CHARACTERIZATION OF SLUDGE WAXES FROM CRUDE OIL STORAGE TANKS HANDLING OFFSHORE CRUDE

The 300°C+ and 500°C+ vacuum residues of the sludge obtained from offshore crude oil storage tanks located at our onshore facilities have been subjected to dewaxing using MBK solvent. The yield of the refined waxes were 45.38% and 43.13% (sludge basis) and melting points 92-93°C and 95-96°C respectively The waxes were mainly n-parafTins. Their simulated boiling point distribution analysis reveals a distinct himodal distribution of n-paraffins, the even carbon number homologucs between C₅₀, to C₆₀ being present at preferentially higher ratio(l.4:1) than the odd ones. The present finding are expected to improve the understanding of waxes present in offshore crude. It is also expected to help in devising process to refine waxes of lank bottom sludge.