New low energy process for MTBE and TAME

Journal Article · Fri Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984 · Hydrocarbon Process.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6163122

Herwig, J; Schleppinghoff, B; Schulwitz, S

Considered as new bulk petrochemicals of limited feedstocks MTBE (methyltertbutylether) and TAME (tertamylmethylether) need cheap and simple, minimum-cost production processes. The problems in optimizing the etherification are set by specifications for ether products and hydrocarbon raffinates. Working up reaction products from etherification processes containing hydrocarbons, methanol and ether to secure the pure main and side products is difficult because of azeotrope formation of methanol with ethers or hydrocarbons. At EC Erdolchemie GmbH, Cologne, a semicommercial unit with a capacity of 2,500 metric t/y has now been successfully operated for nearly one year producing high purity MTBE (> 99 wt.%) and a raffinate II with methanol content of < 0.05 wt.%. The TAME process has successfully been tested in a 3,000 kg/y TAME pilot plant for almost two years. Based on the operating experience, EC has prepared the engineering for a commercial multiproduct plant, including the production of 30,000 metric t/y MTBE, 15,000 metric t/y TAME and 6,000 metric t/y methylbutenes (TAME cracking product) in the first stage. EC has made application to the authorities for a construction permit. The process for MTBE and TAME will be licensed by EC Erdolchemie GmbH, Postfach 75 20 02, 5000 Cologne 71, West Germany or by Lurgi Kohle und Mineraloltechnik GmbH, Postfach 11 12 31, 6000 Frankfurt Main 2, West Germany.

• Research Organization: EC Erdolchemie GmbH, Cologne
• OSTI ID: 6163122
• Journal Information: Hydrocarbon Process.; (United States), Journal Name: Hydrocarbon Process.; (United States) Vol. 63:6; ISSN HYPRA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020500* -- Petroleum-- Products &amp; By-Products
ALKENES
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CHEMICAL PLANTS
CHEMICAL PREPARATION
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EUROPE
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
HYDROCARBONS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
METHYL ETHER
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
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WESTERN EUROPE