such polyoxyalkylene compounds are described, for example,
in EP-A-0 061 895, in EP-A 1357168 and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,455,
which are hereby fully incorporated by reference. Preferred
polyoxyalkylene esters, ethers and ester/ethers have the general
formula III
R.sup.19 O--(CH.sub.2).sub.y .sub.xO--R.sup.20 (III)
in which R.sup.19 and R.sup.20 are each independently R.sup.21,
R.sup.21--CO--, R.sup.21--O--CO(CH.sub.2).sub.z-- or
R.sup.21--O--CO(CH.sub.2).sub.z--CO--, where R.sup.21 is linear
C.sub.1-C.sub.30-alkyl, y is from 1 to 4, x is from 2 to 200, and z
is from 1 to 4.
[0120] Preferred polyoxyalkylene compounds of the formula III in
which both R.sup.19 and R.sup.20 are R.sup.21 are polyethylene
glycols and polypropylene glycols having a number-average molecular
weight of from 100 to 5000. Preferred polyoxyalkylenes of the
formula III in which one of the R.sup.19 radicals is R.sup.21 and
the other is R.sup.21--CO-- are polyoxyalkylene esters of fatty
acids having from 10 to 30 carbon atoms, such as stearic acid or
behenic acid. Preferred polyoxyalkylene compounds in which both
R.sup.19 and R.sup.20 are an R.sup.21--CO-- radical are diesters of
fatty acids having from 10 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably of
stearic acid or behenic acid.
[0121] Further suitable nucleators (c) are block copolymers as
described in EP-A-1357168, whose contents are hereby fully
incorporated by reference. Suitable block copolymers comprise at
least one crystallizable block and at least one noncrystallizable
block. The copolymers may be diblock, triblock or higher block
copolymers. Preferred triblock copolymers have a crystallizable
block at both polymer ends.
[0122] Such block copolymers are preferably formed from butadiene
and isoprene units.
[0123] The polar nitrogen compounds (d) are also referred to as wax
antisettling additives (WASA). They are advantageously oil-soluble,
may be either ionic or nonionic and preferably have at least one,
more preferably at least 2, substituent(s) of the formula
>NR.sup.22 in which R.sup.22 is a C.sub.8-C.sub.40-hydrocarbon
radical. The nitrogen substituents may also be quaternized, i.e. be
in cationic form. One example of such nitrogen compounds is that of
ammonium salts and/or amides which are obtainable by the reaction
of at least one amine substituted with at least one hydrocarbon
radical with a carboxylic acid having from 1 to 4 carboxyl groups
or with a suitable derivative thereof. The amines preferably
comprise at least one linear C.sub.8-C.sub.40-alkyl radical.
Suitable primary amines are, for example, octylamine, nonylamine,
decylamine, undecylamine, dodecylamine, tetradecylamine and the
higher linear homologs. Suitable secondary amines are, for example,
dioctadecylamine and methylbehenylamine. Also suitable are amine
mixtures, in particular amine mixtures obtainable on the industrial
scale, such as fatty amines or hydrogenated tallamines, as
described, for example, in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial
Chemistry, 6th Edition, 2000 electronic release, "Amines,
aliphatic" chapter. Acids suitable for the reaction are, for
example, cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid,
cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid, cyclopentane-1,2-dicarboxylic
acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic
acid, terephthalic acid and succinic acids substituted with
long-chain hydrocarbon radicals.
[0124] A further example of polar nitrogen compounds is that of
ring systems which bear at least two substituents of the formula
-A-NR.sup.23R.sup.24 in which A is a linear or branched aliphatic
hydrocarbon group which is optionally interrupted by one or more
groups selected from O, S, NR.sup.35 and CO, and R.sup.23 and
R.sup.24 are each a C.sub.9-C.sub.40-hydrocarbon radical which is
optionally interrupted by one or more groups selected from O, S,
NR.sup.35 and CO, and/or substituted by one or more substituents
selected from OH, SH and NR.sup.35R.sup.36 where R.sup.35 is
C.sub.1-C.sub.40-alkyl which is optionally substituted by one or
more moieties selected from CO, NR.sup.35, O and S, and/or
substituted by one or more radicals selected from
NR.sup.37R.sup.38, OR.sup.37, SR.sup.37, COR.sup.37, COOR.sup.37,
CONR.sup.37R.sup.38, aryl or heterocyclyl, where R.sup.37 and
R.sup.38 are each independently selected from H or
C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl; and R.sup.36 is H or R.sup.35.
[0125] A is preferably a methylene or polymethylene group having
from 2 to 20 methylene units. Examples of suitable R.sup.23 and
R.sup.24 radicals are 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl,
4-hydroxybutyl, 2-ketopropyl, ethoxyethyl and propoxypropyl. The
cyclic system may be homocyclic, heterocyclic, fused polycyclic or
nonfused polycyclic systems. The ring system is preferably carbo-
or heteroaromatic, in particular carboaromatic. Examples of such
polycyclic ring systems are fused benzoid structures such as
naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene and pyrene, fused nonbenzoid
structures such as azulene, indene, hydrindene and fluorene,
nonfused polycycles such as diphenyl, heterocycles such as
quinoline, indole, dihydroindole, benzofuran, coumarin,
isocoumarin, benzothiophene, carbazole, diphenylene oxide and
diphenylene sulfide, nonaromatic or partly saturated ring systems
such as decalin, and three-dimensional structures such as
.alpha.-pinene, camphene, bornylene, norbornane, norbornene,
bicyclooctane and bicyclooctene.
[0126] A further example of suitable polar nitrogen compounds is
that of condensates of long-chain primary or secondary amines with
carboxyl group-comprising polymers.
[0127] The polar nitrogen compounds mentioned here are described in
WO 00/44857 and also in the references cited therein, which are
hereby fully incorporated by reference.
[0128] Suitable polar nitrogen compounds are also described, for
example, in DE-A-198 48 621 and DE-A-196 22 052, EP-A-1357168 or
EP-B 398 101, which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0129] Suitable sulfo carboxylic acids/sulfonic acids or their
derivatives (e) are, for example, those of the general formula
IV
##STR00004##
in which Y is SO.sub.3.sup.-(NR.sup.25.sub.3R.sup.26).sup.+,
SO.sub.3.sup.-(NHR.sup.25.sub.2R.sup.26).sup.+,
SO.sub.3.sup.-(NH.sub.2R.sup.25R.sup.26),
SO.sub.3.sup.-(NH.sub.3R.sup.26) or SO.sub.2NR.sup.25R.sup.26, X is
Y, CONR.sup.25R.sup.27,
CO.sub.2.sup.-(NR.sup.25.sub.3R.sup.27).sup.+,
CO.sub.2.sup.-(NHR.sup.25.sub.2R.sup.27)+R.sup.28--COOR.sup.27,
NR.sup.25COR.sup.27, R.sup.28OR.sup.27, R.sup.28OCOR.sup.27,
R.sup.28R.sup.27, N(COR.sup.25)R.sup.27 or
Z.sup.-(NR.sup.25.sub.3R.sup.27)
[0130] where
R.sup.25 is a hydrocarbon radical, R.sup.26 and R.sup.27 are each
alkyl, alkoxyalkyl or polyalkoxyalkyl having at least 10 carbon
atoms in the main chain, R.sup.28 is C.sub.2-C.sub.5-alkylene,
Z.sup.- is one anion equivalent and A and B are each alkyl, alkenyl
or two substituted hydrocarbon radicals or, together with the
carbon atoms to which they are bonded, form an aromatic or
cycloaliphatic ring system.
[0131] Such sulfo carboxylic acids and sulfonic acids and their
derivatives are described in EP-A-0 261 957, which is hereby fully
incorporated by reference.
[0132] Suitable poly(meth)acrylic esters (f) are either homo- or
copolymers of acrylic and methacrylic esters. Preference is given
to acrylic ester homopolymers which derive from
C.sub.1-C.sub.40-alcohols. Preference is given to copolymers of at
least two different (meth)acrylic esters which differ in the
esterified alcohol. If appropriate, the copolymer comprises a
further, different copolymerized olefinically unsaturated monomer.
The weight-average molecular weight of the polymer is preferably
from 50 000 to 500 000. A particularly preferred polymer is a
copolymer of methacrylic acid and methacrylic esters of saturated
C.sub.14- and C.sub.15-alcohols, in which the acid groups have been
neutralized with hydrogenated tallamine. Suitable poly(meth)acrylic
esters are described, for example, in WO 00/44857, which is fully
incorporated herein by way of reference.
[0133] To prepare suitable reaction products of alkanolamines with
acrylinating agents (g), the acylinating agents used are preferably
those which comprise a hydrocarbon radical having from 8 to 50
carbon atoms. Examples thereof are succinic acids or succinic acid
derivatives substituted by C.sub.8-C.sub.50-alkyl or alkenyl
radical, preferably C.sub.12-C.sub.35-alkyl or alkenyl radical. The
alkanolamines are, for example, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine,
dibutanolamine, N-methylethanolamine or N-ethylethanolamine. Such
compounds are described, for example, in WO 01/62874, which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0134] The hydroxyaromatics used to prepare the condensation
products of hydroxyaromatics with aldehydes (h) are those which are
substituted by a linear or branched hydrocarbon radical. The
hydroxyaromatic may either be a substituted phenol or any other
hydroxy-containing aromatic such as naphthol. The aldehyde
component used may either be the aldehydes themselves or suitable
aldehyde sources. Examples of suitable aldehydes are formaldehyde
(which may be used, for example, as paraldehyde or trioxane),
acetaldehyde, propanol, butanal, isobutyraldehyde, heptanal,
2-ethylhexanal and glyoxalic acid. Suitable condensation products
are described, for example, in WO 01/62874 or in EP-A-1357168,
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0135] Suitable waxes (I) are both linear and nonlinear paraffins.
The n-paraffins are preferably C.sub.8-C.sub.35-alkanes, more
preferably C.sub.8-C.sub.30-alkanes and in particular
C.sub.8-C.sub.25-alkanes. The nonlinear paraffins comprise
preferably amorphous solids having a melting point of from 10 to
60.degree. C. and a molecular weight of from 150 to 500. Such waxes
are described, for example, in EP-A-1357168, which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
e) Additive Packages
[0136] The invention lastly also relates to additive packages
comprising at least one polymer used in accordance with the
invention, as defined above, and at least one further conventional
turbine fuel additive, and also, if appropriate, at least one
diluent.
[0137] Suitable conventional turbine fuel additives are the
above-described coadditives. Preferred coadditives are antiicing
additives; and also the conventional cold flow improvers mentioned,
preference being given to those of group (a); corrosion inhibitors;
detergents; antioxidants; antistats and metal deactivators. In
particular, the additive package comprises, in addition to at least
one of the above-described polymers, at least one antiicing agent
and, if appropriate, at least one of the following coadditives:
conventional cold flow improvers, preference being given to those
of group (a); corrosion inhibitors; detergents; antioxidants;
antistats and metal deactivators.
[0138] In the additive packages, the polymer used in accordance
with the invention is present in an amount of preferably from 0.1
to 99% by weight, more preferably from 1 to 95% by weight and in
particular from 5 to 90% by weight.
[0139] The additive package may also, if appropriate, comprise at
least one diluent. Suitable diluents are, for example, fractions
obtained during oil processing, such as kerosine, naphtha or
brightstock. Additionally suitable are aromatic hydrocarbons such
as Solvent Naphtha heavy, Solvesso.RTM. or Shellsol.RTM., and
aliphatic hydrocarbons.
[0140] When the package comprises a diluent, the polymer used in
accordance with the invention is present in the concentrates
preferably in an amount of from 0.1 to 90% by weight, more
preferably from 1 to 80% by weight and in particular from 10 to 70%
by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate.
[0141] The inventive use of the polymers described improves the
cold flow properties of the turbine fuels additized therewith. In
particular, the freezing point, the cloud point (CP) and in
particular the pour point (PP) are lowered.
[0142] The invention will now be illustrated in detail with
reference to the nonlimiting examples which follow.
EXPERIMENTAL SECTION
1. Preparative Examples 1 to 28
[0143] A total of 28 different polymers to be used in accordance
with the invention were prepared by high-pressure polymerization of
ethylene and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA) or of ethylene,
2-ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA) or lauryl acrylate (LA) and vinyl
acetate (VAC).
[0144] Table 1 compares the properties of the polymers used in the
test examples which follow.
[0145] The content of ethylene, EHA or LA and VAC in the resulting
polymers was determined by NMR spectroscopy. The viscosities were
determined at 120.degree. C. to Ubbelohde DIN 51562.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Polymer E VAC Acrylate Viscosity No. [mol %]
[mol %] [mol %] [mm.sup.2/s] M.sub.n M.sub.w M.sub.w/M.sub.n 1 79.9
-- 20.1.sup.1 150 3197 8499 2.66 2 88.0 4.2 7.8.sup.1 60 2088 4189
2.01 3 88.0 4.4 7.6.sup.1 150 2959 6666 2.25 4 88.1 4.4 7.5.sup.1
605 4635 12 811 2.76 5 86.6 3.9 9.5.sup.1 60 2124 4285 2.02 6 86.4
4.3 9.3.sup.1 150 3022 6754 2.23 7 86.4 4.1 9.5.sup.1 595 4797 13
238 2.76 8 83.8 4.1 12.1.sup.1 60 2064 4280 2.07 9 83.2 4.4
12.4.sup.1 150 2994 7203 2.41 10 83.1 4.4 12.5.sup.1 600 4744 14
503 3.06 11 80.2 4.5 15.3.sup.1 150 3038 7279 2.40 12 80.4 4.1
15.5.sup.1 600 4681 15 697 3.35 13 89.6 8.0 2.4.sup.1 60 1977 3910
1.98 14 89.8 7.9 2.3.sup.1 150 2831 6212 2.19 15 89.2 8.2 2.6.sup.1
605 3862 11 098 2.87 16 89.8 8.4 4.8.sup.1 60 1928 3902 2.02 17
86.5 8.4 5.1.sup.1 150 2926 6337 2.17 18 86.3 8.5 5.2.sup.1 620
4613 12 019 2.61 19 84.2 8.1 7.7.sup.1 60 2003 4025 2.01 20 83.1
8.7 8.2.sup.1 150 2855 6382 2.24 21 84.3 8.0 7.7.sup.1 615 4858 13
061 2.69 22 81.1 7.9 11.0.sup.1 60 2100 4276 2.04 23 80.8 8.0
11.2.sup.1 150 2878 6634 2.31 24 81.1 7.6 11.3.sup.1 630 4774 14
263 2.99 25 77.6 8.7 13.7.sup.1 150 3134 7195 2.30 26 86.8 4.8
8.4.sup.1 60 1928 3902 2.02 27 86.3 5.2 8.5.sup.1 620 4613 12019
2.61 28 87.9 10.5 1.6.sup.2 153 3100 7301 2.36 E: ethylene VAC:
vinyl acetate .sup.12-ethylhexyl acrylate .sup.2lauryl acrylate
2. Test Examples
[0146] The polymers 1 to 28 prepared above were used to carry out
the experiments which follow. For comparative purposes, a
conventional ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer was also tested:
[0147] A Jet A turbine fuel having a pour point (PP) of -48.degree.
C. was additized firstly with a conventional ethylene/vinyl acetate
copolymer and secondly with the copolymers from examples 1, 17 and
25 to 28 in an amount of in each case 1000 mg/l, and the PP value
of the additized turbine fuel was determined in each case to ISO
3016. The PP value of the turbine fuel additized with the
conventional ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer was -48.degree. C.,
i.e. it had not been possible to reduce it. The PP values of the
turbine fuel additized in each case with the copolymers used in
accordance with the invention are listed in the table which
follows.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Polymer No. PP [.degree. C.] -- -48 EVA* -48
1 <-68 17 -63 25 <-70 26 -63 27 -51 28 -51 *EVA =
conventional ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (comparative
example)
[0148] As the examples show, the Jet A turbine fuel additized with
the copolymers used in accordance with the invention has a
distinctly lower pour point than the unadditized fuel, while the
conventional ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer has no effect on the
pour point.
* * * * *