Janet B Lane

US Patent:

20130021607, Jan 24, 2013

Filed:

Jul 22, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/188979

Inventors:

Atul Gurunath Kanvinde - Mumbai, IN
Charles Lambert Baker - Thornton PA, US
John T. Rizzo - Mantua NJ, US
Janet Lee Lane - Haddonfield NJ, US
Roland Bernard Saeger - Runnemede NJ, US

Assignee:

ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company - Annandale NJ

International Classification:

G01N 21/49

US Classification:

356337

Abstract:

The invention is a technique for predicting future haze formation in dewaxed, petroleum-derived, lubricant base stocks and, by extension, products made from such base stocks. In general, the technique measures the changes in light scattering caused by the formation and disappearance of wax crystals in a dilute test sample of neat base stock, over the course of a temperature profile. The data obtained is then compared to a previously formulated historical correlation of measurements taken using light scattering data to haze potential. The technique focuses on haze disappearance temperature as a reference point, as opposed to total wax formation. The technique also uses a solvent to accelerate the formation of wax crystals in the test sample. The technique provides a robust early warning system that allows refineries to rapidly and accurately determine the long term haze potential of a base stock production prior to release. The technique can be performed in real time, typically in less than an hour.