The MTBE solution: Octanes, technology, and refinery profitability
This paper has been developed to provide refiners with business decision insight regarding the production of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) from refinery - (FCC) produced isobutylene. The driving forces making MTBE an attractive investment are examined with regard to the increasing demand for higher octane unleaded gasolines. The decision to proceed with MTBE production depends on the profitability of such an investment and the refiner's ability to meet market demands using available processing equipment, refinery produced streams and external feedstocks. The factors affecting this decision are analyzed in this paper and include: industry ability to meet rising octane demand; profit potential realized by diverting isobutylene to MTBE; availability of technology for producing MTBE; and investment and operating costs required to produce MTBE. Chemical Research and Licensing and NEOCHEM have developed a simple, low cost process to produce MTBE, reducing the excessive equipment and high operating costs that were associated with conventional MTBE designs. The economics and process benefits of installing a CRandL/NEOCHEM MTBE process are examined within the framework of a generalized medium-sized refinery configuration.
- Research Organization:
- Neochem Corporation, Bellaire, TX
- OSTI ID:
- 5698997
- Journal Information:
- Natl. Pet. Refiners Assoc., (Tech. Pap.); (United States), Journal Name: Natl. Pet. Refiners Assoc., (Tech. Pap.); (United States) Vol. AM-83-50; ISSN NPRPA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
020400* -- Petroleum-- Processing
020500 -- Petroleum-- Products & By-Products
2-METHYLPROPENE
ALKENES
ANTIKNOCK RATINGS
CATALYTIC CRACKING
CHEMICAL FEEDSTOCKS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CRACKING
DECISION MAKING
DECOMPOSITION
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
ETHERS
FUELS
GASOLINE
HYDROCARBONS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
LIQUID FUELS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
PRODUCTION
PYROLYSIS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES