Abstract: A method is disclosed for dispersing gums in hydrocarbon streams, particularly low molecular weight, sticky polymeric materials formed in refinery and petrochemical plant operation. The dispersant comprises a free radically polymerized copolymer of an .alpha.-olefin of from about 10 to about 36 carbon atoms and maleic anhydride wherein the anhydride moieties along the copolymer backbone are substantially unhydrolyzed. The copolymer has a ratio of olefin to maleic anhydride of from about 1 to about 0.5 and a molecular weight of from 5000 to about 100,000. The dispersant alternatively comprises a dispersant mixture wherein the first component comprises the .alpha.-olefin/maleic anhydride copolymer and the second component comprises an alkyl substituted phenol/formaldehyde liquid polymer, such as nonyl phenol/formaldehyde polymer, or a lipophilic/hydrophilic vinylic polymer, such as hydroxyethyl methacrylate/lauryl acrylate copolymer. Also disclosed is a hydrocarbon dispersion made by the method.

Abstract: Dispersing asphaltenes in liquid hydrocarbons, particularly formed during the refining of crude petroleum, is disclosed. The dispersant comprises a free radically polymerized copolymer of an .alpha.-olefin of from about 10 to about 36 carbon atoms and maleic anhydride wherein the anhydride moieties along the copolymer backbone are substantially unhydrolyzed or otherwise not derivatized. The copolymer has a ratio of .alpha.-olefin to maleic anhydride of from about 1:1 to about 1:5 and a molecular weight of from 5000 to about 100,000. Alternatively the dispersant comprises a mixture of the .alpha.-olefin/maleic anhydride copolymer and an alkyl substituted phenol/formaldehyde liquid polymer, such as nonyl phenol/formaldehyde polymer, or a lipophilic/hydrophilic vinylic polymer, such as hydroxyethyl methacrylate/lauryl acrylate copolymer. Also disclosed is a liquid hydrocarbon dispersion containing asphaltenes and 1-100 ppm of the .alpha.-olefin/maleic anhydride copolymer.

Abstract: Generally, the invention provides a fouling probe apparatus. The fouling probe including a heat transfer conduit having a first portion formed as a loop which is removably attached to a second portion which extends linearly. A hollow housing encases the apparatus. The housing has an open forward portion and an open rear portion. The open forward portion is attachable to an oil quench tower about an opening in the quench tower and the open rear portion is adapted to be securely attached to the linearly extending second portion of the heat transfer conduit. A fouling grid is attached to the first portion of the heat transfer conduit. The fouling grid is super-heated to accelerate fouling.

Abstract: An asphalt or asphaltene refinery anti-foulant technique comprising the use in crude oil, or crude oil fraction, streams of alkyl-substituted phenol formaldehyde liquid resins in combination with hydrophilic-lipophilic vinylic polymers. The polymeric anti-foulant is added to asphalt or asphaltene containing crude oil streams to prevent fouling of metallic, or other, i.e. ceramic, surfaces, especially heat transfer surfaces.

Abstract: An asphalt or asphaltene refinery anti-foulant technique comprising the use in crude oil, or crude oil fraction, streams of alkyl-substituted phenol formaldehyde liquid resins in combination with hydrophilic-lipophilic vinylic polymers. The polymeric anti-foulant is added to asphalt or asphaltene containing crude oil streams to prevent fouling of metallic, or other, i.e. ceramic, surfaces, especially heat transfer surfaces.