Polyisobutylene is a polymer composed of isobutylene units with excellent thermal stability, chemical inertness, low coefficient of friction and anti-aging properties.
Polyisobutylene is a polymer material polymerized from isobutylene monomer. It has the characteristics of high density, low water absorption, good insulation properties and chemical stability. Polyisobutylene can be divided into low molecular weight polyisobutylene, high molecular weight polyisobutylene and branched chain polyisobutylene according to different molecular weights and branched structures.
Methods for preparing polyisobutylene mainly include free radical polymerization, anionic polymerization and coordination polymerization. Among them, free radical polymerization is the main method for industrial production of polyisobutylene. Free radicals are generated through the decomposition of the initiator, which polymerizes with isobutylene monomer to obtain polyisobutylene.
Polyisobutylene (PIB) is a polymer viscosity index improver commonly used in the oil and gas industry for the following reasons:
- Compatibility: Polyisobutylene is compatible with a variety of crude oils and production fluids, and is a multifunctional demulsifier. It can be used on various types of oils, including heavy crude oil, light crude oil and synthetic oil.
- Viscosity control: Polyisobutylene can help reduce the viscosity of oil emulsions, making it easier for water droplets to separate from the oil. This is especially important for heavy crude oils or high-viscosity oil emulsions, where separation of water can be challenging.
- High temperature stability: Polyisobutylene is known for its high thermal stability, making it suitable for applications in high temperature environments. It can withstand the high temperatures typically encountered in oil production and processing.
- Low toxicity and environmental impact: Polyisobutylene is considered a relatively low-toxic demulsifier compared to some other chemicals. It has a low impact on the environment and is often favored for its eco-friendly properties.
- Resistant to calcium and magnesium ions: Even in the presence of high concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions, polyisobutylene can effectively separate water from oil emulsions. This resistance is particularly useful in areas where the water contains large amounts of these ions, such as offshore or in mineral-rich areas.
Overall, selecting polyisobutylene as a demulsifier can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of petroleum production and processing operations. By promoting the separation of water from oil emulsions, PIBs can improve the quality of produced oil, reduce production losses, minimize corrosion problems, and increase the overall productivity and profitability of oil production.