Convert refinery butanes to oxygenates
There is general agreement that associated and non-associated gas streams will result in a surplus of butane worldwide by 1990. This, plus U.S. refinery trends towards higher octane gasoline and lower quality crude oil processing will result in a butane surplus in the United States (U.S.). Consequently, it is reasonable to assume that butanes will be priced low. The paper presents an analysis of U.S. refinery trends for the 1980's and 1990's. It describes the production scheme and provides production economics for two high octane gasoline components that can be derived from butane, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and gasoline-grade tertiary butyl alcohol (GTBA) as a methanol cosolvent. Graphical correlations are presented to estimate their blending values and investment profitability as a function of crude oil, isobutane and octane costs. Using Fall 1983 prices for butane as an example, grassroot projects for the production of MTBE or GTBA from isobutane are shown to be attractive investments with returns as high as 40 percent.
- Research Organization:
- Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Allentown, PA
- OSTI ID:
- 6368024
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8403125-
- Journal Information:
- Natl. Pet. Refiners Assoc., (Tech. Pap.); (United States), Journal Name: Natl. Pet. Refiners Assoc., (Tech. Pap.); (United States) Vol. AM-84-42; ISSN NPRPA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
020500* -- Petroleum-- Products & By-Products
2-METHYLPROPANE
ADDITIVES
ALCOHOLS
ALKANES
ANTIKNOCK RATINGS
ASSOCIATED GAS
BUTANE
BUTANOLS
BUTYL ETHER
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
ENERGY SOURCES
ETHERS
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL ADDITIVES
FUELS
GASES
GASOLINE
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
LIQUID FUELS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PROCESSING
PRODUCTION