Exxon Research and Engineering Company

Charles Woo

Bruce M Sankey

Synthetic hydrocarbon lubricating oils with very low pour points and low viscosities are produced by polymerizing alpha-olefins of from 5 to 20, preferably 10 to 14 carbon atoms, at temperatures in the range of 300.degree. to 800.degree. F in the presence of an acidic catalyst of the crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite molecular sieve-type. The products are predominantly of the paraffinic and naphthenic hydrocarbon types. Aromaticity can be introduced by polymerizing the olefins in the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene. The products are useful as lubricants in arctic climates and in other applications where low pour points are required, such as for transformer oils.

Synthesis of low viscosity low pour point hydrocarbon lubricating oils

A heat soaked polymer by-product from the production of gasoline using the 90.degree.-400.degree.F. steam cracker naphtha as feed is upgraded by first subjecting the same to a thermal polymerization and then subjecting the thermal polymerization product to a hydrotreating or hydrogenation step or both. Generally, the hydrotreatment is accomplished at relatively mild conditions so as to avoid any change in aromatic ring structure. Hydrogenation, on the other hand, is accomplished at more severe conditions so as to effect hydrogenation of the aromatic rings. In those cases where a mild hydrotreatment only is used, the products obtained are, generally, useful as aromatic oils of light color. Where more severe hydrogenation is used, on the other hand, the products are useful as naphthenic oils.

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Sarnia, Canada

Charles Woo