Solid-acid alkylation process development is at a crucial stage
- Rao (Pradip), San Jose, CA (United States)
- Vatcha (Sorab R.), Mountain View, CA (United States)
The refining industry is seeking more environmentally acceptable and economical methods of producing reformulated gasoline (RFG). Alkylate, the cleanest gasoline-blending stream produced in a refinery, is a prime blend stock for RFG production. Alkylation with solid acid catalysts has potential environmental and safety advantages over conventional liquid-acid alkylation. This is especially true for the HF alkylation process. Difficult technical challenges must be overcome in the next few years to achieve a commercially successful solid-acid alylation process. Substantial innovations in catalysts, catalyst regeneration, reactor design, and product separation will be required for solid catalyst processes to replace the incumbent processes, which are being improved continually. The paper discusses background, HF alkylation, H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} alkylation, solid-acid catalysts, reaction mechanism, activity and selectivity, feedstock effects, catalyst life, resistance to poisons, reactors and processes, business issues, and R and D guidelines.
- OSTI ID:
- 376254
- Journal Information:
- Oil and Gas Journal, Vol. 94, Issue 37; Other Information: PBD: 9 Sep 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
U. S. refiners must increase alkylation capacity to meet demand
Impact of oxygenates on petroleum refining, review and forecast