U.S. patent application number 14/596092 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-16 for olefinic ester compositions and their use in oil- and gas-related applications.
This patent application is currently assigned to Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc.. Invention is credited to Charles Coburn, Selim Erhan, Bruce Firth, Georgeta Hategan, Frederyk Ngantung, Dhananjay Puranik.
Application Number | 20150197683 14/596092 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53520797 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150197683 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hategan; Georgeta ; et
al. |
July 16, 2015 |
Olefinic Ester Compositions and Their Use in Oil- and Gas-Related
Applications
Abstract
Compositions for treating high-molecular-weight components of a
petroleum fluid are generally disclosed. In some embodiments, such
compositions include olefinic ester compounds, such as alkyl esters
of C.sub.10-18 unsaturated fatty acids. In some embodiments, such
compositions are added to a petroleum fluid to improve the
rheological properties, e.g., breaking up or inhibiting the
precipitation of high-molecular-weight components of petroleum
fluids. In some other embodiments, such compositions are used for
removing deposits of such high-molecular-weight components from the
surfaces of equipment used for extracting or transporting petroleum
or natural gas.
Inventors: |
Hategan; Georgeta;
(Woodridge, IL) ; Firth; Bruce; (Woodridge,
IL) ; Ngantung; Frederyk; (Woodridge, IL) ;
Erhan; Selim; (Woodridge, IL) ; Puranik;
Dhananjay; (Woodridge, IL) ; Coburn; Charles;
(Woodridge, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc. |
Woodridge |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Elevance Renewable Sciences,
Inc.
Woodridge
IL
|
Family ID: |
53520797 |
Appl. No.: |
14/596092 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61928290 |
Jan 16, 2014 |
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|
62006655 |
Jun 2, 2014 |
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62075055 |
Nov 4, 2014 |
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62081933 |
Nov 19, 2014 |
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62089665 |
Dec 9, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
507/90 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 3/2093 20130101;
C11D 3/43 20130101; C09K 8/524 20130101; C11D 7/5022 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C09K 8/524 20060101
C09K008/524 |
Claims
1. A composition for dissolving petroleum wax or asphaltenes, the
composition comprising olefinic ester compounds, wherein the
olefinic ester compounds are C.sub.1-6 alkanol esters of
C.sub.10-18 carboxylic acids having one or more carbon-carbon
double bonds.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the olefinic ester compounds
make up at least 50 percent by weight, or at least 60 percent by
weight, or at least 70 percent by weight, or at least 80 percent by
weight, or at least 90 percent by weight, or at least 95 percent by
weight of the composition, based on the total weight of the
composition.
3-5. (canceled)
6. The composition of claim 2, further comprising a surfactant.
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. The composition of claim 6, wherein the surfactant is a
non-ionic surfactant.
10. The composition of claim 9, wherein the non-ionic surfactant
comprises one or more alkoxylated fatty acids, such as non-ionic
surfactants having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) ranging
from 4 to 10, or from 5 to 9, or from 6 to 8, where HLB is
determined by Griffin's Method.
11. The composition of claim 9, wherein the surfactant has a
molecular weight ranging from 200 amu to 800 amu, or from 250 amu
to 700 amu, or from 300 amu to 600 amu.
12-15. (canceled)
16. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is
substantially free of water.
17-20. (canceled)
21. The composition of claim 1, wherein at least 50 percent by
weight, or at least 60 percent by weight, or at least 70 percent by
weight, or at least 80 percent by weight of the olefinic ester
compounds in the composition are methyl esters of C.sub.10-12
carboxylic acids having one carbon-carbon double bond.
22. The composition of claim 21, wherein at least 50 percent by
weight, or at least 60 percent by weight, or at least 70 percent by
weight, or at least 80 percent by weight of the olefinic ester
compounds in the composition are methyl esters of 9-decenoic acid,
9-undecenoid acid, or 9-dodecenoic acid.
23. The composition of claim 22, wherein at least 50 percent by
weight, or at least 60 percent by weight, or at least 70 percent by
weight, or at least 80 percent by weight of the olefinic ester
compounds in the composition are methyl 9-dodecenoate.
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. The composition of claim 1, wherein the olefinic ester
compounds are compounds of formula (I): ##STR00002## wherein:
R.sup.1 is C.sub.9-17 alkenyl; and R.sup.2 is C.sub.1-6 alkyl.
27. The composition of claim 26, wherein R.sup.1 is C.sub.9-11
alkenyl.
28-30. (canceled)
31. The composition of claim 26, wherein R.sup.1 is
--(CH.sub.2).sub.7--CH.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2--CH.sub.3.
32. (canceled)
33. (canceled)
34. The composition of claim 26, wherein R.sup.2 is methyl.
35-37. (canceled)
38. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is a
cleaning composition, useful for cleaning petroleum wax or
asphaltene deposits.
39. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is a
petroleum additive composition.
40. A petroleum composition comprising: a petroleum fluid; and a
petroleum additive composition of claim 39.
41-51. (canceled)
52. A method of reducing agglomerates in a petroleum fluid,
comprising: providing a petroleum fluid comprising one or more
agglomerating materials, the agglomerating materials comprising
asphaltenes, petroleum waxes, or a combination thereof; and
introducing to the petroleum fluid the petroleum additive
composition of claim 39 to form a treated petroleum fluid.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein the introducing comprises
adding the petroleum additive composition to the petroleum fluid in
an amount such that the petroleum additive composition makes up no
more than 5 percent by weight, or no more than 3 percent by weight,
or no more than 2 percent by weight, or no more than 1 percent by
weight, of the treated petroleum composition, based on the total
weight of the treated petroleum composition.
54-56. (canceled)
57. The method of claim 52, wherein the one or more agglomerating
materials comprise macrocrystalline waxes, microcrystalline waxes,
or combinations thereof.
58-63. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority of
United States Provisional Application Nos.: 61/928,290, filed Jan.
16, 2014; 62/006,655, filed Jun. 2, 2014; 62/075,055, filed Nov. 4,
2014; 62/081,933, filed Nov. 19, 2014; and 62/089,665, filed Dec.
9, 2014. Each of the foregoing applications is hereby incorporated
by reference as though fully set forth herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Compositions for treating high-molecular-weight components
of a petroleum fluid are generally disclosed. In some embodiments,
such compositions include olefinic ester compounds, such as alkyl
esters of C.sub.10-18 unsaturated fatty acids. In some embodiments,
such compositions are added to a petroleum fluid to improve the
rheological properties, e.g., breaking up or inhibiting the
precipitation of high-molecular-weight components of petroleum
fluids, such as waxes, asphaltenes, and the like. In some other
embodiments, such compositions are used for removing deposits of
such high-molecular-weight components from the surfaces of
equipment used for extracting or transporting petroleum or natural
gas. In some embodiments, the olefinic ester compounds are derived
from a natural oil or a natural oil derivative, for example, by
catalytic olefin metathesis.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Extracted carbonaceous fluids, such as petroleum fluids or
natural gas, can contain a variety of high-molecular-weight
components that precipitate out of the extracted fluid or that
deposit onto the equipment used to extract and transport such
fluids (e.g., pipelines, tanks, downhole pipes and tubes, and
above-ground extraction equipment, such as rigs). The precipitation
and deposition of these materials can cause significant problems in
extracting these fluids and transporting them away from the
extraction site for refinement.
[0004] Petroleum waxes are one class of high-molecular-weight
components that are typically present in extracted carbonaceous
fluids (e.g., petroleum fluids), and which can cause the problems
described above. Two different kinds of wax formations are common:
paraffin waxes and microcrystalline waxes. Paraffin waxes are
macrocrystalline waxes that tend to precipitate out as large, flat
plates. They are made up primarily of straight-chain alkanes having
at least 18 carbon atoms up to 75 or more carbon atoms. In most
instances, these waxes have molecular weights that range from about
300 to 1200 amu, and more typically from about 300 to 600 amu. In
contrast, microcrystalline waxes tend to precipitate out as
needle-like structures, and are made up primarily of branched-chain
and/or cyclic alkanes. In most instances, such microcrystalline
waxes have molecular weights that range from about 300 up to 2500
amu. The amount of various wax-forming components in an extracted
fluid will vary from well to well.
[0005] At elevated temperatures, these waxes tend to remain
dissolved in the extracted fluid. But as the temperature of the
fluid drops, nucleation occurs and wax deposits develop and grow.
The wax appearance temperature (WAT) for a given extracted fluid is
the temperature at which the wax molecules begin to cluster.
Therefore, it is desirable to have a lower WAT, so as to avoid the
development of waxy deposits.
[0006] Asphaltenes are another class of high-molecular-weight
components that are typically present in extracted carbonaceous
fluids (e.g., petroleum fluids), and which can cause the problems
described above. Asphaltenes are high-molecular-weight aromatic
agglomerates that are generally soluble in light aromatics (e.g.,
benzene, toluene, etc.), but which are generally insoluble in light
paraffins (e.g., n-pentane, n-heptane, etc.). Asphaltenes generally
desorb from the extracted fluid as the pressure on the fluid drops,
such as when the fluid moves through the downhole tubing, through
pipelines, etc.
[0007] Petroleum waxes and asphaltenes may be soluble in certain
organic solvents. However, in many instances, such solvents have a
high volatile organic content (VOC), and thereby may contribute to
greenhouse gas production and ozone depletion. In some instances,
traditional high-VOC solvents can also be carcinogenic,
teratogenic, toxic, or mutagenic. Therefore, a number of common
solvents have come under increased regulatory scrutiny and
therefore suffer from decreased use. Such solvents include
aromatics (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylenes, and the like), ketones
(e.g., methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, and the like),
halogenated organics (e.g., dichloromethane, perchloroethylene, and
the like), glycol ethers, and alcohols (e.g., methanol,
isopropanol, ethylene glycol, and the like). Therefore, it is
generally undesirable these days to employ such solvents to address
problems associated with petroleum waxes and asphaltenes.
[0008] Certain derivatives of renewable feedstocks can provide more
suitable alternatives to high-VOC solvents. For example, fatty acid
alkyl esters (e.g., from the transesterification of vegetable oils,
animal fats, or other lipids) can provide environmentally friendly
alternatives to traditional oxygenated solvents. Methyl soyate, for
example, has a low VOC value, a high flash point, a low toxicity,
and a high biodegradability. Terpene oils from citrus and pine
(d-limonene and pinene, respectively) may also serve as suitable
alternatives to certain traditional organic solvents. Such
renewable solvents are not without their problems, however. For
example, d-limonene and dipentene (a racemate of d-limonene) are
both acute and chronic aquatic toxins, and also have an irritating
and sensitizing effect on the skin. Further, d-limonene is highly
inflammable (e.g., more so than petroleum distillates) and can be
subject to fluctuations in supply and price. Fatty acid alkyl
esters can overcome some of these deficiencies of terpene oils, but
can also exhibit poor solvency relative to certain incumbents.
[0009] In some cases, specialized polymers have been developed to
help disperse petroleum waxes in extracted fluids, thereby
inhibiting their ability to agglomerate and have a negative effect
on the flow properties of the fluid and accumulate as deposits onto
various equipment. But these polymers can have the effect of
increasing the viscosity of the fluid. So, while use of these
polymers may solve certain problems associated with wax formation,
they create other issues.
[0010] Thus, there is a continuing need to develop solvent
compounds and compositions that are renewably sourced, exhibit high
solvency toward petroleum waxes and asphaltenes, and have a
desirable health and safety profile.
SUMMARY
[0011] In a first aspect, the disclosure provides compositions that
include olefinic ester compounds, wherein the olefinic ester
compounds are esters of C.sub.10-18 carboxylic acids having one or
more carbon-carbon double bonds. In some embodiments, the esters
are C.sub.1-6 alkanol esters, such methyl esters, ethyl esters,
isopropyl esters, and the like. Further, in some embodiments, the
C.sub.10-18 carboxylic acids are C.sub.10-12 carboxylic acids
having one to three carbon-carbon double bonds. In some
embodiments, the compositions consist essentially of or consist of
said olefinic ester compounds. In some embodiments, the
compositions include one or more surfactants, such as non-ionic
surfactants. In some embodiments, the surfactants have a
hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) ranging from 4 to 10, or from
5 to 9, and a molecular weight ranging from 200 to 800 amu, or from
300 to 600 amu.
[0012] In a second aspect, the compositions of the first aspect are
cleaning compositions, such as compositions suitable for use in
cleaning gas- or oil-extraction equipment, such as cleaning certain
materials or deposits from rigs, tuning, pipes, valves, and the
like. In some embodiments, the materials to be removed include
asphaltenes and/or petroleum waxes (e.g., macrocrystalline waxes
and/or microcrystalline waxes). In some such embodiments, the
compositions include a surfactant, such as a non-ionic
surfactant.
[0013] In a third aspect, the compositions of the first aspect are
petroleum additive compositions. In some such embodiments, the
compositions are added to an extracted fluid (e.g., crude oil) to
inhibit or prevent the formation and/or precipitation of deposits
that include petroleum waxes and/or asphaltenes. In some such
embodiments, the compositions include a surfactant, such as a
non-ionic surfactant.
[0014] In a fourth aspect, the disclosure provides a petroleum
composition, including: a petroleum fluid; and a petroleum additive
composition of the third aspect. In some embodiments, the petroleum
additive composition makes up no more than 5 percent by weight of
the petroleum composition, based on the total weight of the
composition.
[0015] In a fifth aspect, the disclosure provides methods for
cleaning a surface, including: providing a surface having a
material (e.g., a deposit) disposed thereon, the material including
asphaltenes, petroleum waxes, or a combination thereof; and
contacting the material with the composition of any of the
foregoing aspects. In some embodiments, the surface is a surface of
a component of an oil rig, such as the interior wall of a pipe,
tube, or tank, or a gauge, valve, pressure regulator, and the
like.
[0016] In a sixth aspect, the disclosure provides methods of
reducing agglomerates in a petroleum fluid, comprising: providing a
petroleum fluid including one or more agglomerating materials
(e.g., asphaltenes, petroleum waxes, or combinations thereof); and
introducing to the petroleum fluid the petroleum additive
composition of the third aspect. In some embodiments, the petroleum
fluid includes crude oil or partially refined crude oil.
[0017] In a seventh aspect, the disclosure provides compositions
where the compositions of the first aspect are hydraulic fracturing
compositions. In some embodiments, such compositions include a
major amount of water. In some embodiments, the compositions are
mixed or slurried with solid particles, such as sand particles. In
some embodiments, such compositions include the olefinic ester
compounds in amounts up to about 5 percent by weight, based on the
total weight of liquid ingredients in the composition.
[0018] In an eighth aspect, the disclosure provides methods for
treating a gas well (e.g., a shale gas well or a tight gas well),
including: providing a hydraulic fracturing composition according
to the seventh aspect; and introducing the hydraulic fracturing
composition to a subterranean gas well. In some embodiments, the
introducing includes injecting the hydraulic fracturing composition
to the subterranean gas well under hydraulic pressure.
[0019] Further aspects and embodiments are provided in the
foregoing drawings, detailed description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The following drawings are provided for purposes of
illustrating various embodiments of the compositions and methods
disclosed herein. The drawings are provided for illustrative
purposes only, and are not intended to describe any preferred
compositions or preferred methods, or to serve as a source of any
limitations on the scope of the claimed inventions.
[0021] FIG. 1 shows an example of an olefinic ester compound of
certain embodiments disclosed herein, where R.sup.1 is a C.sub.9-17
alkenyl group and R.sup.2 is a C.sub.1-6 alkyl group.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows the results of gilsonite dissolution tests for
two test compositions against toluene.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a rheogram for oil compositions containing an
amount of the compositions disclosed herein as an additive.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The following description recites various aspects and
embodiments of the compositions and methods disclosed herein. No
particular embodiment is intended to define the scope of the
invention. Rather, the embodiments provide non-limiting examples of
various compositions and methods. The description is to be read
from the perspective of one of ordinary skill in the art.
Therefore, information that is well known to the ordinarily skilled
artisan is not necessarily included.
DEFINITIONS
[0025] The following terms and phrases have the meanings indicated
below, unless otherwise provided herein. This disclosure may employ
other terms and phrases not expressly defined herein. Such other
terms and phrases shall have the meanings that they would possess
within the context of this disclosure to those of ordinary skill in
the art. In some instances, a term or phrase may be defined in the
singular or plural. In such instances, it is understood that any
term in the singular may include its plural counterpart and vice
versa, unless expressly indicated to the contrary.
[0026] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. For example, reference to "a substituent" encompasses a
single substituent as well as two or more substituents, and the
like.
[0027] As used herein, "for example," "for instance," "such as," or
"including" are meant to introduce examples that further clarify
more general subject matter. Unless otherwise expressly indicated,
such examples are provided only as an aid for understanding
embodiments illustrated in the present disclosure, and are not
meant to be limiting in any fashion. Nor do these phrases indicate
any kind of preference for the disclosed embodiment.
[0028] As used herein, "natural oil," "natural feedstock," or
"natural oil feedstock" refer to oils derived from plants or animal
sources. These terms include natural oil derivatives, unless
otherwise indicated. The terms also include modified plant or
animal sources (e.g., genetically modified plant or animal
sources), unless indicated otherwise. Examples of natural oils
include, but are not limited to, vegetable oils, algae oils, fish
oils, animal fats, tall oils, derivatives of these oils,
combinations of any of these oils, and the like. Representative
non-limiting examples of vegetable oils include rapeseed oil
(canola oil), coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil,
palm oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil,
sunflower oil, linseed oil, palm kernel oil, tung oil, jatropha
oil, mustard seed oil, pennycress oil, camelina oil, hempseed oil,
and castor oil. Representative non-limiting examples of animal fats
include lard, tallow, poultry fat, yellow grease, and fish oil.
Tall oils are by-products of wood pulp manufacture. In some
embodiments, the natural oil or natural oil feedstock comprises one
or more unsaturated glycerides (e.g., unsaturated triglycerides).
In some such embodiments, the natural oil feedstock comprises at
least 50% by weight, or at least 60% by weight, or at least 70% by
weight, or at least 80% by weight, or at least 90% by weight, or at
least 95% by weight, or at least 97% by weight, or at least 99% by
weight of one or more unsaturated triglycerides, based on the total
weight of the natural oil feedstock.
[0029] As used herein, "natural oil derivatives" refers to the
compounds or mixtures of compounds derived from a natural oil using
any one or combination of methods known in the art. Such methods
include but are not limited to saponification, fat splitting,
transesterification, esterification, hydrogenation (partial,
selective, or full), isomerization, oxidation, and reduction.
Representative non-limiting examples of natural oil derivatives
include gums, phospholipids, soapstock, acidulated soapstock,
distillate or distillate sludge, fatty acids and fatty acid alkyl
ester (e.g. non-limiting examples such as 2-ethylhexyl ester),
hydroxy substituted variations thereof of the natural oil. For
example, the natural oil derivative may be a fatty acid methyl
ester ("FAME") derived from the glyceride of the natural oil. In
some embodiments, a feedstock includes canola or soybean oil, as a
non-limiting example, refined, bleached, and deodorized soybean oil
(i.e., RBD soybean oil). Soybean oil typically comprises about 95%
weight or greater (e.g., 99% weight or greater) triglycerides of
fatty acids. Major fatty acids in the polyol esters of soybean oil
include saturated fatty acids, as a non-limiting example, palmitic
acid (hexadecanoic acid) and stearic acid (octadecanoic acid), and
unsaturated fatty acids, as a non-limiting example, oleic acid
(9-octadecenoic acid), linoleic acid (9, 12-octadecadienoic acid),
and linolenic acid (9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid).
[0030] As used herein, "metathesis catalyst" includes any catalyst
or catalyst system that catalyzes an olefin metathesis
reaction.
[0031] As used herein, "metathesize" or "metathesizing" refer to
the reacting of a feedstock in the presence of a metathesis
catalyst to form a "metathesized product" comprising new olefinic
compounds, i.e., "metathesized" compounds. Metathesizing is not
limited to any particular type of olefin metathesis, and may refer
to cross-metathesis (i.e., co-metathesis), self-metathesis,
ring-opening metathesis, ring-opening metathesis polymerizations
("ROMP"), ring-closing metathesis ("RCM"), and acyclic diene
metathesis ("ADMET"). In some embodiments, metathesizing refers to
reacting two triglycerides present in a natural feedstock
(self-metathesis) in the presence of a metathesis catalyst, wherein
each triglyceride has an unsaturated carbon-carbon double bond,
thereby forming a new mixture of olefins and esters which may
include a triglyceride dimer. Such triglyceride dimers may have
more than one olefinic bond, thus higher oligomers also may form.
Additionally, in some other embodiments, metathesizing may refer to
reacting an olefin, such as ethylene, and a triglyceride in a
natural feedstock having at least one unsaturated carbon-carbon
double bond, thereby forming new olefinic molecules as well as new
ester molecules (cross-metathesis).
[0032] As used herein, "hydrocarbon" refers to an organic group
composed of carbon and hydrogen, which can be saturated or
unsaturated, and can include aromatic groups. The term
"hydrocarbyl" refers to a monovalent or polyvalent hydrocarbon
moiety.
[0033] As used herein, "olefin" or "olefins" refer to compounds
having at least one unsaturated carbon-carbon double bond. In
certain embodiments, the term "olefins" refers to a group of
unsaturated carbon-carbon double bond compounds with different
carbon lengths. Unless noted otherwise, the terms "olefin" or
"olefins" encompasses "polyunsaturated olefins" or "poly-olefins,"
which have more than one carbon-carbon double bond. As used herein,
the term "monounsaturated olefins" or "mono-olefins" refers to
compounds having only one carbon-carbon double bond. A compound
having a terminal carbon-carbon double bond can be referred to as a
"terminal olefin" or an "alpha-olefin," while an olefin having a
non-terminal carbon-carbon double bond can be referred to as an
"internal olefin." In some embodiments, the alpha-olefin is a
terminal alkene, which is an alkene (as defined below) having a
terminal carbon-carbon double bond. Additional carbon-carbon double
bonds can be present.
[0034] The number of carbon atoms in any group or compound can be
represented by the terms: "C.sub.z", which refers to a group of
compound having z carbon atoms; and "C.sub.x-y", which refers to a
group or compound containing from x to y, inclusive, carbon atoms.
For example, "C.sub.1-6 alkyl" represents an alkyl chain having
from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and, for example, includes, but is not
limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, n-butyl,
sec-butyl, tert-butyl, isopentyl, n-pentyl, neopentyl, and n-hexyl.
As a further example, a "C.sub.4-10 alkene" refers to an alkene
molecule having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms, and, for example,
includes, but is not limited to, 1-butene, 2-butene, isobutene,
1-pentene, 1-hexene, 3-hexene, 1-heptene, 3-heptene, 1-octene,
4-octene, 1-nonene, 4-nonene, and 1-decene.
[0035] As used herein, the term "low-molecular-weight olefin" may
refer to any one or combination of unsaturated straight, branched,
or cyclic hydrocarbons in the C.sub.2-14 range.
Low-molecular-weight olefins include alpha-olefins, wherein the
unsaturated carbon-carbon bond is present at one end of the
compound. Low-molecular-weight olefins may also include dienes or
trienes. Low-molecular-weight olefins may also include internal
olefins or "low-molecular-weight internal olefins." In certain
embodiments, the low-molecular-weight internal olefin is in the
C.sub.4-14 range. Examples of low-molecular-weight olefins in the
C.sub.2-6 range include, but are not limited to: ethylene,
propylene, 1-butene, 2-butene, isobutene, 1-pentene, 2-pentene,
3-pentene, 2-methyl-1-butene, 2-methyl-2-butene, 3-methyl-1-butene,
cyclopentene, 1,4-pentadiene, 1-hexene, 2-hexene, 3-hexene,
4-hexene, 2-methyl-1-pentene, 3-methyl-1-pentene,
4-methyl-1-pentene, 2-methyl-2-pentene, 3-methyl-2-pentene,
4-methyl-2-pentene, 2-methyl-3-pentene, and cyclohexene.
Non-limiting examples of low-molecular-weight olefins in the
C.sub.7-9 range include 1,4-heptadiene, 1-heptene, 3,6-nonadiene,
3-nonene, 1,4,7-octatriene. Other possible low-molecular-weight
olefins include styrene and vinyl cyclohexane. In certain
embodiments, it is preferable to use a mixture of olefins, the
mixture comprising linear and branched low-molecular-weight olefins
in the C.sub.4-10 range. Olefins in the C.sub.4-10 range can also
be referred to as "short-chain olefins," which can be either
branched or unbranched. In one embodiments, it may be preferable to
use a mixture of linear and branched C.sub.4 olefins (i.e.,
combinations of: 1-butene, 2-butene, and/or isobutene). In other
embodiments, a higher range of C.sub.11-14 may be used.
[0036] In some instances, the olefin can be an "alkene," which
refers to a straight- or branched-chain non-aromatic hydrocarbon
having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and one or more carbon-carbon double
bonds, which may be optionally substituted, as herein further
described, with multiple degrees of substitution being allowed. A
"monounsaturated alkene" refers to an alkene having one
carbon-carbon double bond, while a "polyunsaturated alkene" refers
to an alkene having two or more carbon-carbon double bonds. A
"lower alkene," as used herein, refers to an alkene having from 2
to 10 carbon atoms.
[0037] As used herein, "ester" or "esters" refer to compounds
having the general formula: R--COO--R', wherein R and R' denote any
organic group (such as alkyl, aryl, or silyl groups) including
those bearing heteroatom-containing substituent groups. In certain
embodiments, R and R' denote alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, or alcohol
groups. In certain embodiments, the term "esters" may refer to a
group of compounds with the general formula described above,
wherein the compounds have different carbon lengths. In certain
embodiments, the esters may be esters of glycerol, which is a
trihydric alcohol. The term "glyceride" can refer to esters where
one, two, or three of the --OH groups of the glycerol have been
esterified.
[0038] It is noted that an olefin may also comprise an ester, and
an ester may also comprise an olefin, if the R or R' group in the
general formula R--COO--R' contains an unsaturated carbon-carbon
double bond. Such compounds can be referred to as "unsaturated
esters" or "olefin ester" or "olefinic ester compounds." Further, a
"terminal olefinic ester compound" may refer to an ester compound
where R has an olefin positioned at the end of the chain. An
"internal olefin ester" may refer to an ester compound where R has
an olefin positioned at an internal location on the chain.
Additionally, the term "terminal olefin" may refer to an ester or
an acid thereof where R' denotes hydrogen or any organic compound
(such as an alkyl, aryl, or silyl group) and R has an olefin
positioned at the end of the chain, and the term "internal olefin"
may refer to an ester or an acid thereof where R' denotes hydrogen
or any organic compound (such as an alkyl, aryl, or silyl group)
and R has an olefin positioned at an internal location on the
chain.
[0039] As used herein, "acid," "acids," "carboxylic acid," or
"carboxylic acids" refer to compounds having the general formula:
R--COOH, wherein R denotes any organic moiety (such as alkyl, aryl,
or silyl groups), including those bearing heteroatom-containing
substituent groups. In certain embodiments, R denotes alkyl,
alkenyl, aryl, or alcohol groups. In certain embodiments, the term
"acids" or "carboxylic acids" may refer to a group of compounds
with the general formula described above, wherein the compounds
have different carbon lengths.
[0040] As used herein, "alcohol" or "alcohols" refer to compounds
having the general formula: R--OH, wherein R denotes any organic
moiety (such as alkyl, aryl, or silyl groups), including those
bearing heteroatom-containing substituent groups. In certain
embodiments, R denotes alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, or alcohol groups. In
certain embodiments, the term "alcohol" or "alcohols" may refer to
a group of compounds with the general formula described above,
wherein the compounds have different carbon lengths. As used
herein, the term "alkanol" refers to alcohols where R is an alkyl
group.
[0041] As used herein, "alkyl" refers to a straight or branched
chain saturated hydrocarbon having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, which may
be optionally substituted, as herein further described, with
multiple degrees of substitution being allowed. Examples of
"alkyl," as used herein, include, but are not limited to, methyl,
ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl,
tert-butyl, isopentyl, n-pentyl, neopentyl, n-hexyl, and
2-ethylhexyl. In some instances, the "alkyl" group can be divalent,
in which case the group can alternatively be referred to as an
"alkylene" group.
[0042] As used herein, "alkenyl" refers to a straight or branched
chain non-aromatic hydrocarbon having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and
having one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, which may be
optionally substituted, as herein further described, with multiple
degrees of substitution being allowed. Examples of "alkenyl," as
used herein, include, but are not limited to, ethenyl, 2-propenyl,
2-butenyl, and 3-butenyl. In some instances, the "alkenyl" group
can be divalent, in which case the group can alternatively be
referred to as an "alkenylene" group.
[0043] As used herein, "halogen" or "halo" refers to a fluorine,
chlorine, bromine, and/or iodine atom. In some embodiments, the
terms refer to fluorine and/or chlorine.
[0044] As used herein, "substituted" refers to substitution of one
or more hydrogen atoms of the designated moiety with the named
substituent or substituents, multiple degrees of substitution being
allowed unless otherwise stated, provided that the substitution
results in a stable or chemically feasible compound. A stable
compound or chemically feasible compound is one in which the
chemical structure is not substantially altered when kept at a
temperature from about -80.degree. C. to about +40.degree. C., in
the absence of moisture or other chemically reactive conditions,
for at least a week. As used herein, the phrases "substituted with
one or more . . . " or "substituted one or more times . . . " refer
to a number of substituents that equals from one to the maximum
number of substituents possible based on the number of available
bonding sites, provided that the above conditions of stability and
chemical feasibility are met.
[0045] As used herein, "yield" refers to the amount of reaction
product formed in a reaction. When expressed with units of percent
(%), the term yield refers to the amount of reaction product
actually formed, as a percentage of the amount of reaction product
that would be formed if all of the limiting reactant were converted
into the product.
[0046] As used herein, "mix" or "mixed" or "mixture" refers broadly
to any combining of two or more compositions. The two or more
compositions need not have the same physical state; thus, solids
can be "mixed" with liquids, e.g., to form a slurry, suspension, or
solution. Further, these terms do not require any degree of
homogeneity or uniformity of composition. This, such "mixtures" can
be homogeneous or heterogeneous, or can be uniform or non-uniform.
Further, the terms do not require the use of any particular
equipment to carry out the mixing, such as an industrial mixer.
[0047] As used herein, "hydrophilic-lipophilic balance" or "HLB,"
with reference to surfactants refers to the property when
determined by Griffin's method: HLB=20*(Mh/M), where Mh is the
molecular weight of the hydrophilic portion of the molecule and M
is the molecular weight of the molecule as a whole. Various
commercial test kits can be purchased that permit one to measure
the HLB of a surfactant by comparing the properties of the
surfactant in question with the properties of a surfactant having a
known HLB value.
[0048] As used herein, "extracted fluid" refers to any
hydrocarbon-containing fluid that is extracted from subterranean
deposits. Extracted fluids include, but are not limited to, crude
oil and natural gas that is extracted from subterranean
deposits.
[0049] As used herein, "petroleum wax" refers to C.sub.18+ olefins,
such as those typically contained in extracted fluids.
[0050] As used herein, "asphaltenes" refers to fused heteroaromatic
compounds, such as those typically contained in extracted
fluids.
[0051] As used herein, "optionally" means that the subsequently
described event(s) may or may not occur. In some embodiments, the
optional event does not occur. In some other embodiments, the
optional event does occur one or more times.
[0052] As used herein, "comprise" or "comprises" or "comprising" or
"comprised of" refer to groups that are open, meaning that the
group can include additional members in addition to those expressly
recited. For example, the phrase, "comprises A" means that A must
be present, but that other members can be present too. The terms
"include," "have," and "composed of" and their grammatical variants
have the same meaning. In contrast, "consist of" or "consists of"
or "consisting of" refer to groups that are closed. For example,
the phrase "consists of A" means that A and only A is present.
[0053] As used herein, "or" is to be given its broadest reasonable
interpretation, and is not to be limited to an either/or
construction. Thus, the phrase "comprising A or B" means that A can
be present and not B, or that B is present and not A, or that A and
B are both present. Further, if A, for example, defines a class
that can have multiple members, e.g., A.sub.1 and A.sub.2, then one
or more members of the class can be present concurrently.
[0054] As used herein, the various functional groups represented
will be understood to have a point of attachment at the functional
group having the hyphen or dash (-) or an asterisk (*). In other
words, in the case of --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, it will be
understood that the point of attachment is the CH.sub.2 group at
the far left. If a group is recited without an asterisk or a dash,
then the attachment point is indicated by the plain and ordinary
meaning of the recited group.
[0055] As used herein, multi-atom bivalent species are to be read
from left to right. For example, if the specification or claims
recite A-D-E and D is defined as --OC(O)--, the resulting group
with D replaced is: A-OC(O)-E and not A-C(O)O-E.
[0056] Other terms are defined in other portions of this
description, even though not included in this subsection.
Compositions Including Olefinic Ester Compounds
[0057] In certain aspects, the disclosure provides compositions
that include olefinic ester compounds. Any suitable olefin ester
compounds can be used in the compositions. In some embodiments, the
olefinic ester compounds are alkanol esters, e.g., C.sub.1-6
alkanol esters, of C.sub.10-18 carboxylic acids having at least one
carbon-carbon double bond.
[0058] Suitable alkanols include, but are not limited to, methanol,
ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol, tert-butyl
alcohol, pentanol, isoamyl alcohol, neopentyl alcohol, and hexanol.
In some embodiments, the alkanol is methanol, ethanol, or
isopropanol. In some embodiments, the alkanol is methanol or
ethanol. In some embodiments, the alkanol is methanol. Any suitable
C.sub.10-18 carboxylic acid can be employed in such esters,
including branched and unbranched carboxylic acids.
[0059] In some such embodiments, the olefinic ester compounds are
alkanol esters of C.sub.10-16 carboxylic acids having one to three
carbon-carbon double bonds, or alkanol esters of C.sub.10-15
carboxylic acids having one to three carbon-carbon double bonds, or
alkanol esters of C.sub.10-14 carboxylic acids having one to three
carbon-carbon double bonds, or alkanol esters of C.sub.10-12
carboxylic acids having one to three carbon-carbon double bonds, or
alkanol esters of C.sub.12-18 carboxylic acids having one to three
carbon-carbon double bonds, or alkanol esters of C.sub.12-16
carboxylic acids having one to three carbon-carbon double bonds, or
alkanol esters of C.sub.12-15 carboxylic acids having one to three
carbon-carbon double bonds, or alkanol esters of C.sub.12-14
carboxylic acids having one to three carbon-carbon double bonds.
Any alkanols of the aforementioned embodiments can be used. In some
embodiments, where the carboxylic acid has two or three
carbon-carbon double bonds, none of the carbon-carbon double bands
are conjugated, either to each other or to other unsaturation in
the compound. In some other embodiments, the carboxylic acid group
has a single carbon-carbon double bond. In some embodiments, the
carboxylic acid is 9-decenoic acid, 9-undecenoic acid, or
9-dodecenoic acid.
[0060] In some embodiments, the olefinic ester compounds are methyl
9-decenoate, methyl 9-undenenoate, methyl 9-dodecenoate, or a
mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the olefinic ester compounds
are methyl 9-decenoate, methyl 9-dodecenoate, or a mixture thereof.
In some other embodiments, the olefinic ester compounds are methyl
9-decenoate. In some other embodiments, the olefinic ester
compounds are methyl 9-dodecenoate.
[0061] In some embodiments, the olefinic ester compounds are one or
more compounds of formula (I):
##STR00001##
wherein:
[0062] R.sup.1 is C.sub.9-17 alkenyl; and
[0063] R.sup.2 is C.sub.1-6 alkyl.
[0064] In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is C.sub.9-15 alkenyl. In some
embodiments, R.sup.1 is C.sub.9-14 alkenyl. In some embodiments,
R.sup.1 is C.sub.9-13 alkenyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is
C.sub.9-11 alkenyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is C.sub.11-15
alkenyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is C.sub.11-14 alkenyl. In
some embodiments, R.sup.1 is C.sub.11-13 alkenyl. In some
embodiments, R.sup.1 is C.sub.9 alkenyl or C.sub.11 alkenyl. In
some embodiments, R.sup.1 is C.sub.9 alkeny. In some embodiments,
R.sup.1 is C.sub.11 alkenyl. In some such embodiments, R.sup.1 has
one to three carbon-carbon double bonds, which, when multiple
carbon-carbon double bonds are present, in some embodiments, are
not conjugated. In some embodiments, R.sup.1 has a single
carbon-carbon-double bond. In some other embodiments, R.sup.1 has
two non-conjugated double bonds. In some other embodiments, R.sup.1
has two or three conjugated double bonds, such as a C.sub.13-15
alkenyl having two or three conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds.
In some embodiments, R.sup.1 is
--(CH.sub.2).sub.7--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2,
--(CH.sub.2).sub.7--CH.dbd.CH--CH.sub.3, or
--(CH.sub.2).sub.7--CH.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2--CH.sub.3. In some
embodiments, R.sup.1 is --(CH.sub.2).sub.7--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 or
--(CH.sub.2).sub.7--CH.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2--CH.sub.3. In some
embodiments, R.sup.1 is --(CH.sub.2).sub.7--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2. In
some embodiments, R.sup.1 is
--(CH.sub.2).sub.7--CH.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2--CH.sub.3.
[0065] In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is methyl, ethyl, isopropyl,
propyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isoamyl,
neopentyl, or hexyl. In some embodiments, R.sup.2 is methyl, ethyl,
isopropyl, propyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, or tert-butyl. In
some embodiments, R.sup.2 is methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl. In some
embodiments, R.sup.2 is methyl or ethyl. In some embodiments,
R.sup.2 is methyl.
[0066] In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein
consist of the olefinic ester compounds, meaning that the
compositions contain no other materials besides the olefinic ester
compounds. In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein
consist essentially of the olefinic ester compounds, meaning that
the compositions can contain one or more other materials that do
not materially affect the basic characteristics of the olefinic
ester composition or its use. In some embodiments, the compositions
disclosed herein can comprise (or include) other materials,
including materials that can affect the basic characteristics of
the olefinic ester composition or its use.
[0067] The olefinic ester compounds can make up any suitable amount
of the disclosed compositions. In some embodiments, the olefinic
ester compounds make up at least 50 percent by weight, or at least
60 percent by weight, or at least 70 percent by weight, or at least
80 percent by weight, or at least 90 percent by weight, or at least
95 percent by weight of the composition, based on the total weight
of the composition. In some such embodiments, the olefinic ester
compounds make up no more than 99 percent by weight of the
composition, based on the total weight of the composition. The
compositions can include any other suitable component or
combination of components. In some other embodiments, however, the
olefinic ester compounds make up a lower amount of the composition.
Thus, in some embodiments, the composition includes from 1 to 70
percent by weight, or from 2 to 70 percent by weight, or from 5 to
70 percent by weight, or from 10 to 70 percent by weight, or from
20 to 70 percent by weight, or from 30 to 70 percent by weight, or
from 40 to 70 percent by weight, or from 1 to 50 percent by weight,
or from 2 to 50 percent by weight, or from 5 to 50 percent by
weight, or from 10 to 50 percent by weight, or from 20 to 50
percent by weight, or from 30 to 50 percent by weight, or from 1 to
30 percent by weight, or from 2 to 30 percent by weight, or from 5
to 30 percent by weight, or from 10 to 30 percent by weight, or
from 1 to 20 percent by weight, or from 2 to 20 percent by weight,
or from 5 to 20 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the
composition.
[0068] In some embodiments, the compositions include one or more
surfactants (according to any of the embodiments described below),
such as non-ionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, or cationic
surfactants. In some such embodiments, the compositions include one
or more non-ionic surfactants. In some such embodiments, the
compositions include one or more anionic surfactants. In some such
embodiments, the compositions include one or more cationic
surfactants.
[0069] In some embodiments, the olefinic ester compounds may make
up a smaller portion of the composition. For example, in some
embodiments, the olefinic ester compounds make up at least 1
percent by weight up to 10 percent by weight, or up to 20 percent
by weight, or up to 30 percent by weight, or up to 40 percent by
weight, or up to 50 percent by weight, of the composition, based on
the total weight of the composition.
[0070] In some such embodiments, the composition further comprises
saturated ester compounds. For example, in some such embodiments,
the saturated ester compounds make up at least 30 percent by
weight, or at least 40 percent by weight, up to 60 percent by
weight, or up to 70 percent by weight, or up to 80 percent by
weight, or up to 90 percent by weight, or up to 95 percent by
weight, of the composition, based on the total weight of the
composition. As another example, the weight-to-weight ratio of
saturated ester compounds to olefinic ester compounds in the
composition ranges from 1:10 to 10:1, or from 1:5 to 5:1, or from
1:3 to 3:1, or from 1:2 to 2:1. Any suitable saturated fatty acid
ester can be used, such as C.sub.1-6 alkanolic esters of
C.sub.10-18 satyrated fatty acids, such as C.sub.1-6 alkanolic
esters (e.g., methyl esters, ethyl esters, isopropyl esters, etc.)
of capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic
acid, and the like.
[0071] In some instances it may be suitable to deliver the
composition as a component of an emulsion, such as an oil-in-water
emulsion or a water-in-oil emulsion. In some embodiments, the
olefinic ester compounds are part of an oily component (e.g., a
primary solvent) of an emulsion, e.g., a microemulsion. In some
such embodiments, the amount of primary solvent used in the
emulsion is variable with the end use. For example, in the event
that the microemulsion is used to remove an undesirable substance
from a hard surface such as, for example, stripping paint from a
painted surface or removing grease from the surface of a piece of
industrial equipment, the amount of primary solvent can be higher,
such as from 50 to 99 percent by weight, or from 60 to 99 percent
by weight, or from 70 to 99 percent by weight, or from 80 to 99
percent by weight, or from 50 to 95 percent by weight, or from 60
to 95 percent by weight, or from 70 to 95 percent by weight, or
from 80 to 95 percent by weight, based on the weight of the
microemulsion. On the other hand, for example, if the microemulsion
is used to remove an undesirable substance, such as undesirable
paint or graffiti, from a coated surface, such as a painted wall or
railroad boxcar, the amount of primary solvent may be lower, such
as from 10 to 70 percent by weight, or from 10 to 60 percent by
weight, or from 10 to 50 percent by weight, or from 25 to 70
percent by weight, or from 25 to 60 percent by weight, or from 25
to 50 percent by weight, based on the weight of the
microemulsion.
[0072] In some embodiments, the relative amounts of the other
components of the composition vary according to the end use of the
composition and can be any amounts required to clean a particular
undesirable substance from a particular surface. The amount of
anionic surfactant, for example, can vary from 1 to 75 percent by
weight, or from 2 to 60 percent by weight, or from 3 to 50 percent
by weight, or from 5 to 40 percent by weight, or from 5 to 30
percent by weight, or from 5 to 20 percent by weight, or from 5 to
14 percent by weight, or from 5 to 13 percent by weight, based on
the total weight of the composition (e.g., the undiluted,
pre-emulsified composition). In some embodiments, such compositions
are emulsified by mixing them with an aqueous medium to form an
oil-in-water emulsion or a water-in-oil emulsion. Suitable
emulsifiers can be added to assist in the emulsification. Any
suitable degree of dilution can be used, depending on the intended
end use, the desired concentration of solvent, and other
ingredients.
[0073] Compositions comprising anionic surfactants can be used in a
variety of cleaning applications. For example, in some embodiments,
compositions comprising anionic surfactants are used for a variety
of end uses. Suitable end uses include, but are not limited to,
degreasing (e.g., from various surfaces), stain removal or
treatment (e.g., on fabrics or other textiles), removal of food and
food-containing materials, and general hard-surface cleaning. The
desired end-use application may require use of different
surfactants or combinations of surfactants, as well as different
amounts of those surfactants.
[0074] In some embodiments, the compositions can include one or
more additional ingredients or additives. Such additional
ingredients or additives include, but are not limited to, carriers,
solvents, co-solvents (such as longer-chain olefinic ester
compounds), surfactants, co-surfactants, emulsifiers, natural or
synthetic colorants, natural or synthetic fragrances, natural or
synthetic deodorizers, antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors,
chelating agents, precipitating and/or sequestering builders, and
antimicrobial agents. These agents can be used in any suitable
amounts, depending on the types of other ingredients in the
composition (e.g., anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants,
non-ionic surfactants, etc.), the amounts of other ingredients in
the composition (e.g., amount of various surfactants), whether the
composition is to be formulated as an emulsion, and, if so, what
type of emulsion it will be (e.g., oil-in-water, water-in-oil,
etc.), and what the desired range of end-uses will be.
[0075] In embodiments that include surfactants, any suitable
surfactants can be used. For example, in some embodiments, the
surfactants used in the composition can include surfactants having
an HLB (hydrophile-lipophile balance) of 4 to 14, or 8 to 13. In
some embodiments, the surfactants used in the composition include
the amine salts (e.g., the isopropyl amine salt) of dodecylbenzene
sulfonic acid, the amine salts (e.g., the isopropyl amine salt) of
oleic acid, linear alcohol alkoxylates, branched alcohol
alkoxylates, alkyl phenol alkoxylates, fatty amides, fatty
alkanolamides, fatty amine alkoxylates, sorbitan esters, glycerol
esters, and combinations thereof. Other examples of suitable
nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, linear
alcohol alkoxylates, branched alcohol alkoxylates, alkyl phenol
alkoxylates, fatty amides, fatty alkanolamides, fatty amine
alkoxylates, and combinations thereof. Some other examples of
suitable anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to,
water-soluble salts of alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl sulfates,
alkyl polyalkoxy ether sulfates, paraffin sulfonates, alpha-olefin
sulfonates and sulfosuccinates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates and their
esters, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, fatty acid monoglyceride
sulfates and sulfonates, alkyl phenol polyalkoxyether sulfates and
combinations thereof. Other examples of suitable anionic
surfactants include, but are not limited to, the water-soluble
salts or esters of alpha-sulfonated fatty acids containing from
about 6 to about 20 carbon atoms in the fatty acid group and from
about 1 to about 10 carbon atoms in the ester group.
[0076] In some embodiments, such cleaning compositions can have
improved high- and low-temperature stability, in comparison to a
cleaning composition not including such a surfactant.
[0077] Surfactants can also be added to the finished composition to
alleviate potential customers of the need to select a surfactant
that may be suitable for particular end uses.
[0078] Surfactant-containing compositions may also be useful in the
preparation of emulsions (e.g., microemulsions or nanoemulsions),
e.g., where the oily phase is emulsified in an aqueous medium, or
vice versa. In such embodiments, the surfactants can include linear
alcohol alkoxylates, branched alcohol alkoxylates, alkyl phenol
alkoxylates, fatty amides, fatty alkanolamides, fatty amine
alkoxylates and combinations thereof. In some such embodiments, the
olefinic ester compound is the primary solvent.
[0079] In certain aspects and embodiments, such compositions can be
used in a cleaning method, where the cleaning composition is
applied to a surface (e.g., a surface to be cleaned). In some such
embodiments, the surface can be washed with an aqueous medium
(e.g., water) after application of the cleaning composition.
[0080] In some embodiments, nonionic surfactants having an HLB of
from about 4 to about 14, or from 8 to 13, may be suitable in the
preparation of a microemulsion. Non-limiting examples of such
surfactants include, but are not limited to, linear alcohol
alkoxylates, branched alcohol alkoxylates, alkyl phenol
alkoxylates, fatty amides, fatty amide alkoxylates, fatty amine
alkoxylates and combinations thereof.
[0081] In some embodiments, cationic surfactants can be used.
Suitable cationic surfactants include, but are not limited to,
water-soluble quaternary ammonium salts fatty amines, ammonium
salts of fatty amines, quaternary ammonium salts of ethoxylated
fatty amines, ammonium salts of ethoxylated fatty amines,
quaternary ammonium salts of modified alkyl polyglucosides, and
combinations thereof.
[0082] In some embodiments, the cleaning composition (e.g., a
microemulsion) can include a nonionic and/or amphoteric surfactant.
In some such embodiments, the olefinic ester compound is a primary
solvent.
[0083] In some embodiments, nonionic surfactants and/or amphoteric
surfactants can be used, e.g., nonionic surfactants having an HLB
of from 4 to 14, or 8 to 13, e.g., in a microemulsion. Non-limiting
examples of nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to,
linear alcohol alkoxylates, branched alcohol alkoxylates, alkyl
phenol alkoxylates, fatty amides, fatty amide alkoxylates, fatty
amine alkoxylates and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples
of amphoteric surfactants include, but are not limited to,
water-soluble C.sub.6-12 fatty amidoamine betaines, C.sub.6-12
fatty amidoamine sultaines and hydroxysultaines, C.sub.6-12 fatty
amidoamine oxides, fatty iminodiproponiates, C.sub.6-12 fatty amine
betaines, C.sub.6-12 fatty amines sultaines, C.sub.6-12 fatty amine
hydroxysultaines, C.sub.6-12 fatty amine oxides, and combinations
thereof.
[0084] In some embodiments, other surfactants can be used, either
in combination with one or more of anionic, cationic and/or
amphoteric surfactants (e.g., as short-chain co-surfactants) or
alone. Non-limiting examples of such other surfactants include, but
are not limited to, C.sub.3-6 alcohols, glycols, glycol ethers,
pyrrolidones, glycol ether esters, and combinations thereof.
[0085] In some embodiments, the relative amounts of the components
of the composition will vary according to the end use of the
composition and can be any amounts required to clean a particular
undesirable substance from a particular surface. The amount of
non-ionic surfactant, for example, can vary from 1 to 75 percent by
weight, or from 2 to 60 percent by weight, or from 3 to 50 percent
by weight, or from 5 to 40 percent by weight, or from 5 to 30
percent by weight, or from 5 to 20 percent by weight, based on the
total weight of the composition (e.g., the undiluted,
pre-emulsified composition). In some embodiments, such compositions
are emulsified by mixing them with an aqueous medium to form an
oil-in-water emulsion or a water-in-oil emulsion. Suitable
emulsifiers can be added to assist in the emulsification. Any
suitable degree of dilution can be used, depending on the intended
end use, the desired concentration of solvent, and other
ingredients.
[0086] In some embodiments, the surfactants (e.g., non-ionic
surfactants) can have certain ranges of HLB values. In some
embodiments, the surfactants (e.g., non-ionic surfactants) have a
HLB value ranging from 4 to 10, or from 5 to 9, or from 6 to 8. In
some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one non-ionic
surfactant having an HLB value of about 4, or an HLB value of about
5, or an HLB value of about 6, or an HLB value of about 7, or an
HLB value of about 8, or an HLB value of about 9.
[0087] In some embodiments, the surfactants (e.g., non-ionic
surfactants) can have certain ranges of molecular weights. In some
embodiments, the surfactants (e.g., non-ionic surfactants) have a
molecular weight ranging from 200 to 800 amu, or from 250 to 700
amu, or from 300 to 600 amu. In some embodiments, the composition
comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant having a molecular
weight of about 350 amu, or a molecular weight of about 400 amu, or
a molecular weight of about 450 amu, or a molecular weight of about
500 amu, or a molecular weight of about 550 amu, or a molecular
weight of about 600 amu, or a molecular weight of about 650
amu.
[0088] In some embodiments, the surfactants are ethoxylated fatty
acids or ethoxylated alcohols. For example, in some non-limiting
examples, the surfactants are ethoxylated alcohols, where the
alcohols have 8 to 16 carbon atoms, or 10 to 15 carbon atoms, or 12
to 15 carbon atoms. The ethoxylated chains of such alcohols can
have any suitable number of ethylene oxide units. For example, in
some embodiments, the surfactants have from 5 to 12 ethylene oxide
units, or from 7 to 10 ethylene oxide units. In some embodiments,
the ethoxylated alcohols have a number-average number of ethylene
oxide units of about 5, or of about 7, or of about 9, or of about
11, or of about 12. Analogous such ethyoxylated fatty acids can be
used as well.
[0089] Compositions comprising non-ionic surfactants can be used in
a variety of applications. For example, in some embodiments,
compositions comprising non-ionic surfactants are used for a
variety of end uses. Suitable end uses include, but are not limited
to, cleaning of equipment used in extracting oil and gas, such as
the tubing, pipes, tanks, etc., associated with oil and gas
rigs.
[0090] In some embodiments, the composition comprises water. In
some such embodiments, the composition is an emulsion, meaning that
the composition includes two or more phases where at least one of
the phases is at least partially dispersed in one or more of the
other phases. In some further such embodiments, the composition is
a microemulsion or a nanoemulsion, meaning that at least one of the
phases is dispersed as small droplets whose size is on the order of
about 1 nm up to about 1 micron. In some embodiments, the droplet
size is less than the wavelength of the lowest energy visible
light, e.g., less than 350 nm, or less than 300 nm, or less than
250 nm, or less than 200 nm, or less than 150 nm, or less than 100
nm, down to about 50 nm.
[0091] In some other embodiments, the composition is substantially
free of water. For example, in some embodiments, the composition
includes less than 2 percent by weight, or less than 1 percent by
weight, or less than 0.5 percent by weight, or less than 0.1
percent by weight water, based on the total weight of the
composition.
[0092] In some embodiments, the composition also includes alkanol
esters (e.g., methyl esters) of saturated carboxylic acids,
referred to herein as "saturated ester compounds."
[0093] The composition can contain any suitable distribution of
olefinic ester compounds. For example, in some embodiments, the
composition includes at least 50 percent by weight, or at least 60
percent by weight, or at least 70 percent by weight, or at least 80
percent by weight alkanol esters (e.g., methyl esters) of
C.sub.10-12 carboxylic acids having one or more carbon-carbon
double bonds, based on the total weight of olefinic ester compounds
and saturated ester compounds in the composition. In some
embodiments, said C.sub.10-12 carboxylic acids have one
carbon-carbon double bond. In some embodiments, the composition
includes at least 50 percent by weight, or at least 60 percent by
weight, or at least 70 percent by weight, or at least 75 percent by
weight of methyl esters of 9-decenoic acid, 9-undecenoic acid, or
9-dodecenoic acid, based on the total weight of olefinic ester
compounds and saturated ester compounds in the composition. In some
embodiments, the composition includes at least 50 percent by
weight, or at least 60 percent by weight, or at least 70 percent by
weight, or at least 75 percent by weight of methyl esters of
9-decenoic acid or 9-dodecenoic acid, based on the total weight of
olefinic ester compounds and saturated ester compounds in the
composition. In some such embodiments, the composition includes no
more than 20 percent by weight, or no more than 15 percent by
weight, or no more than 10 percent by weight of saturated ester
compounds, based on the total weight of olefinic ester compounds
and saturated ester compounds. In some embodiments, the composition
includes: (a) 20 to 50 percent by weight, or 30 to 40 percent by
weight of C.sub.10 olefinic ester compounds (e.g., methyl esters of
9-decenoic acid); (b) 30 to 60 percent by weight, or 40 to 50
percent by weight of C.sub.12 olefinic ester compounds (e.g.,
methyl esters of 9-dodecenoic acid); and (c) 5 to 25 percent by
weight, or 5 to 15 percent by weight of saturated ester compounds
(e.g., methyl palmitate).
[0094] In some other embodiments, the composition includes at least
40 percent by weight, or at least 50 percent by weight, or at least
60 percent by weight, or at least 70 percent by weight, or at least
80 percent by weight, or at least 90 percent by weight, or at least
95 percent by weight, of C.sub.12 olefinic ester compounds (e.g.,
alkanol esters of 9-dodecenoic acid), based on the total weight of
the composition or the total weight of the oily phase of an
oil-in-water emulsion (excluding emulsifiers). In some such
embodiments, the composition includes 50 to 99 percent by weight,
or 60 to 99 percent by weight, of C.sub.12 olefinic ester compounds
(e.g., alkanol esters of 9-dodecenoic acid), based on the total
weight of the composition or the total weight of the oily phase of
an oil-in-water emulsion (excluding emulsifiers).
[0095] In some such embodiments, the composition can also include
various amounts of C.sub.13-15 olefinic ester compounds, e.g.,
alkanol esters of 9,12-tridecadienoic acid, alkanol esters of
9,12-pentadecadienoic acid, and the like. In some embodiments, the
composition includes up to 30 percent by weight, or up to 25
percent by weight, or up to 20 percent by weight, or up to 15
percent by weight, or up to 10 percent by weight, C.sub.13 olefinic
ester compounds (e.g., alkanol esters of 9,12-tridecanedienoic
acid), based on the total weight of the composition or the total
weight of the oily phase of an oil-in-water emulsion (excluding
emulsifiers). In some embodiments, the composition includes up to
35 percent by weight, or up to 30 percent by weight, or up to 25
percent by weight, or up to 20 percent by weight, or up to 15
percent by weight, C.sub.15 olefinic ester compounds (e.g., alkanol
esters of 9,12-pentadecanedienoic acid), based on the total weight
of the composition or the total weight of the oily phase of an
oil-in-water emulsion (excluding emulsifiers).
[0096] In some such embodiments, the composition can also include
an amount of olefin, e.g., alkenes. In some embodiments, the
composition includes from 1 to 10 percent by weight, or from 1 to 7
percent by weight, alkenes, based on the total weight of the
composition or the total weight of the oily phase of an
oil-in-water emulsion (excluding emulsifiers). In some embodiments,
the composition includes from 2 to 10 percent by weight, or from 2
to 7 percent by weight, alkenes, based on the total weight of the
composition or the total weight of the oily phase of an
oil-in-water emulsion (excluding emulsifiers). In some embodiments,
the composition includes from 3 to 10 percent by weight, or from 3
to 7 percent by weight, alkenes, based on the total weight of the
composition or the total weight of the oily phase of an
oil-in-water emulsion (excluding emulsifiers).
[0097] In some other embodiments, higher amounts of saturated ester
compounds can be included in the composition. For example, in some
embodiments, the composition includes at least 30 percent by
weight, or at least 40 percent by weight of saturated ester
compounds, such as methyl palmitate, methyl stearate, methyl
laurate, etc., based on the total weight of olefinic ester
compounds and saturated ester compounds in the composition. In some
such embodiments, the amounts of C.sub.10-12 unsaturated ester
compounds can be lower. For example, in some embodiments, the
composition includes no more than 50 percent by weight, or no more
than 40 percent by weight, or no more than 35 percent by weight of
C.sub.10-12 unsaturated ester compounds (e.g., methyl 9-decenoate
and methyl 9-dodecenoate). In some embodiments, the composition
includes: (a) 5 to 30 percent by weight, or 5 to 20 percent by
weight of C.sub.10 olefinic ester compounds (e.g., methyl esters of
9-decenoic acid); (b) 5 to 30 percent by weight, or 10 to 20
percent by weight of C.sub.12 olefinic ester compounds (e.g.,
methyl esters of 9-dodecenoic acid); and (c) 30 to 70 percent by
weight, or 40 to 60 percent by weight of saturated ester compounds
(e.g., methyl palmitate).
[0098] In some other embodiments, the composition includes at least
20 percent by weight, or at least 30 percent by weight, or at least
40 percent by weight of terminal olefinic ester compounds, based on
the total weight of olefinic ester compounds in the composition. In
some other embodiments, the composition includes no more than 30
percent by weight, or no more than 40 percent by weight, or no more
than 50 percent by weight of terminal olefinic ester compounds,
based on the total weight of olefinic ester compounds in the
composition.
[0099] In some embodiments, the composition can include at least
50% by weight, or at least 60% by weight, or at least 70% by
weight, or at least 80% by weight, of C.sub.10-12 unsaturated ester
compounds (e.g., methyl 9-decenoate and methyl 9-dodecenoate), as
well as a ketone, such as cyclohexanone, e.g., in an amount of up
to 5% by weight, or up to 10% by weight, or up to 15% by weight, or
up to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
Such compositions can also include, in some embodiments, other
fatty acids, such as oleic acid. In some embodiments, the
composition can also include certain petroleum distillates, such as
mineral oil (100 SUS).
Derivation from Renewable Sources
[0100] The olefinic ester compounds employed in any of the aspects
or embodiments disclosed herein can, in certain embodiments, be
derived from renewable sources, such as from various natural oils
or their derivatives. Any suitable methods can be used to make
these compounds from such renewable sources. Suitable methods
include, but are not limited to, fermentation, conversion by
bioorganisms, and conversion by metathesis.
[0101] Olefin metathesis provides one possible means to convert
certain natural oil feedstocks into olefins and esters that can be
used in a variety of applications, or that can be further modified
chemically and used in a variety of applications. In some
embodiments, a composition (or components of a composition) may be
formed from a renewable feedstock, such as a renewable feedstock
formed through metathesis reactions of natural oils and/or their
fatty acid or fatty ester derivatives. When compounds containing a
carbon-carbon double bond undergo metathesis reactions in the
presence of a metathesis catalyst, some or all of the original
carbon-carbon double bonds are broken, and new carbon-carbon double
bonds are formed. The products of such metathesis reactions include
carbon-carbon double bonds in different locations, which can
provide unsaturated organic compounds having useful chemical
properties.
[0102] A wide range of natural oils, or derivatives thereof, can be
used in such metathesis reactions. Examples of suitable natural
oils include, but are not limited to, vegetable oils, algae oils,
fish oils, animal fats, tall oils, derivatives of these oils,
combinations of any of these oils, and the like. Representative
non-limiting examples of vegetable oils include rapeseed oil
(canola oil), coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil,
palm oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil,
sunflower oil, linseed oil, palm kernel oil, tung oil, jatropha
oil, mustard seed oil, pennycress oil, camelina oil, hempseed oil,
and castor oil. Representative non-limiting examples of animal fats
include lard, tallow, poultry fat, yellow grease, and fish oil.
Tall oils are by-products of wood pulp manufacture. In some
embodiments, the natural oil or natural oil feedstock comprises one
or more unsaturated glycerides (e.g., unsaturated triglycerides).
In some such embodiments, the natural oil feedstock comprises at
least 50% by weight, or at least 60% by weight, or at least 70% by
weight, or at least 80% by weight, or at least 90% by weight, or at
least 95% by weight, or at least 97% by weight, or at least 99% by
weight of one or more unsaturated triglycerides, based on the total
weight of the natural oil feedstock.
[0103] The natural oil may include canola or soybean oil, such as
refined, bleached and deodorized soybean oil (i.e., RBD soybean
oil). Soybean oil typically includes about 95 percent by weight (wt
%) or greater (e.g., 99 wt % or greater) triglycerides of fatty
acids. Major fatty acids in the polyol esters of soybean oil
include but are not limited to saturated fatty acids such as
palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid) and stearic acid (octadecanoic
acid), and unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid
(9-octadecenoic acid), linoleic acid (9,12-octadecadienoic acid),
and linolenic acid (9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid).
[0104] Metathesized natural oils can also be used. Examples of
metathesized natural oils include but are not limited to a
metathesized vegetable oil, a metathesized algal oil, a
metathesized animal fat, a metathesized tall oil, a metathesized
derivatives of these oils, or mixtures thereof. For example, a
metathesized vegetable oil may include metathesized canola oil,
metathesized rapeseed oil, metathesized coconut oil, metathesized
corn oil, metathesized cottonseed oil, metathesized olive oil,
metathesized palm oil, metathesized peanut oil, metathesized
safflower oil, metathesized sesame oil, metathesized soybean oil,
metathesized sunflower oil, metathesized linseed oil, metathesized
palm kernel oil, metathesized tung oil, metathesized jatropha oil,
metathesized mustard oil, metathesized camelina oil, metathesized
pennycress oil, metathesized castor oil, metathesized derivatives
of these oils, or mixtures thereof. In another example, the
metathesized natural oil may include a metathesized animal fat,
such as metathesized lard, metathesized tallow, metathesized
poultry fat, metathesized fish oil, metathesized derivatives of
these oils, or mixtures thereof.
[0105] Such natural oils, or derivatives thereof, can contain
esters, such as triglycerides, of various unsaturated fatty acids.
The identity and concentration of such fatty acids varies depending
on the oil source, and, in some cases, on the variety. In some
embodiments, the natural oil comprises one or more esters of oleic
acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, or any combination thereof.
When such fatty acid esters are metathesized, new compounds are
formed. For example, in embodiments where the metathesis uses
certain short-chain olefins, e.g., ethylene, propylene, or
1-butene, and where the natural oil includes esters of oleic acid,
an amount of 1-decene and 1-decenoid acid (or an ester thereof),
among other products, are formed. Following transesterification,
for example, with an alkyl alcohol, an amount of 9-denenoic acid
alkyl ester is formed. In some such embodiments, a separation step
may occur between the metathesis and the transesterification, where
the alkenes are separated from the esters. In some other
embodiments, transesterification can occur before metathesis, and
the metathesis is performed on the transesterified product.
[0106] In some embodiments, the natural oil can be subjected to
various pre-treatment processes, which can facilitate their utility
for use in certain metathesis reactions. Useful pre-treatment
methods are described in United States Patent Application
Publication Nos. 2011/0113679, 2014/0275681, and 2014/0275595, all
three of which are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully
set forth herein.
[0107] In some embodiments, after any optional pre-treatment of the
natural oil feedstock, the natural oil feedstock is reacted in the
presence of a metathesis catalyst in a metathesis reactor. In some
other embodiments, an unsaturated ester (e.g., an unsaturated
glyceride, such as an unsaturated triglyceride) is reacted in the
presence of a metathesis catalyst in a metathesis reactor. These
unsaturated esters may be a component of a natural oil feedstock,
or may be derived from other sources, e.g., from esters generated
in earlier-performed metathesis reactions. In certain embodiments,
in the presence of a metathesis catalyst, the natural oil or
unsaturated ester can undergo a self-metathesis reaction with
itself. In other embodiments, the natural oil or unsaturated ester
undergoes a cross-metathesis reaction with the low-molecular-weight
olefin or mid-weight olefin. The self-metathesis and/or
cross-metathesis reactions form a metathesized product wherein the
metathesized product comprises olefins and esters.
[0108] In some embodiments, the low-molecular-weight olefin (or
short-chain olefin) is in the C.sub.2-6 range. As a non-limiting
example, in one embodiment, the low-molecular-weight olefin may
comprise at least one of: ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 2-butene,
isobutene, 1-pentene, 2-pentene, 3-pentene, 2-methyl-1-butene,
2-methyl-2-butene, 3-methyl-1-butene, cyclopentene, 1,4-pentadiene,
1-hexene, 2-hexene, 3-hexene, 4-hexene, 2-methyl-1-pentene,
3-methyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 2-methyl-2-pentene,
3-methyl-2-pentene, 4-methyl-2-pentene, 2-methyl-3-pentene, and
cyclohexene. In some embodiments, the short-chain olefin is
1-butene. In some instances, a higher-molecular-weight olefin can
also be used.
[0109] In some embodiments, the metathesis comprises reacting a
natural oil feedstock (or another unsaturated ester) in the
presence of a metathesis catalyst. In some such embodiments, the
metathesis comprises reacting one or more unsaturated glycerides
(e.g., unsaturated triglycerides) in the natural oil feedstock in
the presence of a metathesis catalyst. In some embodiments, the
unsaturated glyceride comprises one or more esters of oleic acid,
linoleic acid, linoleic acid, or combinations thereof. In some
other embodiments, the unsaturated glyceride is the product of the
partial hydrogenation and/or the metathesis of another unsaturated
glyceride (as described above). In some such embodiments, the
metathesis is a cross-metathesis of any of the aforementioned
unsaturated triglyceride species with another olefin, e.g., an
alkene. In some such embodiments, the alkene used in the
cross-metathesis is a lower alkene, such as ethylene, propylene,
1-butene, 2-butene, etc. In some embodiments, the alkene is
ethylene. In some other embodiments, the alkene is propylene. In
some further embodiments, the alkene is 1-butene. And in some even
further embodiments, the alkene is 2-butene.
[0110] Metathesis reactions can provide a variety of useful
products, when employed in the methods disclosed herein. For
example, the unsaturated esters may be derived from a natural oil
feedstock, in addition to other valuable compositions. Moreover, in
some embodiments, a number of valuable compositions can be targeted
through the self-metathesis reaction of a natural oil feedstock, or
the cross-metathesis reaction of the natural oil feedstock with a
low-molecular-weight olefin or mid-weight olefin, in the presence
of a metathesis catalyst. Such valuable compositions can include
fuel compositions, detergents, surfactants, and other specialty
chemicals. Additionally, transesterified products (i.e., the
products formed from transesterifying an ester in the presence of
an alcohol) may also be targeted, non-limiting examples of which
include: fatty acid methyl esters ("FAMEs"); biodiesel; 9-decenoic
acid ("9DA") esters, 9-undecenoic acid ("9UDA") esters, and/or
9-dodecenoic acid ("9DDA") esters; 9DA, 9UDA, and/or 9DDA; alkali
metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts of 9DA, 9UDA, and/or
9DDA; dimers of the transesterified products; and mixtures
thereof.
[0111] Further, in some embodiments, multiple metathesis reactions
can also be employed. In some embodiments, the multiple metathesis
reactions occur sequentially in the same reactor. For example, a
glyceride containing linoleic acid can be metathesized with a
terminal lower alkene (e.g., ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, and the
like) to form 1,4-decadiene, which can be metathesized a second
time with a terminal lower alkene to form 1,4-pentadiene. In other
embodiments, however, the multiple metathesis reactions are not
sequential, such that at least one other step (e.g.,
transesterification, hydrogenation, etc.) can be performed between
the first metathesis step and the following metathesis step. These
multiple metathesis procedures can be used to obtain products that
may not be readily obtainable from a single metathesis reaction
using available starting materials. For example, in some
embodiments, multiple metathesis can involve self-metathesis
followed by cross-metathesis to obtain metathesis dimers, trimmers,
and the like. In some other embodiments, multiple metathesis can be
used to obtain olefin and/or ester components that have chain
lengths that may not be achievable from a single metathesis
reaction with a natural oil triglyceride and typical lower alkenes
(e.g., ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 2-butene, and the like). Such
multiple metathesis can be useful in an industrial-scale reactor,
where it may be easier to perform multiple metathesis than to
modify the reactor to use a different alkene.
[0112] The conditions for such metathesis reactions, and the
reactor design, and suitable catalysts are as described above with
reference to the metathesis of the olefin esters. That discussion
is incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
[0113] In the embodiments above, the natural oil (e.g., as a
glyceride) is metathesized, followed by transesterification. In
some other embodiments, transesterification can precede metathesis,
such that the fatty acid esters subjected to metathesis are fatty
acid esters of monohydric alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, or
isopropanol.
Olefin Metathesis
[0114] In some embodiments, one or more of the unsaturated monomers
can be made by metathesizing a natural oil or natural oil
derivative. The terms "metathesis" or "metathesizing" can refer to
a variety of different reactions, including, but not limited to,
cross-metathesis, self-metathesis, ring-opening metathesis,
ring-opening metathesis polymerizations ("ROMP"), ring-closing
metathesis ("RCM"), and acyclic diene metathesis ("ADMET"). Any
suitable metathesis reaction can be used, depending on the desired
product or product mixture.
[0115] In some embodiments, after any optional pre-treatment of the
natural oil feedstock, the natural oil feedstock is reacted in the
presence of a metathesis catalyst in a metathesis reactor. In some
other embodiments, an unsaturated ester (e.g., an unsaturated
glyceride, such as an unsaturated triglyceride) is reacted in the
presence of a metathesis catalyst in a metathesis reactor. These
unsaturated esters may be a component of a natural oil feedstock,
or may be derived from other sources, e.g., from esters generated
in earlier-performed metathesis reactions. In certain embodiments,
in the presence of a metathesis catalyst, the natural oil or
unsaturated ester can undergo a self-metathesis reaction with
itself. In other embodiments, the natural oil or unsaturated ester
undergoes a cross-metathesis reaction with the low-molecular-weight
olefin or mid-weight olefin. The self-metathesis and/or
cross-metathesis reactions form a metathesized product wherein the
metathesized product comprises olefins and esters.
[0116] In some embodiments, the low-molecular-weight olefin is in
the C.sub.2-6 range. As a non-limiting example, in one embodiment,
the low-molecular-weight olefin may comprise at least one of:
ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 2-butene, isobutene, 1-pentene,
2-pentene, 3-pentene, 2-methyl-1-butene, 2-methyl-2-butene,
3-methyl-1-butene, cyclopentene, 1,4-pentadiene, 1-hexene,
2-hexene, 3-hexene, 4-hexene, 2-methyl-1-pentene,
3-methyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 2-methyl-2-pentene,
3-methyl-2-pentene, 4-methyl-2-pentene, 2-methyl-3-pentene, and
cyclohexene. In some instances, a higher-molecular-weight olefin
can also be used.
[0117] In some embodiments, the metathesis comprises reacting a
natural oil feedstock (or another unsaturated ester) in the
presence of a metathesis catalyst. In some such embodiments, the
metathesis comprises reacting one or more unsaturated glycerides
(e.g., unsaturated triglycerides) in the natural oil feedstock in
the presence of a metathesis catalyst. In some embodiments, the
unsaturated glyceride comprises one or more esters of oleic acid,
linoleic acid, linoleic acid, or combinations thereof. In some
other embodiments, the unsaturated glyceride is the product of the
partial hydrogenation and/or the metathesis of another unsaturated
glyceride (as described above). In some such embodiments, the
metathesis is a cross-metathesis of any of the aforementioned
unsaturated triglyceride species with another olefin, e.g., an
alkene. In some such embodiments, the alkene used in the
cross-metathesis is a lower alkene, such as ethylene, propylene,
1-butene, 2-butene, etc. In some embodiments, the alkene is
ethylene. In some other embodiments, the alkene is propylene. In
some further embodiments, the alkene is 1-butene. And in some even
further embodiments, the alkene is 2-butene.
[0118] Metathesis reactions can provide a variety of useful
products, when employed in the methods disclosed herein. For
example, terminal olefins and internal olefins may be derived from
a natural oil feedstock, in addition to other valuable
compositions. Moreover, in some embodiments, a number of valuable
compositions can be targeted through the self-metathesis reaction
of a natural oil feedstock, or the cross-metathesis reaction of the
natural oil feedstock with a low-molecular-weight olefin or
mid-weight olefin, in the presence of a metathesis catalyst. Such
valuable compositions can include fuel compositions, detergents,
surfactants, and other specialty chemicals. Additionally,
transesterified products (i.e., the products formed from
transesterifying an ester in the presence of an alcohol) may also
be targeted, non-limiting examples of which include: fatty acid
methyl esters ("FAMEs"); biodiesel; 9-decenoic acid ("9DA") esters,
9-undecenoic acid ("9UDA") esters, and/or 9-dodecenoic acid
("9DDA") esters; 9DA, 9UDA, and/or 9DDA; alkali metal salts and
alkaline earth metal salts of 9DA, 9UDA, and/or 9DDA; dimers of the
transesterified products; and mixtures thereof.
[0119] Further, in some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein
can employ multiple metathesis reactions. In some embodiments, the
multiple metathesis reactions occur sequentially in the same
reactor. For example, a glyceride containing linoleic acid can be
metathesized with a terminal lower alkene (e.g., ethylene,
propylene, 1-butene, and the like) to form 1,4-decadiene, which can
be metathesized a second time with a terminal lower alkene to form
1,4-pentadiene. In other embodiments, however, the multiple
metathesis reactions are not sequential, such that at least one
other step (e.g., transesterification, hydrogenation, etc.) can be
performed between the first metathesis step and the following
metathesis step. These multiple metathesis procedures can be used
to obtain products that may not be readily obtainable from a single
metathesis reaction using available starting materials. For
example, in some embodiments, multiple metathesis can involve
self-metathesis followed by cross-metathesis to obtain metathesis
dimers, trimmers, and the like. In some other embodiments, multiple
metathesis can be used to obtain olefin and/or ester components
that have chain lengths that may not be achievable from a single
metathesis reaction with a natural oil triglyceride and typical
lower alkenes (e.g., ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 2-butene, and
the like). Such multiple metathesis can be useful in an
industrial-scale reactor, where it may be easier to perform
multiple metathesis than to modify the reactor to use a different
alkene.
[0120] The metathesis process can be conducted under any conditions
adequate to produce the desired metathesis products. For example,
stoichiometry, atmosphere, solvent, temperature, and pressure can
be selected by one skilled in the art to produce a desired product
and to minimize undesirable byproducts. In some embodiments, the
metathesis process may be conducted under an inert atmosphere.
Similarly, in embodiments where a reagent is supplied as a gas, an
inert gaseous diluent can be used in the gas stream. In such
embodiments, the inert atmosphere or inert gaseous diluent
typically is an inert gas, meaning that the gas does not interact
with the metathesis catalyst to impede catalysis to a substantial
degree. For example, non-limiting examples of inert gases include
helium, neon, argon, and nitrogen, used individually or in with
each other and other inert gases.
[0121] The rector design for the metathesis reaction can vary
depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to,
the scale of the reaction, the reaction conditions (heat, pressure,
etc.), the identity of the catalyst, the identity of the materials
being reacted in the reactor, and the nature of the feedstock being
employed. Suitable reactors can be designed by those of skill in
the art, depending on the relevant factors, and incorporated into a
refining process such, such as those disclosed herein.
[0122] The metathesis reactions disclosed herein generally occur in
the presence of one or more metathesis catalysts. Such methods can
employ any suitable metathesis catalyst. The metathesis catalyst in
this reaction may include any catalyst or catalyst system that
catalyzes a metathesis reaction. Any known metathesis catalyst may
be used, alone or in combination with one or more additional
catalysts. Examples of metathesis catalysts and process conditions
are described in US 2011/0160472, incorporated by reference herein
in its entirety, except that in the event of any inconsistent
disclosure or definition from the present specification, the
disclosure or definition herein shall be deemed to prevail. A
number of the metathesis catalysts described in US 2011/0160472 are
presently available from Materia, Inc. (Pasadena, Calif.).
[0123] In some embodiments, the metathesis catalyst includes a
Grubbs-type olefin metathesis catalyst and/or an entity derived
therefrom. In some embodiments, the metathesis catalyst includes a
first-generation Grubbs-type olefin metathesis catalyst and/or an
entity derived therefrom. In some embodiments, the metathesis
catalyst includes a second-generation Grubbs-type olefin metathesis
catalyst and/or an entity derived therefrom. In some embodiments,
the metathesis catalyst includes a first-generation
Hoveyda-Grubbs-type olefin metathesis catalyst and/or an entity
derived therefrom. In some embodiments, the metathesis catalyst
includes a second-generation Hoveyda-Grubbs-type olefin metathesis
catalyst and/or an entity derived therefrom. In some embodiments,
the metathesis catalyst includes one or a plurality of the
ruthenium carbene metathesis catalysts sold by Materia, Inc. of
Pasadena, Calif. and/or one or more entities derived from such
catalysts. Representative metathesis catalysts from Materia, Inc.
for use in accordance with the present teachings include but are
not limited to those sold under the following product numbers as
well as combinations thereof: product no. C823 (CAS no.
172222-30-9), product no. C848 (CAS no. 246047-72-3), product no.
C601 (CAS no. 203714-71-0), product no. C627 (CAS no. 301224-40-8),
product no. C571 (CAS no. 927429-61-6), product no. C598 (CAS no.
802912-44-3), product no. C793 (CAS no. 927429-60-5), product no.
C801 (CAS no. 194659-03-9), product no. C827 (CAS no. 253688-91-4),
product no. C884 (CAS no. 900169-53-1), product no. C833 (CAS no.
1020085-61-3), product no. C859 (CAS no. 832146-68-6), product no.
C711 (CAS no. 635679-24-2), product no. C933 (CAS no.
373640-75-6).
[0124] In some embodiments, the metathesis catalyst includes a
molybdenum and/or tungsten carbene complex and/or an entity derived
from such a complex. In some embodiments, the metathesis catalyst
includes a Schrock-type olefin metathesis catalyst and/or an entity
derived therefrom. In some embodiments, the metathesis catalyst
includes a high-oxidation-state alkylidene complex of molybdenum
and/or an entity derived therefrom. In some embodiments, the
metathesis catalyst includes a high-oxidation-state alkylidene
complex of tungsten and/or an entity derived therefrom. In some
embodiments, the metathesis catalyst includes molybdenum (VI). In
some embodiments, the metathesis catalyst includes tungsten (VI).
In some embodiments, the metathesis catalyst includes a molybdenum-
and/or a tungsten-containing alkylidene complex of a type described
in one or more of (a) Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl., 2003, 42,
4592-4633; (b) Chem. Rev., 2002, 102, 145-179; and/or (c) Chem.
Rev., 2009, 109, 3211-3226, each of which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety, except that in the event of any
inconsistent disclosure or definition from the present
specification, the disclosure or definition herein shall be deemed
to prevail.
[0125] In certain embodiments, the metathesis catalyst is dissolved
in a solvent prior to conducting the metathesis reaction. In
certain such embodiments, the solvent chosen may be selected to be
substantially inert with respect to the metathesis catalyst. For
example, substantially inert solvents include, without limitation:
aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene, xylenes, etc.;
halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, such as chlorobenzene and
dichlorobenzene; aliphatic solvents, including pentane, hexane,
heptane, cyclohexane, etc.; and chlorinated alkanes, such as
dichloromethane, chloroform, dichloroethane, etc. In some
embodiments, the solvent comprises toluene.
[0126] In other embodiments, the metathesis catalyst is not
dissolved in a solvent prior to conducting the metathesis reaction.
The catalyst, instead, for example, can be slurried with the
natural oil or unsaturated ester, where the natural oil or
unsaturated ester is in a liquid state. Under these conditions, it
is possible to eliminate the solvent (e.g., toluene) from the
process and eliminate downstream olefin losses when separating the
solvent. In other embodiments, the metathesis catalyst may be added
in solid state form (and not slurried) to the natural oil or
unsaturated ester (e.g., as an auger feed).
[0127] The metathesis reaction temperature may, in some instances,
be a rate-controlling variable where the temperature is selected to
provide a desired product at an acceptable rate. In certain
embodiments, the metathesis reaction temperature is greater than
-40.degree. C., or greater than -20.degree. C., or greater than
0.degree. C., or greater than 10.degree. C. In certain embodiments,
the metathesis reaction temperature is less than 200.degree. C., or
less than 150.degree. C., or less than 120.degree. C. In some
embodiments, the metathesis reaction temperature is between
0.degree. C. and 150.degree. C., or is between 10.degree. C. and
120.degree. C.
[0128] The metathesis reaction can be run under any desired
pressure. In some instances, it may be desirable to maintain a
total pressure that is high enough to keep the cross-metathesis
reagent in solution. Therefore, as the molecular weight of the
cross-metathesis reagent increases, the lower pressure range
typically decreases since the boiling point of the cross-metathesis
reagent increases. The total pressure may be selected to be greater
than 0.1 atm (10 kPa), or greater than 0.3 atm (30 kPa), or greater
than 1 atm (100 kPa). In some embodiments, the reaction pressure is
no more than about 70 atm (7000 kPa), or no more than about 30 atm
(3000 kPa). In some embodiments, the pressure for the metathesis
reaction ranges from about 1 atm (100 kPa) to about 30 atm (3000
kPa).
Cleaning Compositions and Methods of Use
[0129] In certain aspects, the disclosed compositions are cleaning
compositions, such as compositions useful for cleaning materials
and/or deposits that contain petroleum waxes (e.g.,
macrocrystalline and/or microcrystalline waxes) and/or asphaltenes.
Such materials often accumulate on equipment associated with the
extraction and/or transport of extracted fluids, such as oil and
gas. Therefore, in some embodiments, the compositions disclosed
herein are useful for cleaning various surfaces on oil and/or gas
rigs (e.g., tubing, pipes, tanks, and the like) and various
mechanical devices (e.g., gauges, valves, regulators, and the
like). In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein are
useful for cleaning various surfaces of equipment used to transport
oil and gas, such as pipes.
[0130] In certain aspects, the disclosure provides methods for
cleaning a surface, comprising: providing a surface having a
material and/or a deposit disposed thereon, the material and/or
deposit comprising asphtaltenes, petroleum waxes, or a combination
thereof; and contacting the material and/or deposit with any of the
compositions disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the surface is
a surface of a rig, such as an oil rig (e.g., on-land drilling rig
or off-shore drilling platform). In some such embodiments, the
surface is the interior wall of a pipe, the interior wall of a
tank, the interior wall of a tube, or a surface of a piece of
mechanical equipment, such as a gauge, valve, or regulator. In some
embodiments, the materials and/or deposit comprises asphaltehes. In
some embodiments, the material and/or deposit comprises petroleum
waxes, such as macrocrystalline waxes (paraffin waxes) and/or
microcrystalline waxes.
[0131] The cleaning capability of the compositions is not limited
to any particular type of surface, including both hard and porous
surfaces. The compositions can be used effectively on a variety of
surfaces, including, but not limited to, plastics, other polymeric
materials, metals, wood, glass, ceramic, rock (e.g., granite,
marble, etc.), and various synthetic countertop materials.
[0132] In some embodiments, an effective amount or a
cleaning-effective amount of the composition is used. This amount
can be determined readily based on the particular application,
based on factors such as the nature of the surface, the nature
and/or amount of the material to be removed, and the like.
Reducing Agglomeration in a Petroleum Fluid
[0133] In certain aspects, the disclosed compositions are petroleum
additive compositions, meaning that they are added to a petroleum
fluid (e.g., crude oil or partially refined crude oil), optionally
with other materials. In some embodiments, the compositions are
added for the purpose of preventing or inhibiting the development
of various agglomerates in the petroleum fluid. Such agglomerates
include, but are not limited to, materials that include
asphaltenes, petroleum waxes (macrocrystalline waxes and/or
microcrystalline waxes), or combinations thereof. The additive
compositions can be present in any suitable amount. In some
embodiments, the petroleum fluid nevertheless makes up a major
portion of the resulting composition. For example, in some
embodiments, the petroleum fluid makes up at least 80 percent by
weight, or at least 90 percent by weight, or at least 95 percent by
weight, or at least 97 percent by weight, or at least 98 percent by
weight, or at least 99 percent by weight of the petroleum
composition, based on the total weight of the petroleum
composition. In some embodiments, the petroleum additive
composition makes up no more than 5 percent by weight, or no more
than 3 percent by weight, or no more than 2 percent by weight, or
no more than 1 percent by weight, of the petroleum composition,
based on the total weight of the petroleum composition.
[0134] In certain aspects, the disclosure provides methods for
reducing agglomerates (e.g., reducing agglomerate formation) in a
petroleum fluid, comprising: providing a petroleum fluid comprising
one or more agglomerating materials, the agglomerating materials
comprising asphaltenes, petroleum waxes, or a combination thereof;
and introducing to the petroleum fluid the petroleum additive
composition of any of the embodiments disclosed herein, e.g., to
form a treated petroleum fluid. In some embodiments, the
introducing comprises adding the petroleum additive composition to
the petroleum fluid in an amount such that the petroleum additive
composition makes up no more than 5 percent by weight, or no more
than 3 percent by weight, or no more than 2 percent by weight, or
no more than 1 percent by weight, of the treated petroleum
composition, based on the total weight of the treated petroleum
composition. In some embodiments, the petroleum fluid comprises
crude oil or a partially refined crude oil. In some embodiments,
the one or more agglomerating materials comprise asphaltenes. In
some embodiments, the one or more agglomerating materials petroleum
waxes, such as macrocrystalline waxes, microcrystalline waxes, or
combinations thereof.
[0135] In some embodiments, an effective amount or an
agglomerate-reducing-effective amount of the composition is used.
This amount can be determined readily based on the particular
application, based on factors such as the nature of the petroleum
fluid, and the nature and/or amount of the agglomerating materials
present in the petroleum fluid.
Compositions for Hydraulic Fracturing and Use Thereof
[0136] In certain aspects, the disclosed compositions are suitable
for use as hydraulic fracturing fluids. In some such embodiments,
the compositions are suitable for injection into a subterranean gas
well (e.g., under hydraulic pressure) to create fractures through
which natural gas (or, in some instances, oil) can flow. Such gas
is often referred to as shale gas, tight gas, etc. In some
embodiments, such compositions include a major amount of water. For
example, in some embodiments, the compositions include at least 50
percent by weight, or at least 60 percent by weight, or at least 70
percent by weight, or at least 80 percent by weight, or at least 90
percent by weight, or at least 95 percent by weight, water, based
on the total weight of liquid ingredients in the composition. In
some embodiments, such liquid compositions are mixed or slurried
with solid components, such as sand. The compositions can include
any suitable amount of the olefinic ester compositions of any of
the above embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the
compositions include up to 5 percent by weight, or up to 3 percent
by weight, or up to 2 percent by weight, or up to 1 percent by
weight, or up to 0.5 percent by weight, of olefinic ester
compounds, based on the total weight of liquid ingredients in the
composition. In any of the aforementioned embodiments, the
compositions include at least 0.01 percent by weight, or at least
0.05 percent by weight, or at least 0.1 percent by weight, of
olefinic ester compounds, based on the total weight of liquid
ingredients in the composition.
[0137] In certain aspects, the disclosure provides methods for
treating a gas well, including: providing a hydraulic fracturing
composition according to the above embodiments, which is optionally
mixed or slurried with solid particles (e.g., sand particles); and
introducing the hydraulic fracturing composition into a
subterranean gas well, e.g., injecting under hydraulic
pressure.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Sample Preparation
[0138] Four compositions were prepared. Composition 1A included
methyl 9-decenoate in its substantially pure form (>97 wt %
pure). Composition 1B included methyl 9-dodecenoate in its
substantially pure form (>97 wt % pure). Composition 1C
included: 33.0 wt % methyl 9-decenoate; 46.9 wt % methyl
9-dodecenoate; 1.6 wt %
[0139] C.sub.13 olefinic methyl ester; 2.2 wt % methyl myristate;
4.1 wt % C.sub.15 olefinic methyl ester; 8.0 wt % methyl palmitate;
1.2 wt % alkenes; and trace amounts of other ingredients.
Composition 1D included: 11.9 wt % methyl 9-decenoate; 18.6 wt %
methyl 9-dodecenoate; 1.7 wt % C.sub.13 olefinic methyl ester; 0.1
wt % methyl myristate; 3.7 wt % C.sub.15 olefinic methyl ester;
48.8 wt % methyl palmitate; 7.8 wt % methyl stearate; 5.3 wt %
dimethyl 9-octadecenedioate; 1.2 wt % alkenes; and trace amounts of
other ingredients. In instances where the samples contain more than
one ingredient, the samples were mixed to ensure homogeneity.
Example 2
Solvency
[0140] Solvency power was determined by calculating kauri-butanol
(K.sub.b) values (ASTM D1133) for Compositions 1A-1D. The K.sub.b
values were calculated according to ASTM D1133, which is
incorporated herein by reference. A butanolic solution of kauri
resin was titrated with each composition until the admixture
reaches a certain turbidity. Higher values correlate with improved
performance as a solvent. Table 1 shows the measured K.sub.b values
for Compositions 1A-1D. K.sub.b values were also measured for
certain other solvents as a basis of comparison.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Solvent K.sub.b Value Composition 1A 98.5
Composition 1B 85.0 Composition 1C 81.5 Composition 1D 63.5 Methyl
Caprate 96.1 Methyl Laurate 77.0 Methyl Soyate 59.3 Methyl
Caprylate/Caprate 112.0
Example 3
Bitumen Removal
[0141] Bitumen is a composite mixture of relatively
high-molecular-weight hydrocarbons, maltenes, and asphaltenes, all
of which are present in crude oil. Bitumen is therefore a
representative composition of certain deposits that may develop in
oil wells, and that may need to be cleaned away by the use of
certain solvents. Bitumen removal was measured according to ASTM
D4488-95 A5, which is incorporated herein by reference, for each of
the compositions as well as methyl soyate and d-limonene (as a
comparison). Bitumen removal was measured in terms of the number of
Gardner scrub cycles necessary to achieve at least 80% removal.
Lower values correlate with improved performance. Results are shown
in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Solvent Gardner Scrub Cycles 80% Removal
Composition 1A 55 Composition 1B 45 Composition 1C 60 Composition
1D 105 Methyl Soyate 175 D-Limonene 30
Example 4
Asphaltene & Rig Wash Removal Compositions
[0142] Various asphaltene and rig wash removal formulations were
made using Composition 1B. Such compositions can be useful for
oil/gas well-related applications, especially for breaking up
asphaltene deposits or washing above-the ground equipment. Table 3
shows the makeup of various compositions (in percent by weight). It
should also be noted, the compositions identified as Composition 1B
may, in certain optional embodiments, include some small amount of
deodorizer. The compositions are described as 2A to 2G.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Ingredient 2A 2B 2C 2D 2E 2F 2G Composition
1B 59.9 85.0 60.0 25.0 31.0 24.0 32.0 POLARTECH LA 8005 8.5 -- --
ACTRASOL MY-75 17.0 TOMADOL 25-9 7.0 7.0 BIOSOFT N1-9 -- -- -- 15.0
23.0 18.0 BIOSOFT N411 -- -- -- 38.0 46.0 37.0 BIOSOFT N300 58.0
BIOSOFT N91-6 10.0 STEPANOL AM -- -- -- 22.0 ALCOSPERSE 747 21.0
Cyclohexanone 12.7 5.0 5.0 Oleic Acid 0.9 3.0 3.0 KOH (45% in
H.sub.20 soln.) 1.0 -- -- Mineral Oil (100 SUS) -- -- 20.0 Benzene
sulfonic acid -- -- 5.0 POLARTECH products are supplied by Afton
Chemical Corp., Richmond, Virginia, USA. ACTRASOL products are
supplied by Afton Chemical Corp., Richmond, Virginia, USA. TOMADOL
products are supplied by Air Products, Inc., Allentown,
Pennsylvania, USA. BIOSOFT products are supplied by Stepan Co.,
Northfield, Illinois, USA. STEPANOL products are supplied by Stepan
Co., Northfield, Illinois, USA. ALCOSPERSE products are supplied by
AkzoNobel Surface Chemistry LLC, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Example 5
Gilsonite Dissolution
[0143] Three gilsonite-containing compositions were prepared to
test the dissolution of the solvent for gilsonite. Gilsonite is a
naturally occurring form of bitumen. Dissolution of gilsonite
correlates well with asphaltene dissolution. Sample 3A contained
0.1 g. of gilsonite and 4.9 g. of toluene. Sample 3B contained 0.1
g. of gilsonite and 4.9 g. of the following solution: 85 wt %
methyl 9-dodecenoic acid, 5 wt % cyclohexanone, 3 wt % oleic acid,
and 7 wt % TOMADOL 25-9. Sample 3C contained 0.1 g. of gilsonite
and 4.9 g. of methyl 9-dodecenoate. Each of the three compositions
was stirred for 24 hours at 300 rpm at room temperature. Then three
drops of each composition were placed onto white filter paper. FIG.
2 shows the spreading of the composition on the filter paper, with
Composition 3A on the far left, Composition 3B in the middle, and
Composition 3C on the far right. The broader spreading indicated
greater dissolution of the gilsonite by the solvent.
Example 6
Rheological Improvement
[0144] Rheological studies were conducted to test wax dissolution
in oil. The oil used in an SAE30 oil (Valvoline) and the wax used
was wax NAFOL 20A. The tests were conducted on five samples:
Composition 3A: 5 wt % wax in oil; Composition 3B: 5 wt % wax in
oil doped with 600 ppm Composition 1B and 300 ppm BASOFLUX RD4120;
Composition 3C: 5 wt % wax in oil doped with 600 ppm Composition
1B; Composition 3D: 5 wt % wax doped with 300 ppm BASOFLUX RD4120;
and Composition 3E: oil.
[0145] The five samples, viscosity was measured as a function of
temperature at a constant shear rate of 10 s.sup.-1. Each sample
was heated to about 45.degree. C. above the wax appearance
temperature and then cooled at a constant rate of 2.degree.
C./minute. FIG. 3 shows the rheogram of the results. The vertical
axis is viscosity, measured in Pas, and the horizontal axis is
temperature measured in .degree. C. The curve for Composition 3A is
labeled as A, the curve for Composition 3B is labeled as B, the
curve for Composition 3C is labeled as C, the curve for Composition
3D is labeled as D, and the curve for Composition 3E is labeled as
E. Note that the labels for each curve appear immediately above the
respective curve. The curve for Composition 3B is labeled twice to
show its continuity as it crosses over the curve for Composition
3A.
* * * * *