Turbine Fuel Composition Exhibiting Improved Cold Properties

- BASF Aktiengesellschaft

The invention relates to the use of polymers which comprise, in copolymerized form, an α-olefin, an alkenyl ester of a carboxylic acid and an ester of an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid as an additive for turbine fuels and in particular as a cold flow improver for turbine fuels, to the turbine fuels additized with these polymers, and to additive packets comprising such copolymers.

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Description

The invention relates to the use of polymers which comprise, in copolymerized form, an α-olefin, an ester of an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid and, if appropriate, an alkenyl ester of a carboxylic acid as an additive for turbine fuels and in particular as a cold flow improver for turbine fuels, to the turbine fuels additized with these polymers, and to additive packages comprising such copolymers.

STATE OF THE ART

Turbine fuels, which are also known as aviation turbine fuels, jet fuels, aviation fuels or turbo fuels, have to satisfy high demands on their cold properties owing to their use in aviation and the associated temperature conditions. For instance, the freezing point of the turbine fuel has to be sufficiently low that the fuel flow is not impaired under the temperature conditions prevailing at great heights and also passes through fuel filters without difficulty. In the case of turbine fuels, the freezing point refers to that temperature at which precipitated hydrocarbon crystals which have formed by cooling beforehand dissolve again fully. Depending on the field of use, the freezing point in civil and military aviation must not exceed −40° C. or about −50° C. When the temperature goes below the freezing point, relatively long-chain paraffins crystallize out and form large, platelet-shaped wax crystals. These wax crystals have a spongelike structure and lead to inclusion of other fuel constituents in the crystal structure. The occurrence of these crystals leads to the fuel being able to pass only slowly through small orifices and filters. Moreover, the viscosity of the fuel increases, as a result of which the fuel flow is worsened. At temperatures below the pour point (PP), the fuel finally no longer flows.

At present, the freezing point of turbine fuels is adjusted in particular by distillative measures in the refineries, for example by the reduction of the proportion of high boiler fractions which also comprise wax fractions. However, a disadvantage in this context is the resulting increasing cost of the turbine fuel.

Chemical measures for freezing point depression are also known. For instance, EP-A-1357168 describes a turbine fuel composition which, in addition to a turbine fuel, comprises one of the following additives: copolymers of ethylene with at least one unsaturated ester which is selected from vinyl esters having at least 5 carbon atoms, alkyl(meth)acrylates, dialkyl fumarates and dialkyl maleates; ethylene/alkene copolymers; ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers comprising less than 15 mol % of vinyl acetate; nucleators; waxes; alkylphenol/formaldehyde condensates; comb polymers; and organic nitrogen compounds. These additives are intended to keep turbine fuels additized therewith free-flowing even below the freezing point specified in their specification.

WO 01/62874 describes a composition which, in addition to a turbine fuel, comprises additives which are selected from the reaction products of alkanolamines with long-chain-substituted acylating agents; phenol/aldehyde condensates; specific aromatic systems; and ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers. These additives are intended to lower the freezing point of the turbine fuel additized therewith.

DE 1250188 describes copolymers of ethylene and an acrylic ester with at least 7 carbon atoms in the ester molecule, which is said to lower the pour point of heating oils, diesel fuels and jet fuels. In the examples, however, no jet fuels are used.

There is therefore still a need for additives which further improve the cold properties of turbine fuels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It was accordingly an object of the present invention to provide novel additives of this type.

Surprisingly, this object is achieved by virtue of the unexpected observation that polymers which comprise, in copolymerized form, an α-olefin, an ester of an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid and, if appropriate, an alkenyl carboxylate improve the cold properties, in particular the cold flow properties, of turbine fuels and also have better performance than the ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers described in the prior art.

The invention accordingly relates firstly to the use of a polymer which comprises, in copolymerized form, an α-olefin, an ester of an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid and, if appropriate, an alkenyl ester of a carboxylic acid as an additive for turbine fuels. In particular, the polymers used comprise, in copolymerized form, the ester of the α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid and the alkenyl ester present if appropriate, in random distribution. The polymer is preferably a binary polymer which is composed substantially of the α-olefin and the ester of an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, or is alternatively preferably a terpolymer which is composed substantially of the three aforementioned monomers.

Preference is given to using polymers which are composed of monomers comprising the monomers M1, M2 and, if appropriate, M3, where M1, M2 and M3 have the following general formulae

in which
R1 is H or C1-C40-hydrocarbyl;
R2, R3 and R4 are each independently H or C1-C4-alkyl;
R5 is C1-C20-hydrocarbyl;
R6, R7 and R8 are each independently H or C1-C4-alkyl; and
R9 is C1-C19-hydrocarbyl.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless stated otherwise, the following general definitions apply in the context of the present invention:

C1-C40-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 40 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular C1-C40-hydrocarbyl is C1-C40-alkyl. C1-C40-alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 40 carbon atoms. Examples of this are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, neooctyl, nonyl, neononyl, decyl, 2-propylheptyl, neodecyl, undecyl, neoundecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, eicosyl, hencosyl, docosyl, tricosyl, tetracosyl, pentacosyl, hexacosyl, heptacosyl, octacosyl, nonacosyl, squalyl, their constitutional isomers, higher homologs and the accompanying constitutional isomers.

The same applies to C1-C20-hydrocarbyl radicals, i.e. they are a hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms. They are preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C1-C20-hydrocarbyl is C1-C20-alkyl. C1-C20-alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples of this are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, neooctyl, nonyl, neononyl, decyl, 2-propylheptyl, neodecyl, undecyl, neoundecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, eicosyl and their constitutional isomers.

C1-C19-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 19 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C1-C19-hydrocarbyl is C1-C19-alkyl. C1-C19-alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 19 carbon atoms. Examples of this are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, neooctyl, nonyl, neononyl, decyl, 2-propylheptyl, neodecyl, undecyl, neoundecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl and their constitutional isomers.

C1-C10-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C1-C10-hydrocarbyl is C1-C10-alkyl. C1-C10-alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of this are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, neooctyl, nonyl, neononyl, decyl, 2-propylheptyl, neodecyl and their constitutional isomers.

C1-C9-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 9 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C1-C9-hydrocarbyl is C1-C9-alkyl. C1-C9-Alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having from 1 to 9 carbon atoms. Examples of this are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, neooctyl, nonyl, neononyl and their constitutional isomers.

C5-C16-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having from 5 to 16 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C5-C16-hydrocarbyl is C5-C16-alkyl. C5-C16-Alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having from 5 to 16 carbon atoms. Examples of this are pentyl, neopentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, neooctyl, nonyl, neononyl, isononyl, decyl, 2-propylheptyl, neodecyl, undecyl, neoundecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl and their constitutional isomers.

C8-C12-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C8-C12-hydrocarbyl is C8-C12-alkyl. C8-C12-Alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of this are octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, neooctyl, nonyl, neononyl, isononyl, decyl, 2-propylheptyl, neodecyl, undecyl, neoundecyl, dodecyl and their constitutional isomers.

C8-C14-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having from 8 to 14 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C8-C14-hydrocarbyl is C8-C14-alkyl. C8-C14-Alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having from 8 to 14 carbon atoms. In addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for C8-C12-alkyl, examples are tridecyl und tetradecyl and their constitutional isomers.

C8-C16-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having from 8 to 16 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C8-C16-hydrocarbyl is C8-C16-alkyl. C8-C16-Alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having from 8 to 16 carbon atoms. In addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for C8-C14-alkyl, examples are pentadecyl und hexadecyl and their constitutional isomers.

C8-C20-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having from 8 to 20 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C8-C20-hydrocarbyl is C8-C20-alkyl. C8-C20-Alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having from 8 to 20 carbon atoms. In addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for C8-C16-alkyl, examples are heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl und eicosanyl and their constitutional isomers.

C6-C14-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C6-C14-hydrocarbyl is C6-C14-alkyl. C6-C14-Alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms. In addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for C8-C14-alkyl, examples are hexyl und heptyl and their constitutional isomers.

C6-C16-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having from 6 to 16 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C6-C16-hydrocarbyl is C6-C16-alkyl. C6-C16-Alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having from 6 to 16 carbon atoms. In addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for C8-C16-alkyl, examples are hexyl und heptyl and their constitutional isomers.

C6-C20-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having from 6 to 20 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C6-C20-hydrocarbyl is C6-C20-alkyl. C6-C20-Alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having from 6 to 20 carbon atoms. In addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for C8-C20-alkyl, examples are hexyl und heptyl and their constitutional isomers.

C5-C20-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having from 5 to 20 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C5-C20-hydrocarbyl is C5-C20-alkyl. C5-C20-Alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having from 5 to 20 carbon atoms. In addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for C6-C20-alkyl, examples are pentyl and its constitutional isomers.

C4-C14-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having from 4 to 14 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C4-C14-hydrocarbyl is C4-C14-alkyl. C4-C14-Alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having from 4 to 14 carbon atoms. In addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for C6-C14-alkyl, examples are pentyl and its constitutional isomers, and also n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl und tert-butyl.

C4-C16-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having from 4 to 16 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C4-C16-hydrocarbyl is C4-C16-alkyl. C4-C16-Alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having from 4 to 16 carbon atoms. In addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for C6-C16-alkyl, examples are pentyl and its constitutional isomers, and also n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl und tert-butyl.

C4-C20-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having from 4 to 20 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C4-C20-hydrocarbyl is C4-C20-alkyl. C4-C20-Alkyl is a linear or branched alkyl radical having from 4 to 20 carbon atoms. In addition to the alkyl radicals mentioned above for C5-C20-alkyl, examples are n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl und tert-butyl.

C1-C4-Hydrocarbyl is a hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. It is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkadienyl or alkynyl. In particular, C1-C4-hydrocarbyl is C1-C4-alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl and tert-butyl.

The hydrocarbyl radicals, for example the alkyl radicals, may be unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted. Suitable substituents are, for example, OH, C1-C4-alkoxy, NR11R12 (R11 and R12 are each independently H or C1-C4-alkyl) or carbonyl (COR11). However, they are preferably unsubstituted.

C1-C4-Alkoxy is a C1-C4-alkyl radical bonded via an oxygen atom. Examples thereof are methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, 2-butoxy, isobutoxy and tert-butoxy.

C1-C4-Alkanol is a C1-C4-alkyl radical which is substituted by from 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups on different carbon atoms. C1-C10-Alkanol is a C1-C10-alkyl radical which is substituted by from 1 to 6 hydroxyl groups on different carbon atoms. C1-C20-Alkanol is a C1-C20-alkyl radical which is substituted by from 1 to 6 hydroxyl groups on different carbon atoms. C1-C40-Alkanol is a C1-C40-alkyl radical which is substituted by from 1 to 6 hydroxyl groups on different carbon atoms. Examples of C1-C4-alkanols are methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, sec-butanol, isobutanol, tert-butanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and glycerol.

C1-C10-Alkanol is additionally, for example, pentanol, hexanol, heptanol, octanol, 2-ethylhexanol, nonanol, decanol, their constitutional isomers, and also erythritol, pentaerythritol and sorbitol.

C1-C20-Alkanol is additionally, for example, undecanol, dodecanol, tridecanol, tetradecanol, pentadecanol, hexadecanol, heptadecanol, octadecanol, nonadecanol and eicosanol and their constitutional isomers.

a) Polymers Used in Accordance with the Invention

The remarks made below on the preferred embodiments of the polymers used in accordance with the invention and of the monomers from which they are formed apply both alone and in combination.

The polymers used in accordance with the invention may comprise the monomers M1, M2 and M3 in the following molar fractions (Mx/(M1+M2+M3)) in the polymer:

M1: preferably from 0.60 to 0.99;
M2: preferably from 0.01 to 0.40;
M3: preferably from 0 to 0.20.

In the case that the polymers used in accordance with the invention do not comprise the monomer M3 in copolymerized form:

M1: preferably from 0.60 to 0.99, more preferably from 0.7 to 0.95, in particular from 0.75 to 0.85;
M2: preferably from 0.01 to 0.6, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.3, in particular from 0.05 to 0.25.

In the case that the polymers used in accordance with the invention comprise the monomer M3 in copolymerized form:

M1: preferably from 0.60 to 0.98, more preferably from 0.7 to 0.95, in particular from 0.75 to 0.9;
M2: preferably from 0.01 to 0.20, more preferably from 0.01 to 0.17, in particular from 0.015 to 0.16;
M3: preferably from 0.01 to 0.20, more preferably from 0.02 to 0.15, in particular from 0.03 to 0.12, especially from 0.03 to 0.11.

The monomers M1 are preferably monoalkenes with a terminal double bond, such as ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, their constitutional isomers and also the higher monounsaturated homologs having up to 40 carbon atoms.

In the monomers M1, R1 is preferably H or C1-C20-hydrocarbyl, more preferably H or C1-C10-hydrocarbyl, and even more preferably H or C1-C4-hydrocarbyl. Hydrocarbyl is preferably alkyl. In particular, R1 is H, methyl or ethyl. Accordingly, the monomer M1 is in particular ethylene, propylene or 1-butene. R1 is especially H, i.e. M1 is especially ethylene.

In the monomer M2, the R2, R3 and R4 radicals are preferably each H or methyl. More preferably, two of the R2, R3 and R4 radicals are each H and the other radical is H or methyl. In particular, all three R2, R3 and R4 are H.

Accordingly, the monomer M2 is preferably the esters of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids which are selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid and isocrotonic acid, more preferably from acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and in particular acrylic acid.

Examples of such preferred α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids M2 include: acrylic esters of C1-C20-alkanols, such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate, n-pentyl acrylate, neopentyl acrylate, isopentyl acrylate, hexyl acrylate, isohexyl acrylate, heptyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, neooctyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, nonyl acrylate, neononyl acrylate, decyl acrylate, neodecyl acrylate, 2-propylheptyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, palmityl acrylate and stearyl acrylate; and also the corresponding methacrylic, crotonic and isocrotonic esters, preference being given to the acrylates (acrylic esters).

R5 is C1-C20-hydrocarbyl, preferably C1-C20-alkyl.

In the case that the polymer used in accordance with the invention comprises no alkenyl ester and especially no monomer M3, R5 in a preferred embodiment of the invention is a hydrocarbyl radical having at least 5 carbon atoms, for example C5-C20-hydro-carbyl. R5 is more preferably a hydrocarbyl radical having at least 6 carbon atoms, for example C6-C20-hydrocarbyl, preferably C6-C16-hydrocarbyl or more preferably C6-C14-hydrocarbyl. In particular, R5 is a hydrocarbyl radical having at least 8 carbon atoms, for example C8-C20-hydrocarbyl, preferably C8-C11-hydrocarbyl and more preferably C8-C14-hydrocarbyl. R5 is especially C8-C12-hydrocarbyl. Hydrocarbyl is preferably alkyl. Accordingly, R5 in this case is preferably an alkyl radical having at least 5 carbon atoms, for example C5-C20-alkyl, R5 is more preferably an alkyl radical having at least 6 carbon atoms, for example C6-C20-alkyl, preferably C6-C16-alkyl or more preferably C6-C14-alkyl. In particular, R5 is an alkyl radical having at least 8 carbon atoms, for example C8-C20-alkyl, preferably C8-C16-alkyl and more preferably C8-C14-alkyl. R5 is especially C8-C12-alkyl.

In the case that the polymer used in accordance with the invention comprises, in copolymerized form, an alkenyl ester and especially the monomer M3, R5 in a preferred embodiment of the invention is C4-C20-hydrocarbyl, for example C4-C18-hydrocarbyl or C4-C16-hydrocarbyl or C4-C14-hydrocarbyl or C4-C12-hydrocarbyl, more preferably C5-C20-hydrocarbyl, for example C5-C18-hydrocarbyl or C5-C16-hydrocarbyl or C5-C14-hydrocarbyl or C5-C12-hydrocarbyl, even more preferably C6-C20-hydrocarbyl, for example C6-C18-hydrocarbyl or C6-C16-hydrocarbyl or C6-C14-hydrocarbyl or C6-C12-hydrocarbyl, and in particular C8-C20-hydrocarbyl, for example C8-C18-hydrocarbyl or C8-C16-hydrocarbyl or C8-C14-hydrocarbyl or C8-C12-hydrocarbyl. R5 is especially C8-C12-hydrocarbyl. Hydrocarbyl is preferably alkyl. Accordingly, R5 in this case is preferably C4-C20-alkyl, for example C4-C18-alkyl or C4-C16-alkyl or C4-C14-alkyl or C4-C12-alkyl, more preferably C5-C20-alkyl, for example C5-C18-alkyl or C5-C16-alkyl or C5-C14-alkyl or C5-C12-alkyl, even more preferably C6-C20-alkyl, for example C6-C18-alkyl or C6-C16-alkyl or C6-C14-alkyl or C6-C12-alkyl, and in particular C8-C20-alkyl, for example C8-C18-alkyl or C8-C16-alkyl or C8-C14-alkyl or C8-C12-alkyl. R5 is especially C8-C12-alkyl.

Irrespective of their chain length and irrespective of whether the polymer does or does not comprise an alkenyl ester, especially the monomer M3, in copolymerized form, preferred alkyl radicals R5 are preferably linear or lightly branched. Lightly branched means that, in the case of n carbon atoms in the longest carbon chain of the alkyl radical, a maximum of (n−3) branches are present. Examples of such lightly branched alkyl radicals are isopentyl (—(CH2)2—CH(CH3)2), isohexyl (—(CH2)3—CH(CH3)2), 2-ethylhexyl, isononyl (3,5,5-dimethylhexyl), 2-propylheptyl and the like. The alkyl radical R5 is more preferably linear or comprises at most 2 branches. In particular, it is linear or comprises one branch.

Irrespective of whether the polymer comprises, in copolymerized form, an alkenyl ester and especially the monomer M3, R5 is in particular n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-nonyl, isononyl, n-decyl, 2-propylheptyl, n-undecyl, lauryl (=n-dodecyl) or n-tridecyl, and especially 2-ethylhexyl or lauryl.

More preferably, the monomer M2 is selected from octyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, n-nonyl acrylate, isononyl acrylate, n-decyl acrylate, 2-propylheptyl acrylate, n-undecyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, and n-tridecyl acrylate. In particular, the monomer M2 is selected from 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and lauryl acrylate. It is especially 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.

The monomer M3 is the alkenyl ester, for example a vinyl or propenyl ester, of an aliphatic carboxylic acid, which may be unsaturated or preferably saturated.

Examples of the alkenyl esters, in particular of the vinyl or propenyl esters, of an aliphatic carboxylic acid which may be unsaturated or preferably saturated are the vinyl or propenyl esters of aliphatic C2-C20-carboxylic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, pivalic acid, neopentanoic acid, caproic acid, enanthic acid, caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, versatic (Versatic™ acid), in particular neononanoic acid and neodecanoic acid (e.g. VeoVa™=vinyl ester of versatic acid), capric acid, neoundecanoic acid, lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, nonadecanoic acid and arachic acid. Preference is given to the vinyl esters of the carboxylic acids mentioned.

In the monomer M3, R6, R7 and R8 are each independently preferably H or methyl, and more preferably H.

R9 is preferably C1-C9-hydrocarbyl. Hydrocarbyl is preferably alkyl. R9 is more preferably ethyl or methyl, and in particular methyl.

The monomer M3 is more preferably vinyl acetate.

In a specific embodiment of the invention, the copolymer used in accordance with the invention comprises the monomer M3 in copolymerized form and is thus formed from monomers comprising the monomers M1, M2 and M3.

The polymers used in accordance with the invention are preferably formed substantially from the above-defined monomers M1, M2 and, if appropriate, M3. As a result of the preparation, small fractions of a compound used as a regulator (chain terminator) may be present if appropriate.

The polymers used in accordance with the invention also have a number-average molecular weight Mn in the range from about 1000 to 20 000, more preferably from 1000 to 10 000, in particular from 1500 to 6000 and especially from 1500 to 5000.

The polymers may also have a weight-average molecular weight Mw of from 1000 to 30 000, in particular from 2000 to 20 000, and/or an Mw/Mn ratio of from 1.5 to 5.0, preferably from 1.8 to 4.0 and in particular from 1.9 to 3.5.

The number-average and weight-average molecular weights Mn and Mw relate to values obtained by means of gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

The viscosity of such polymers (determined to Ubbelohde DIN 51562) is from about 5 to 25 000 mm2/s, preferably from about 10 to 1000 mm2/s, in particular from about 50 to 700 mm2/s, in each case at a temperature of about 120° C.

Polymers used with preference are selected from the copolymers of ethylene and C5-C20-alkyl acrylates, e.g. C5-C18-alkyl acrylates or C5-C16-alkyl acrylates or C5-C14-alkyl acrylates, and the copolymers of ethylene, vinyl acetate and C5-C20-alkyl acrylates, e.g. C5-C18-alkyl acrylates or C5-C16-alkyl acrylates or C5-C14-alkyl acrylates. Polymers used with particular preference are selected from the copolymers of ethylene and C6-C20-alkyl acrylates, e.g. C6-C18-alkyl acrylates or C6-C16-alkyl acrylates or C6-C14-alkyl acrylates, and the copolymers of ethylene, vinyl acetate and C6-C20-alkyl acrylates, e.g. C6-C18-alkyl acrylates or C6-C16-alkyl acrylates or C6-C14-alkyl acrylates. Polymers used with even greater preference are selected from the copolymers of ethylene and C8-C20-alkyl acrylates, e.g. C8-C18-alkyl acrylates or C8-C16-alkyl acrylates or C8-C14-alkyl acrylates or C8-C12-alkyl acrylates, and the copolymers of ethylene, vinyl acetate and C8-C20-alkyl acrylates, e.g. C8-C18-alkyl acrylates or C8-C16-alkyl acrylates or C8-C14-alkyl acrylates or C8-C12-alkyl acrylates.

In particular, the polymers used are selected from ethylene/2-ethylhexyl acrylate polymers, ethylene/2-ethylhexyl acrylate/vinyl acetate polymers and ethylene/lauryl acrylate/vinyl acetate polymers.

Based on a polymer composed of ethylene, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA) and vinyl acetate (VAC), the proportion by weight of the monomers is:

EHA: 4-80% by weight, preferably from 5 to 62% by weight, in particular from 7 to 47% by weight
VAC: 1-42% by weight, preferably from 1 to 30% by weight, in particular from about 1 to 25% by weight, especially from 1 to 20% by weight

The difference to 100% by weight corresponds to the fraction of ethylene.

Preference is given to using the polymers as cold flow improvers. Particular preference is given to using them to lower the pour point (PP) of the turbine fuel additized therewith.

The above-described polymers are used alone or in combination with other such polymers in amounts which are sufficient to exhibit an effect on the cold properties, in particular on the cold flow performance of the turbine fuel additized therewith.

The polymers used in accordance with the invention may also be used in combination with further conventional cold flow improvers and/or further turbine fuel additives.

b) Preparation of the Polymers

The polymers used in accordance with the invention are prepared by processes known per se. Preference is given to preparing them by free-radical polymerization, in particular high-pressure polymerization, of the monomers M1, M2 and, if appropriate, M3. Such processes for direct free-radical high-pressure copolymerization of unsaturated compounds are known from the prior art (cf., for example, Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry 5th edition, “Waxes”, Vol. A 28, p. 146 ff., VCH Weinheim, Basle, Cambridge, New York, Tokyo, 1996; and also U.S. Pat. No. 3,627,838; DE-A 2515805; DE-A 3141507; EP-A 0007590).

The copolymers which are to be used in accordance with the invention and are obtainable by the polymerization process are preferably formed substantially from the above-defined monomers M1, M2 and, if appropriate, M3. As a result of the preparation, small proportions of a compound used as a regulator (chain terminator) may be present if appropriate.

The copolymers are preferably prepared in stirred high-pressure autoclaves or in high-pressure stirred reactors or combinations of the two. In this apparatus, the length/diameter ratio varies predominantly within ranges of from 5:1 to 30:1, preferably 10:1 to 20:1.

Suitable pressure conditions for the polymerization are from 1000 to 3000 bar, preferably from 1500 to 2000 bar. The reaction temperatures are, for example, in the range from 160 to 320° C., preferably in the range from 200 to 280° C.

The regulator used to control the molecular weight of the copolymers is, for example, an aliphatic aldehyde or an aliphatic ketone of the general formula I

or mixtures thereof.

In the formula, the Ra and Rb radicals are the same or different and are selected from

    • hydrogen;
    • C1-C6-alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, sec-pentyl, neopentyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, isoamyl, n-hexyl, isohexyl, sec-hexyl; more preferably C1-C4-alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl;
    • C3-C12-cycloalkyl such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclononyl, cyclodecyl, cycloundecyl and cyclododecyl; preference is given to cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl.

The Ra and Rb radicals may also be covalently bonded to one another to form a 4- to 13-membered ring. For example, Ra and Rb together may form the following alkylene groups: —(CH2)4—, —(CH2)5—, —(CH2)6—, —(CH2)7—, —CH(CH3)—CH2—CH2—CH(CH3)— or —CH(CH3)—CH2—CH2—CH2—CH(CH3)—.

Very particular preference is given to the use of propionaldehyde or ethyl methyl ketone as a regulator.

Further very suitable regulators are unbranched aliphatic hydrocarbons, for example propane, or branched aliphatic hydrocarbons having tertiary hydrogen atoms, for example isobutane, isopentane, isooctane or isododecane (2,2,4,6,6-pentamethylheptane). Further additional regulators which can be used are higher olefins, for example propylene.

Preference is likewise given to mixtures of the above regulators with hydrogen or hydrogen alone.

The amount of regulator used corresponds to the amounts customary for the high-pressure polymerization process.

Useful initiators for the free-radical polymerization are the customary free-radical initiators, for example organic peroxides, oxygen or azo compounds. Also suitable are mixtures of a plurality of free-radical initiators. Useful free-radical initiators include, for example, one or more peroxides selected from the following commercially obtainable substances:

    • didecanoyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(2-ethylhexanoylperoxy)hexane, tert-amyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, dibenzoyl peroxide, tert-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, tert-butyl peroxydiethyl acetate, tert-butyl peroxydiethyl isobutyrate, 1,4-di(tert-butylperoxycarbo)cyclohexane as an isomer mixture, tert-butyl perisononanoate, 1,1-di(tert-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, 1,1-di(tert-butylperoxy)cyclohexane, methyl isobutyl ketone peroxide, tert-butyl peroxyisopropyl carbonate, 2,2-di-tert-butylperoxy)butane or tert-butyl peroxyacetate;
    • tert-butyl peroxybenzoate, di-tert-amyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, the isomeric di(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzenes, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di-tert-butylperoxyhexane, tert-butyl cumyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)hex-3-yne, di-tert-butyl peroxide, 1,3-diisopropyl monohydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide or tert-butyl hydroperoxide; or
    • dimeric or trimeric ketone peroxides, as disclosed, for example, by EP-A 0 813 550.

Particularly suitable peroxides are di-tert-butyl peroxide, tert-butyl peroxypivalate, tert-butyl peroxyisononanoate or dibenzoyl peroxide or mixtures thereof. An example of an azo compound is azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN). The free-radical initiators are used in amounts customary for polymerizations.

In a preferred method, the polymers to be used in accordance with the invention are prepared in such a way that a mixture of the monomers M1, M2 and, if appropriate, M3 is passed in the presence of the regulator at a temperature within the range from about 20 to 50° C., for example of 30° C., preferably continuously, through a stirred autoclave which is maintained at a pressure in the range from about 1500 to 2000 bar, for example of about 1700 bar. The preferably continuous addition of initiator which is generally dissolved in a suitable solvent, for example isododecane, keeps the temperature in the reactor at the desired reaction temperature, for example at from 200 to 250° C. The polymer obtained after decompression of the reaction mixture is then isolated in a customary manner.

Modifications to this method are of course possible and can be undertaken by those skilled in the art without unreasonable effort. For example, the comonomers and the regulator can be separately metered into the reaction mixture, or the reaction temperature can be varied during the process, to name only a few examples.

c) Turbine Fuel Compositions

The invention further relates to turbine fuel compositions comprising a major proportion by weight of a turbine fuel and a minor proportion by weight of at least one polymer used in accordance with the invention, as defined above.

In the context of the present invention, the polymers used in accordance with the invention may be used in combination with further conventional cold flow improvers and/or further turbine fuel additives.

The turbine fuel composition comprises a majority of a liquid turbine fuel, which may be a turbine fuel customary in civil or military aviation. These include, for example, fuels of the designations Jet A, Jet A-1, Jet B, JP-4, JP-5, JP-7, JP-8 and JP-8+100. Jet A and Jet A-1 are commercially obtainable turbine fuel specifications based on kerosine. The accompanying standards are ASTM D 1655 and DEF STAN 91-91. According to their particular specification, Jet A and Jet A-1 have maximum freezing points of, respectively, −40° C. and −47° C. Jet B is a fuel which has been further fractionated and is based on naphtha and kerosine fractions. JP-4 is equivalent to Jet B. JP 4, JP-5, JP-7, JP-8 and JP-8+100 are military turbine fuels, as used, for example, by the marines and air force. Some of these standards designate formulations which already comprise further additives such as corrosion inhibitors, icing inhibitors, static dissipaters, etc. Preferred turbine fuels are Jet A, Jet A-1 and JP 8.

The polymer used in accordance with the invention is preferably used in a proportion, based on the total amount of the turbine fuel composition, which in itself has a substantially sufficient influence on the cold flow properties of the turbine fuel composition. Preference is given to using the polymer in an amount of from 10 to 10 000 mg/l, more preferably from 50 to 7000 mg/l, in particular from 100 to 5000 mg/l, based on 1 l of the turbine fuel composition.

d) Coadditives

The polymers used in accordance with the invention may be added to the turbine fuel compositions individually or as a mixture of such polymers and, if appropriate, in combination with further additives known per se.

Suitable additives which may be present in the inventive turbine fuel compositions comprise further additives which improve the cold properties of the fuel (cold flow improvers), detergents, corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants such as sterically hindered tert-butylphenols or N-butylphenylenediamines, metal deactivators such as N,N′-disalicylidene-1,2-diaminopropane, solubilizers, antistats such as Stadis 450, biocides, antiicing agents such as diethylene glycol methyl ether, and mixtures thereof.

Conventional cold flow improvers include in particular:

  • (a) copolymers of ethylene with at least one further ethylenically unsaturated monomer which are different from the polymers used in accordance with the invention;
  • (b) comb polymers;
  • (c) nucleators;
  • (d) polar nitrogen compounds;
  • (e) sulfo carboxylic acids or sulfonic acids or their derivatives;
  • (f) poly(meth)acrylic esters;
  • (g) reaction products of alkanolamines with acylating agents;
  • (h) condensation products of hydroxyaromatics with aldehydes; and
  • (i) waxes.

In the copolymers of ethylene with at least one further ethylenically unsaturated monomer (a), the monomer is preferably selected from alkenylcarboxylic esters, (meth)acrylic esters, fumaric esters, maleic esters and olefins.

Suitable olefins are, for example, those having from 3 to 20 carbon atoms and having from 1 to 3, preferably having 1 or 2, carbon-carbon double bonds, in particular having one carbon-carbon double bond. In the latter case, the carbon-carbon double bond may either be terminal α-olefins) or internal. However, preference is given to α-olefins, particular preference to α-olefins having from 3 to 20, more preferably from 3 to 10 and in particular from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, such as propene, 1-butene, 1-pentene and 1-hexene.

Suitable (meth)acrylic esters are, for example, esters of (meth)acrylic acid with C1-C10-alkanols, in particular with methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, sec-butanol, isobutanol, tert-butanol, pentanol, hexanol, heptanol, octanol, 2-ethylhexanol, nonanol and decanol. The notation “(meth)acrylic acid” is intended to express that both acrylic acid and methacrylic acid are comprised.

Suitable alkenylcarboxylic esters are, for example, the vinyl and propenyl esters of carboxylic acids having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, whose hydrocarbon radical may be linear or branched. Among these, preference is given to the vinyl esters. Among the carboxylic acids having branched hydrocarbon radicals, preference is given to those whose branch is disposed in the α-position to the carboxyl group, and particular preference is given to the α-carbon atom being tertiary, i.e. to the carboxylic acid being a neocarboxylic acid.

Examples of suitable alkenylcarboxylic esters are vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl neopentanoate, vinyl hexanoate, vinyl octanoate, vinyl 2-ethylhexanoate, vinyl neononanoate, vinyl neodecanoate and the corresponding propenyl esters, preference being given to the vinyl esters. A particularly preferred alkenylcarboxylic ester is vinyl acetate.

Particular preference is given to selecting the ethylenically unsaturated monomer from alkenylcarboxylic esters.

Also suitable are copolymers which comprise, in copolymerized form, two or more different alkenylcarboxylic esters which differ in the alkenyl function and/or in the carboxylic acid group. Likewise suitable are copolymers which, in addition to the alkenylcarboxylic ester(s), comprise at least one copolymerized olefin and/or at least one copolymerized (meth)acrylic ester.

The ethylenically unsaturated monomer is copolymerized in the copolymer in an amount of preferably from 1 to 50 mol %, more preferably from 10 to 50 mol % and in particular from 5 to 20 mol %, based on the overall copolymer. The copolymer (a) preferably has a number-average molecular weight Mn of from 1000 to 20 000, more preferably from 1000 to 10 000 and in particular from 1000 to 6000.

Such ethylene copolymers (a) are described, for example, in WO 01/62874 or EP-A 1357168, which are hereby fully incorporated by reference.

Comb polymers (b) are, for example, those described in “Comb-Like Polymers, Structure and Properties”, N. A. Platé and V. P. Shibaev, J. Poly. Sci. Macromolecular Revs. 8, pages 117 to 253 (1974). Among those described there, suitable comb polymers are, for example, those of the formula II

in which

D is R17, COOR17, OCOR7, R18, OCOR18 or OR17, E is H, CH3, D or R18, G is H or D,

J is H, R18, R18COOR17, aryl or heterocyclyl,

K is H, COOR18, OCOR18, OR18 or COOH,

L is H, R18, COOR18, OCOR18, COOH or aryl,
where
R17 is a hydrocarbon radical having at least 10 carbon atoms, preferably having from 10 to 30 carbon atoms,
R18 is a hydrocarbon radical having at least one carbon atom, preferably having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms,
m is a molar fraction in the range from 1.0 to 0.4 and
n is a molar fraction in the range from 0 to 0.6.

Preferred comb polymers are obtainable, for example, by copolymerization of maleic anhydride or fumaric acid with another ethylenically unsaturated monomer, for example with an α-olefin or an unsaturated ester, such as vinyl acetate, and subsequent esterification of the anhydride or acid function with an alcohol having at least 10 carbon atoms. Further preferred comb polymers are copolymers of α-olefins and esterified comonomers, for example esterified copolymers of styrene and maleic anhydride or esterified copolymers of styrene and fumaric acid. Also suitable are mixtures of comb polymers. Comb polymers may also be polyfumarates or polymaleates. Homo- and copolymers of vinyl ethers are also suitable comb polymers.

Suitable nucleators (c) are in particular polyoxyalkylenes, for example polyoxyalkylene esters, ethers, ester/ethers and mixtures thereof. The polyoxyalkylene compounds preferably comprise at least one, more preferably at least two, linear alkyl group(s) having from 10 to 30 carbon atoms and a polyoxyalkylene group having a molecular weight of up to 5000. The alkyl group of the polyoxyalkylene radical preferably comprises from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Such polyoxyalkylene compounds are described, for example, in EP-A-0 061 895, in EP-A 1357168 and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,455, which are hereby fully incorporated by reference. Preferred polyoxyalkylene esters, ethers and ester/ethers have the general formula III


R19O—(CH2)yxO—R20  (III)

in which
R19 and R20 are each independently R21, R21—CO—, R21—O—CO(CH2)z— or R21—O—CO(CH2)z—CO—, where R21 is linear C1-C30-alkyl,
y is from 1 to 4,
x is from 2 to 200, and
z is from 1 to 4.

Preferred polyoxyalkylene compounds of the formula III in which both R19 and R20 are R21 are polyethylene glycols and polypropylene glycols having a number-average molecular weight of from 100 to 5000. Preferred polyoxyalkylenes of the formula III in which one of the R19 radicals is R21 and the other is R21—CO— are polyoxyalkylene esters of fatty acids having from 10 to 30 carbon atoms, such as stearic acid or behenic acid. Preferred polyoxyalkylene compounds in which both R19 and R20 are an R21—CO— radical are diesters of fatty acids having from 10 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably of stearic acid or behenic acid.

Further suitable nucleators (c) are block copolymers as described in EP-A-1357168, whose contents are hereby fully incorporated by reference. Suitable block copolymers comprise at least one crystallizable block and at least one noncrystallizable block. The copolymers may be diblock, triblock or higher block copolymers. Preferred triblock copolymers have a crystallizable block at both polymer ends.

Such block copolymers are preferably formed from butadiene and isoprene units.

The polar nitrogen compounds (d) are also referred to as wax antisettling additives (WASA). They are advantageously oil-soluble, may be either ionic or nonionic and preferably have at least one, more preferably at least 2, substituent(s) of the formula >NR22 in which R22 is a C8-C40-hydrocarbon radical. The nitrogen substituents may also be quaternized, i.e. be in cationic form. One example of such nitrogen compounds is that of ammonium salts and/or amides which are obtainable by the reaction of at least one amine substituted with at least one hydrocarbon radical with a carboxylic acid having from 1 to 4 carboxyl groups or with a suitable derivative thereof. The amines preferably comprise at least one linear C8-C40-alkyl radical. Suitable primary amines are, for example, octylamine, nonylamine, decylamine, undecylamine, dodecylamine, tetradecylamine and the higher linear homologs. Suitable secondary amines are, for example, dioctadecylamine and methylbehenylamine. Also suitable are amine mixtures, in particular amine mixtures obtainable on the industrial scale, such as fatty amines or hydrogenated tallamines, as described, for example, in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, 6th Edition, 2000 electronic release, “Amines, aliphatic” chapter. Acids suitable for the reaction are, for example, cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid, cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid, cyclopentane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid and succinic acids substituted with long-chain hydrocarbon radicals.

A further example of polar nitrogen compounds is that of ring systems which bear at least two substituents of the formula -A-NR23R24 in which A is a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group which is optionally interrupted by one or more groups selected from O, S, NR35 and CO, and R23 and R24 are each a C9-C40-hydrocarbon radical which is optionally interrupted by one or more groups selected from O, S, NR35 and CO, and/or substituted by one or more substituents selected from OH, SH and NR35R36 where R35 is C1-C40-alkyl which is optionally substituted by one or more moieties selected from CO, NR35, O and S, and/or substituted by one or more radicals selected from NR37R38, OR37, SR37, COR37, COOR37, CONR37R38, aryl or heterocyclyl, where R37 and R38 are each independently selected from H or C1-C4-alkyl; and R36 is H or R35.

A is preferably a methylene or polymethylene group having from 2 to 20 methylene units. Examples of suitable R23 and R24 radicals are 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 4-hydroxybutyl, 2-ketopropyl, ethoxyethyl and propoxypropyl. The cyclic system may be homocyclic, heterocyclic, fused polycyclic or nonfused polycyclic systems. The ring system is preferably carbo- or heteroaromatic, in particular carboaromatic. Examples of such polycyclic ring systems are fused benzoid structures such as naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene and pyrene, fused nonbenzoid structures such as azulene, indene, hydrindene and fluorene, nonfused polycycles such as diphenyl, heterocycles such as quinoline, indole, dihydroindole, benzofuran, coumarin, isocoumarin, benzothiophene, carbazole, diphenylene oxide and diphenylene sulfide, nonaromatic or partly saturated ring systems such as decalin, and three-dimensional structures such as α-pinene, camphene, bornylene, norbornane, norbornene, bicyclooctane and bicyclooctene.

A further example of suitable polar nitrogen compounds is that of condensates of long-chain primary or secondary amines with carboxyl group-comprising polymers.

The polar nitrogen compounds mentioned here are described in WO 00/44857 and also in the references cited therein, which are hereby fully incorporated by reference.

Suitable polar nitrogen compounds are also described, for example, in DE-A-198 48 621 and DE-A-196 22 052, EP-A-1357168 or EP-B 398 101, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Suitable sulfo carboxylic acids/sulfonic acids or their derivatives (e) are, for example, those of the general formula IV

in which
Y is SO3−(NR253R26)+, SO3−(NHR252R26)+, SO3−(NH2R25R26), SO3−(NH3R26) or SO2NR25R26,
X is Y, CONR25R27, CO2−(NR253R27)+, CO2−(NHR252R27)+R28—COOR27, NR25COR27, R28OR27, R28OCOR27, R28R27, N(COR25)R27 or Z−(NR253R27)

where

R25 is a hydrocarbon radical,
R26 and R27 are each alkyl, alkoxyalkyl or polyalkoxyalkyl having at least 10 carbon atoms in the main chain,
R28 is C2-C5-alkylene,
Z− is one anion equivalent and
A and B are each alkyl, alkenyl or two substituted hydrocarbon radicals or, together with the carbon atoms to which they are bonded, form an aromatic or cycloaliphatic ring system.

Such sulfo carboxylic acids and sulfonic acids and their derivatives are described in EP-A-0 261 957, which is hereby fully incorporated by reference.

Suitable poly(meth)acrylic esters (f) are either homo- or copolymers of acrylic and methacrylic esters. Preference is given to acrylic ester homopolymers which derive from C1-C40-alcohols. Preference is given to copolymers of at least two different (meth)acrylic esters which differ in the esterified alcohol. If appropriate, the copolymer comprises a further, different copolymerized olefinically unsaturated monomer. The weight-average molecular weight of the polymer is preferably from 50 000 to 500 000. A particularly preferred polymer is a copolymer of methacrylic acid and methacrylic esters of saturated C14- and C15-alcohols, in which the acid groups have been neutralized with hydrogenated tallamine. Suitable poly(meth)acrylic esters are described, for example, in WO 00/44857, which is fully incorporated herein by way of reference.

To prepare suitable reaction products of alkanolamines with acrylinating agents (g), the acylinating agents used are preferably those which comprise a hydrocarbon radical having from 8 to 50 carbon atoms. Examples thereof are succinic acids or succinic acid derivatives substituted by C8-C50-alkyl or alkenyl radical, preferably C12-C35-alkyl or alkenyl radical. The alkanolamines are, for example, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine, dibutanolamine, N-methylethanolamine or N-ethylethanolamine. Such compounds are described, for example, in WO 01/62874, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The hydroxyaromatics used to prepare the condensation products of hydroxyaromatics with aldehydes (h) are those which are substituted by a linear or branched hydrocarbon radical. The hydroxyaromatic may either be a substituted phenol or any other hydroxy-containing aromatic such as naphthol. The aldehyde component used may either be the aldehydes themselves or suitable aldehyde sources. Examples of suitable aldehydes are formaldehyde (which may be used, for example, as paraldehyde or trioxane), acetaldehyde, propanol, butanal, isobutyraldehyde, heptanal, 2-ethylhexanal and glyoxalic acid. Suitable condensation products are described, for example, in WO 01/62874 or in EP-A-1357168, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Suitable waxes (I) are both linear and nonlinear paraffins. The n-paraffins are preferably C8-C35-alkanes, more preferably C8-C30-alkanes and in particular C8-C25-alkanes. The nonlinear paraffins comprise preferably amorphous solids having a melting point of from 10 to 60° C. and a molecular weight of from 150 to 500. Such waxes are described, for example, in EP-A-1357168, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

e) Additive Packages

The invention lastly also relates to additive packages comprising at least one polymer used in accordance with the invention, as defined above, and at least one further conventional turbine fuel additive, and also, if appropriate, at least one diluent.

Suitable conventional turbine fuel additives are the above-described coadditives. Preferred coadditives are antiicing additives; and also the conventional cold flow improvers mentioned, preference being given to those of group (a); corrosion inhibitors; detergents; antioxidants; antistats and metal deactivators. In particular, the additive package comprises, in addition to at least one of the above-described polymers, at least one antiicing agent and, if appropriate, at least one of the following coadditives: conventional cold flow improvers, preference being given to those of group (a); corrosion inhibitors; detergents; antioxidants; antistats and metal deactivators.

In the additive packages, the polymer used in accordance with the invention is present in an amount of preferably from 0.1 to 99% by weight, more preferably from 1 to 95% by weight and in particular from 5 to 90% by weight.

The additive package may also, if appropriate, comprise at least one diluent. Suitable diluents are, for example, fractions obtained during oil processing, such as kerosine, naphtha or brightstock. Additionally suitable are aromatic hydrocarbons such as Solvent Naphtha heavy, Solvesso® or Shellsol®, and aliphatic hydrocarbons.

When the package comprises a diluent, the polymer used in accordance with the invention is present in the concentrates preferably in an amount of from 0.1 to 90% by weight, more preferably from 1 to 80% by weight and in particular from 10 to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

The inventive use of the polymers described improves the cold flow properties of the turbine fuels additized therewith. In particular, the freezing point, the cloud point (CP) and in particular the pour point (PP) are lowered.

The invention will now be illustrated in detail with reference to the nonlimiting examples which follow.

EXPERIMENTAL SECTION 1. Preparative Examples 1 to 28

A total of 28 different polymers to be used in accordance with the invention were prepared by high-pressure polymerization of ethylene and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA) or of ethylene, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA) or lauryl acrylate (LA) and vinyl acetate (VAC).

Table 1 compares the properties of the polymers used in the test examples which follow.

The content of ethylene, EHA or LA and VAC in the resulting polymers was determined by NMR spectroscopy. The viscosities were determined at 120° C. to Ubbelohde DIN 51562.

TABLE 1 Polymer E VAC Acrylate Viscosity No. [mol %] [mol %] [mol %] [mm2/s] Mn Mw Mw/Mn 1 79.9 — 20.11 150 3197 8499 2.66 2 88.0 4.2 7.81 60 2088 4189 2.01 3 88.0 4.4 7.61 150 2959 6666 2.25 4 88.1 4.4 7.51 605 4635 12 811   2.76 5 86.6 3.9 9.51 60 2124 4285 2.02 6 86.4 4.3 9.31 150 3022 6754 2.23 7 86.4 4.1 9.51 595 4797 13 238   2.76 8 83.8 4.1 12.11 60 2064 4280 2.07 9 83.2 4.4 12.41 150 2994 7203 2.41 10 83.1 4.4 12.51 600 4744 14 503   3.06 11 80.2 4.5 15.31 150 3038 7279 2.40 12 80.4 4.1 15.51 600 4681 15 697   3.35 13 89.6 8.0 2.41 60 1977 3910 1.98 14 89.8 7.9 2.31 150 2831 6212 2.19 15 89.2 8.2 2.61 605 3862 11 098   2.87 16 89.8 8.4 4.81 60 1928 3902 2.02 17 86.5 8.4 5.11 150 2926 6337 2.17 18 86.3 8.5 5.21 620 4613 12 019   2.61 19 84.2 8.1 7.71 60 2003 4025 2.01 20 83.1 8.7 8.21 150 2855 6382 2.24 21 84.3 8.0 7.71 615 4858 13 061   2.69 22 81.1 7.9 11.01 60 2100 4276 2.04 23 80.8 8.0 11.21 150 2878 6634 2.31 24 81.1 7.6 11.31 630 4774 14 263   2.99 25 77.6 8.7 13.71 150 3134 7195 2.30 26 86.8 4.8 8.41 60 1928 3902 2.02 27 86.3 5.2 8.51 620 4613 12019  2.61 28 87.9 10.5 1.62 153 3100 7301 2.36 E: ethylene VAC: vinyl acetate 12-ethylhexyl acrylate 2lauryl acrylate

2. Test Examples

The polymers 1 to 28 prepared above were used to carry out the experiments which follow. For comparative purposes, a conventional ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer was also tested:

A Jet A turbine fuel having a pour point (PP) of −48° C. was additized firstly with a conventional ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer and secondly with the copolymers from examples 1, 17 and 25 to 28 in an amount of in each case 1000 mg/l, and the PP value of the additized turbine fuel was determined in each case to ISO 3016. The PP value of the turbine fuel additized with the conventional ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer was −48° C., i.e. it had not been possible to reduce it. The PP values of the turbine fuel additized in each case with the copolymers used in accordance with the invention are listed in the table which follows.

TABLE 2 Polymer No. PP [° C.] — −48 EVA* −48  1 <−68 17 −63 25 <−70 26 −63 27 −51 28 −51 *EVA = conventional ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (comparative example)

As the examples show, the Jet A turbine fuel additized with the copolymers used in accordance with the invention has a distinctly lower pour point than the unadditized fuel, while the conventional ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer has no effect on the pour point.

Claims

1-16. (canceled)

17: An additive for turbine fuels comprising a polymer which is composed of monomers comprising M1, M2 and, optionally, M3 where M1, M2 and M3 have the following general formulae:

in which
R1 is H or C1-C40-hydrocarbyl;
R2, R3 and R4 are each independently H or C1-C4-alkyl;
R5 is unsubstituted C1-C20-alkyl or, in the case that the polymer does not comprise monomer M3 in copolymerized form, is unsubstituted C6-C20-alkyl;
R6, R7 and R8 are each independently H or C1-C4-alkyl; and
R9 is methyl or ethyl.

18: The additive according to claim 17, wherein the polymer comprises, in copolymerized form, the monomers M1, M2 and, optionally, M3 in random distribution.

19: The additive according to claim 17, wherein the monomers M1, M2 and M3 are present in the following molar fractions in the polymer:

M1: from 0.60 to 0.99
M2: from 0.01 to 0.40
M3: 0 to 0.20.

20: The additive according to claim 17, wherein monomer M1 is ethylene.

21: The additive according to claim 17, wherein R2, R3 and R4 are each H or two of the R2, R3 and R4 radicals are each H and the other radical is methyl.

22: The additive according to claim 17, wherein R5 is C8-C2-alkyl.

23: The additive according to claim 22, wherein R5 is 2-ethylhexyl or lauryl.

24: The additive according to claim 17, wherein M2 is 2-ethylhexyl acrylate or lauryl acrylate.

25: The additive according to claim 17, wherein M3 is vinyl acetate.

26: The additive according to claim 17, wherein the polymer is used as a cold flow improver.

27: The additive according to claim 26, wherein the polymer decreases the pour point of the turbine fuel mixed therewith.

28: A turbine fuel composition comprising a major proportion by weight of a turbine fuel and a minor proportion by weight of at least one additive as defined in claim 17.

29: The composition according to claim 17, wherein the polymer is used in combination with additional turbine fuel additives.

30: An additive package comprising at least one polymer as defined in claim 17 in combination with at least one additional turbine fuel additive and, optionally, at least one diluent.

Patent History
Publication number: 20080178523
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 13, 2006
Publication Date: Jul 31, 2008
Applicant: BASF Aktiengesellschaft (Ludwigshafen)
Inventors: Wolfgang Ahlers (Lambsheim), Frank-Olaf Mahling (Mannheim), Thomas Pfeiffer (Bohl-Iggelheim), Dietmar Posselt (Heidelberg)
Application Number: 11/911,688