摘要 |
A method is disclosed for dispersing gums in hydrocarbon streams, particularly low molecular weight, sticky polymeric materials formed in refinery and petrochemical plant operation. The dispersant comprises a free radically polymerized copolymer of an alpha -olefin of from about 10 to about 36 carbon atoms and maleic anhydride wherein the anhydride moieties along the copolymer backbone are substantially unhydrolyzed. The copolymer has a ratio of olefin to maleic anhydride of from about 1 to about 0.5 and a molecular weight of from 5000 to about 100,000. The dispersant alternatively comprises a dispersant mixture wherein the first component comprises the alpha -olefin/maleic anhydride copolymer and the second component comprises an alkyl substituted phenol/formaldehyde liquid polymer, such as nonyl phenol/formaldehyde polymer, or a lipophilic/hydrophilic vinylic polymer, such as hydroxyethyl methacrylate/lauryl acrylate copolymer. Also disclosed is a hydrocarbon dispersion made by the method.
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