Paraffinic hydroisomerate as a wax crystal modifier

Abstract

Heavy fractions of paraffinic lubes produced over dewaxing catalysts are effective as wax crystal modifiers for being hydrocarbons notwithstanding that such heavy fractions have pour points above that of the liquid hydrocarbon.

1 . A method for modifying the process by which wax crystals form in a paraffinic containing hydrocarbon liquid when the temperature of the liquid is lowered comprising adding to the liquid an effective amount of a heavy fraction of a paraffinic lube produced over a dewaxing catalyst.  
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the heavy fraction has a final boiling point above 850° F. (454° C.).  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the paraffinic lube is produced from a Fischer-Tropsch product.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the heavy fraction is extracted as a waxy material from said paraffinic lubes.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the paraffinic lube is produced from a polyethylene wax.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is a base lube oil and wherein the heavy fraction is added in a pour point lowering amount.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is a first base lube oil, and the heavy fraction is added in a pour point lowering amount in the form of a second base oil containing a greater fractional amount of the heavy fraction than that contained in the first lube oil.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the second lube oil is added to the first lube oil in an amount sufficient to provide a blend containing from about 0.01 parts by weight to about 0.5 parts by weight of a heavy fraction.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the amount of heavy fraction in the second lube is in the range of about 0.10 to about 0.70 parts by weight.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is a crude oil and the heavy fraction is added in an amount sufficient to lower the temperature for wax deposition.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is a diesel or heating fuel and the heavy fraction is in the form of a second base oil containing a greater fractional amount of the heavy fraction than that contained in the first lube oil, and second base oil is added in an amount to lower the cold filter plugging point.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the second lube oil is added to the first lube oil in an amount sufficient to provide a blend containing from about 0.01 parts by weight to about 0.5 parts by weight of a heavy fraction.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the amount of heavy fraction in the second lube is in the range of about 0.10 to about 0.70 parts by weight.  
   
   
       14 . A fuel composition comprising a major amount of a diesel or heating fuel and a heavy fraction of a paraffinic lube produced over a dewaxing catalyst, the heavy fraction being in an amount sufficient to lower the cold filter plugging point of the fuel.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the heavy fraction has a final boiling point above about 850° F. (454° C.).  
   
   
       16 . A blend of a first paraffinic containing hydrocarbon liquid and a second paraffinic containing hydrocarbon liquid wherein the second liquid contains a heavy hydrocarbon fraction having a final boiling point greater than 850° F. (454° C.) in an amount greater than that in the first liquid and wherein the amount of the heavy fraction in the total blend is in the range of from about 0.01 to 0.5 parts by weight.  
   
   
       17 . The blend of  claim 16  wherein the second liquid contains from about 0.10 to 0.70 parts by weight of the heavy hydrocarbon fraction.