LIDEM unit for the production of methyl tert-butyl ether from butanes

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Chemistry and Technology of Fuels and Oils

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00727202· OSTI ID:39285

Rudin, M G; Zadvornov, M A

One of the basic problems in the production of motor fuels is how to obtain high-octane unleaded gasolines that will meet today`s ecological requirements. The term {open_quotes}reformulated gasolines{close_quotes} has come into general use throughout the world to denote fuels with a certain chemical composition. These gasolines consist of preselected components; as shown by worldwide experience, they must include oxygen-containing compounds that are distinguished by high octane numbers and low reactivities. Standards in effect in the United States, Japan, and certain Western European countries require that automotive gasolines must contain at least 2-4% by weight of oxygen-containing compounds (calculated as oxygen). In the last 15 years, in order to meet these requirements, production has been set up in various countries for the manufacture of high-octane oxygen-containing components known as oxygenates. The most common of these is methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), obtained by etherification of isobutene by methanol. Process technology developed by this last organization was used as the basis for constructing a unit in the Nizhnekamskneftekhim Production Association and at the Mazheikyai Petroleum Refinery in Lithuania. MTBE production has been held back mainly by a shortage of isobutene, which is obtained mainly from butane-butene cuts produced in cat crackers. In order to alleviate this shortage, it has been proposed that MTBE should be obtained from saturated C{sub 4} hydrocarbons that are recovered in processing oilfield associated gas, and also in the refinery from primary distillation units, catalytic reformers, and hydrocrackers. A working design was developed in 1991-1992 by Lengiproneftekhim for a basically new combination unit designed for the processing of saturated C{sub 4} hydrocarbons, which has been termed the LIDEM unit (Leningrad - isomerization - dehydrogenation - MTBE).

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 39285
• Journal Information: Chemistry and Technology of Fuels and Oils, Journal Name: Chemistry and Technology of Fuels and Oils Journal Issue: 1-2 Vol. 30; ISSN CTFOAK; ISSN 0009-3092
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
BUTANE
DESIGN
ETHERS
GASOLINE
PETROCHEMICAL PLANTS
PRODUCTION