Wax crystals are formed at a specific temperature (Wax Appearance Temperature-WAT) and then they agglomerate to form a complex molecule which deposit on the surface and block the pipes or the process equipment.
Methods are used to avoid the wax deposition,
- Heat
- Solvents
- Blending with hydrocarbon streams
- Using wax inhibitors / dispersants
- Mechanical equipment
Applications
- Pour point depressants act as wax crystal modifier prevents the growth of interlocking wax crystals and enables the oils to be pumpable below its normal pour point.
- These chemicals modify the structure of the growing wax crystal either by co crystallization or by adsorption to the surface of the crystal.
- Pour point depressants are polymers that allow oil and lubricants to flow at very low wintertime temperatures without heavy wax formation at these cold temperatures and enable the oil to remain pumpable (flowable).
