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Lyondell develops one step isobutylene process

Journal Article · · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)
OSTI ID:5720489

This paper reports that Lyondell Petrochemical Co., Houston, has developed a one step process to convert normal butylenes to isobutylene, a key component of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). MTBE is expected to become the additive of choice among U.S. refiners to blend oxygenated gasolines required by 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act. Lyondell Pres. and Chief Executive Officer Bob Gower the the new process could help assure adequate supplies of MTBE to meet U.S. demand for cleaner burning fuels. Lyondell estimates the capital cost of building a grassroots plant to produce isobutylene with the new process would be less than half the cost of a grassroot plant to produce isobutylene with existing technology starting with normal butane.

OSTI ID:
5720489
Journal Information:
Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States) Vol. 90:12; ISSN 0030-1388; ISSN OIGJA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English