SYNTHESIS AND EVALUATION OF POLY-ALPHA-OLEFINS FOR IMPROVING THE FLOWPROPERTIES OF GAS OIL

Polymers of individual and mixed normal C-12, C-14, C-16, and C-18 alp ha-olefins are synthesized, purified, and then characterized. The perf ormance of poly-alpha-olefins is assessed for improving the cold flow properties of a local gas oil in terms of cloud-point and pour-point d epression. Results show that poly-alpha-olefins have great potency in decreasing the pour point of the distillate fuel, whereas a slight eff ect is observed in decreasing the cloud point. Efficiency of the polym eric pour-point depressants is discussed on the basis of their structu re and average molecular weight. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.