| abstract |
The invention relates to the use of hyper-branched, highly functional, non-dendimeric polymers as de-emulsifiers for breaking crude oil emulsions. The hyperbranched polymers are preferably hyperbranched polycarbonates, hyperbranched polyesters, hyperbranched polyethers, hyperbranched polyurethanes, hyperbranched polyurea polyureas, hyperbranched polyureas, hyperbranched polyamides, hyperbranched polyethermines and polyesteramides hyper-branched comprising functional groups, selected from the group including -OC (O) OR, -COOH, COOR, CONHR, -CONH2, -OH, -SH, -NH2, -NHR, -NR2, -SO2H, -SO3R , -NHCOOR, -NHCONH2 and -NHCONHR, wherein R represents an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl group. |