As temperatures fall, wax crystals form in crude oil, fuels and finished lubricants. Cold flow improver technology modifies the size, shape and rate of crystallisation helping to ensure products can still be produced, stored, refined, delivered and used.
When you need to be confident that at severe low temperatures your products will continue to flow you need a partner who is a world leader in cold flow improvement.
Infineum has been developing wax control additives for nearly 50 years for use in lubricants and fuels. In fact, we invented the first wax crystal modifier and wax anti-settling flow improvers. Most recently we’ve been applying that knowledge to the development of technologies for waxy crude oils.
Crude oil producers use our products to ensure that wax deposits do not block flowlines and valves or coat storage tanks, and to ensure oil continues to flow freely. Refiners trust Infineum’s products to improve cold flow properties, reduce wax deposits and control fuel quality while optimising their profitability.
How does it work? Wax normally precipitates as large two-dimensional flat plates. Our cold flow improver technology is tailored to adsorb onto wax growth sites and promote different crystal morphology. The result is a higher number of smaller three-dimensional needle or cubic shaped crystals. These smaller crystals allow the wax to remain in suspension in a liquid for longer and may have a more even distribution of particles, which can be beneficial in many applications.
It’s not just in the production and refining sectors that our cold-flow expertise is being used. Lubricant formulators also value our pour point depressants, which interfere with wax crystal growth patterns ensuring oils remain fluid at much lower temperatures. The result is easier starting, less engine wear and longer engine life.
This understanding and knowledge can be applied to other challenges, let us know yours. Contact us here.
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