Additive compositions for correcting overtreatment of conductivity additives in petroleum fuels

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods for correcting fuel oil compositions having excess conductivity. The oil compositions comprise a Petroleum Based Component, a Conductivity additive and a Conductivity Correcting Additive.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority of International Application No. PCT / US06 / 35589, filed Sep. 12, 2006, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to fuel oil compositions, and particularly relates to additives which can be utilized to correct excessive conductivity in hydrocarbon fuels. The invention further relates to a method of using such compositions.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]A critical issue confronting the hydrocarbon fuel industry is the introduction of Ultra Low Sulfur (ULS) fuels. The processes utilized to diminish sulfur content of fuels can also affect other fuel properties. A fuel property which is directly impacted by such processes is fuel Electrostatics.[0004]Fuel electrostatics is the ability of a hydrocarbon to transport or dissipate charge accumulated in the material. Fuel electrostatics directly affects the probability of an incident (fir...

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Benefits of technology

[0018]In another aspect, additional additives can be utilized with the conductivity correcting additive added such as: (a) low temperature operability/cold flow additives, (b) corrosion inhibitors, (c) cetane improvers, (d) detergents, (e) lubricity improv

Problems solved by technology

A critical issue confronting the hydrocarbon fuel industry is the introduction of Ultra Low Sulfur (ULS) fuels.

The processes utilized to diminish sulfur content of fuels can also affect other fuel properties.

In such operations, the flow of low conductivity liquid through conduits with high surface area or through “fine” filters combined with the disintegration of a liquid column and splashing during high speed tank loading can result in static charging.

Such static charging can result in electrical discharge (spark) with catastrophic potential in highly flammable environments.

However, it has been recognized that grounding and bonding alone are insufficient to prevent electrostatic build-up in low conductivity organic liquids.

Organic liquids such as distillate fuels (diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, turbine fuels, home heating fuels, and kerosene) and relatively contaminant free light hydrocarbon oils (organic solvents and cleaning fluids) are inherently poor conductors.

Static charge accumulates in these fluids because electric charge moves very slowly through these liquids and can take a considerable time to reach a surface which is grounded.

Until the charge is dissipated, a high surface-voltage potential can be achieved which can create an incendiary spark, resulting in an ignition or an explosion.

Such traps and catalyst systems tend to be intolerant to sulfur.

However, hydro treating to reduce sulfur content results not only in the removal of sulfur from the fuel but also the removal of other polar compounds which normally increase the conductivity characteristics of the fuel.

Conductivity below <3 pS / m greatly increases the risk of catastrophic electrostatic ignition.

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