Abstract: A solid polymeric body comprising a polymer matrix containing a substantially water-insoluble reagent leachable into a substantially hydrocarbon liquid environment, the matrix being reagent permeative and the body preferably having a softening point substantially above that of the temperature of the liquid fluid environment in which it is to be employed. The body is useful for the introduction of an additive reagent into a substantially liquid hydrocarbon such as crude and refined oils.

Abstract: Beads comprising a polymeric matrix containing a releasable lipophilic compound are made by precipitating the compound from solution within the matrix. Beads may be made by forming a homogeneous blend of the compound in lipophilic polymerizable material and subjecting the blend to bead polymerization while the blend is dispersed as beads in an aqueous medium containing hydrophilic polymerization stabilizer. The lipophilic compound may be a behenyl ester wax inhibitor or other reagent useful downhole or for other purposes and preferably has a relatively high melting point. The polymerizable material preferably dissolves the lipophilic compound and may include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or other hydrophilic polymerizable material.