Conocophillips Company

David P Cope

Jay Edward Locklear

The invention relates to the dissolution of amorphous dithiazine (a-DTZ) or polythioformaldehyde or other polymeric by-products of the treatment of hydrocarbon products (a-DZT) to remove them from surfaces. These are solids that build up on surfaces of processing plant and are resistant to most chemical treatment. The treatment requires treating the surface with an effective amount of a mercaptan or an amine. Surfactants to keep the dissolved a-DTZ or other components from redepositing elsewhere are also described, as is the use of hydrogen sulfide to add in removal by mercaptans.

Method for the dissolution of amorphous dithiazines

Methods for preventing elemental sulfur deposition from a hydrocarbon fluid is disclosed. A mercaptan is added to a hydrocarbon fluid that has elemental sulfur and reacted with the elemental sulfur to produce a disulfide and hydrogen sulfide. Amines and/or surfactants can assist with the process. Secondary reactions between the disulfide and the elemental sulfur result in a polysulfide and a solvated sulfur-disulfide complex. The disulfide, hydrogen sulfide, polysulfide and solvated sulfur-disulfide complex do not deposit, and can optionally be removed.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

David P Cope