Solvent Treatment on Cloud Point for Dewaxing in Crude Oil Industries

Abstract

Phase change in dewaxing of crude oil is controlled at a certain temperature where solids are dissolved in the fluid producing hazy appearance called cloud point formed by the processes of precipitation. Ultrasound techniques was applied in Indian crude oil to confirm an optimum blended chemical which changes the thermo dynamical equilibrium  with a suitable operating environment capable to decrease the cloud point temperature to improve the quality of crude oil analysis. Three solvent to crude oil ratios of 10:1, 15:1 and 20:1 within 10°C to 50°C range were ultrasonically treated with solvent blends verified experimentally as separated bright spots with black background. The dewaxing process was compared with two different diluents in a common extractant in terms of the efficiency of extraction and microscopic observation for wax appearance in crude oil. The data recorded with diluents of low carbon chain was found more suitable as compared to immediate higher carbon chain and discussed in terms of different influencing factors like oil solvent ratio, effect of temperature, settling time and influence of ultrasonic wave.