PURPOSE: To obtain a sludge-dispersing agent which effectively disperses sludge in a fuel oil and thus prevents the settling of the sludge in a tank during storage by incorporating a rare-earth soap of a tert. fatty acid as the effective component into the agent.
CONSTITUTION: This agent contains a rare-earth soap of a tert. fatty acid [an 8-14C tert. fatty acid, esp. neodecanoic acid (versatic acid) obtd. by carbonylating a 9C olefin with CO, is pref.] as the effective component and is added pref. in an amt. of 10-500 ppm, still pref. in an amt. of 20-200 ppm, to a fuel oil, though the amt. varies with the type of the oil. The agent stabilizes the dispersion of sludge in the oil, preventing the settling of it during storage, virtual decrease in vol. of the storage tank, unstable burning due to the settled sludge, and pump troubles.
SUZUKI OSAMU
IIDA KAZUNORI
