The present invention relates to a novel copolymer, to processes for preparation thereof and to the use thereof.

Embodiments of the invention provide a method of inhibiting precipitation of biodiesel fuel components. The method includes providing a biodiesel fuel composition; providing a copolymer comprising at least first and second polymer units, said first polymer units derived from a carboxylic acid anhydride and said second polymer units derived from an olefin; and blending said copolymer with the biodiesel fuel to form a treated fuel composition. Alternatively, instead of the copolymer, a dialkylene glycol additive can be provided. Embodiments of the invention provide a method of reducing the cold soak filter blocking tendency of a biodiesel fuel composition.

Embodiments of the invention provide a method of inhibiting precipitation of biodiesel fuel components. The method includes providing a biodiesel fuel composition; providing a copolymer comprising at least first and second polymer units, said first polymer units derived from a carboxylic acid anhydride and said second polymer units derived from an olefin; and blending said copolymer with the biodiesel fuel to form a treated fuel composition. Alternatively, instead of the copolymer, a dialkylene glycol additive can be provided. Embodiments of the invention provide a method of reducing the cold soak filter blocking tendency of a biodiesel fuel composition.

A method of producing a low sulfur tall oil fatty acid by first esterifying the tall oil fatty acid, followed by distillation of the tall oil fatty acid ester, followed by saponification and acidulation to provide a low sulfur tall oil fatty acid. A fuel additive comprising tall oil fatty acid and a sulfur compound, wherein the sulfur compound comprises from about 0.1 to about 20 ppm of the additive. A fuel comprises a hydrocarbon fuel component and the fuel additive.

A method of producing a low sulfur tall oil fatty acid by first esterifying the tall oil fatty acid, followed by distillation of the tall oil fatty acid ester, followed by saponification and acidulation to provide a low sulfur tall oil fatty acid. A fuel additive comprising tall oil fatty acid and a sulfur compound, wherein the sulfur compound comprises from about 0.1 to about 20 ppm of the additive. A fuel comprises a hydrocarbon fuel component and the fuel additive.

A stabilized paraffin inhibitor/pour point depressant (PI/PPD) product formulation is described which includes a copolymer having a monomer selected from the group consisting of alkyl acrylate polymers, alkyl methacrylate polymers, and combinations thereof, where the copolymer comprises vinyl acetate and the product includes an ethylene-based copolymer. The presence of the vinyl acetate stabilizes the product to prevent or inhibit the ethylene-based copolymer from separating out of the product. The product is useful to reduce paraffin deposition and/or improve flow characteristics of petroleum fluids, such as crude oil.

In accordance with the present subject matter there is provided a process for producing mono-, di- and triesters of glycerol over a catalyst composition. The catalyst composition including a base catalyst and a support material based on phyllosilicates of montmorillonite structure and the process for preparing the catalyst composition is also described.

In accordance with the present subject matter there is provided a process for producing mono-, di- and triesters of glycerol over a catalyst composition. The catalyst composition including a base catalyst and a support material based on phyllosilicates of montmorillonite structure and the process for preparing the catalyst composition is also described.

The invention relates to aqueous polymer dispersions comprising at least one polymer obtainable by the reaction of at least one monomer M1 of the general formula (I): H.sub.2C═CH—C(O)OR, wherein R is an unbranched alkyl chain comprising from 18 to 22 carbon atoms, and optionally at least one monomer M2. The invention relates moreover to a method for the preparing of such aqueous polymer dispersion and the use thereof as pour point depressant for crude oil, petroleum, and petroleum products.

The invention relates to aqueous polymer dispersions comprising at least one polymer obtainable by the reaction of at least one monomer M1 of the general formula (I): H.sub.2C═CH—C(O)OR, wherein R is an unbranched alkyl chain comprising from 18 to 22 carbon atoms, and optionally at least one monomer M2. The invention relates moreover to a method for the preparing of such aqueous polymer dispersion and the use thereof as pour point depressant for crude oil, petroleum, and petroleum products.