MODIFICATION OF WAX CRYSTALLIZATION IN PETROLEUM-PRODUCTS

The low temperature properties of petroleum products are improved either by refinery processing or by adding wax crystallization modifiers. The crystallization of paraffins in waxy crudes and petroleum products is governed by three phenomna: nucleation, growth and agglomeration or gelling. Different wax crystal modifiers can have a specific effect on these various steps of crystallization. Research in this field discussed in this article has the dual aim first to describe these specific actions and then, to define more and more efficient structures of additives in application having to do with wax crystallization: (a) Production, transportion and storage of waxy crudes (b) Diesel fuel behavior at low temperatures (c) Base stock dewaxing process (d) Low temperature operability of lubricating oils.