| abstract |
A method for improving or maintaining the stability and/or compatibility of residual hydrocarbon fuels, the method comprising: (a) combining at least 5-95% m/m of residual hydrocarbon components with at least 5-80% m/m m of the fatty acid alkyl ester component, or (b) at least 5-80% m/m of the fatty acid alkyl ester component is mixed with a stabilized residual fuel composition comprising (i) at least 5- 95% m/m of residual hydrocarbon components, and (ii) up to 90% m/m of non-hydrotreated hydrocarbon components, hydrotreated hydrocarbon components, or any combination thereof; wherein the fatty acid alkyl ester group The fraction is mixed with the stabilizing residual fuel composition prior to the addition of at least one other fuel composition that reduces the asphaltene-solubilizing ability of the residual fuel composition. |