EPSRC Reference: |
GR/R87833/01 |
Title: |
A new approach to the control of alkane wax deposition |
Principal Investigator: |
Malcolme-Lawes, Dr D |
Other Investigators: |
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Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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Project Partners: |
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Department: |
Chemistry |
Organisation: |
Kings College London |
Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
Starts: |
01 September 2002 |
Ends: |
31 August 2005 |
Value (£): |
110,253
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EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
Chemical Structure |
Complex fluids & soft solids |
Oil & Gas Extraction |
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EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
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Related Grants: |
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Panel History: |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
Alkane wax deposition is currently of great importance to the petroleum industry during oil and gas transportation and production. It leads to blockage and shut-down of pipelines which results in the loss of billions per annum of revenue to the industry, with whom we are collaborating (Chevron Petroleum Technology). Therefore, there is a strong need to find effective technologies to control wax crystallisation and deposition. The proposed novel research will provide a fundamental understanding of the factors responsible for the control of wax deposition and the rate of growth of wax crystal faces, thus avoiding the inefficient and expensive trial-and-error methods currently employed by the industry. In particular, this proposed research will involve examining the morphology of the higher n-alkanes when crystallised from lower alkanes. We will also examine microscopically and by X-ray diffraction and molecular modelling the detailed structure of industrial waxes, both before and after the addition of crystal-shape modifiers.
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Key Findings |
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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Impacts |
Description |
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Summary |
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Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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Project URL: |
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Further Information: |
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Organisation Website: |
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