Oleic acid based polymeric flow improvers for Langhnaj (North Gujarat, India) crude oil

This research article investigates the effect of polymeric flow improvers (FI) as pour point depressants (PPD) and rheological property improvers of waxy crude oil in Langhnaj, North Gujarat (India), since application of FI is a more economically viable option for crude oil transportation. Three new comb-shaped copolymers of maleic anhydride and n-alkyl oleate were synthesized by free radical solution polymerization, which were consequently reacted with hexadecyl amine to get poly (hexyl oleate-co-hexadecyl maleimide-co-n-alkyl oleate). Synthesized polymers were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). These FIs were further evaluated for their pour point depression property and rheology modifier with and without additive using Fann Viscometer. The prepared FIs act as effective pour point depressants as well as viscosity index improvers.