2 ISOALKY ™ Technology: Next-Generation Alkylate Gasoline …
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formation rate by the alkylation step. The unique on-line regeneration sub-process
converts conjunct polymer into saturated hydrocarbon “regen naphtha” in gasoline
boiling range and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The regeneration unit effluent is
sent to the alkylation reactor effluent separator where the regen naphtha and LPG are
transferred to the hydrocarbon stream and then sent to the distillation section. Reuse
of the ISOALKY Catalyst with on-line regeneration enables very low ionic liquid
catalyst consumption.
2.7.4 Product Finishing and Chloride Control
Our process design was optimized to minimize chloride formation in the product
streams. Recycling of HCl co-catalyst is incorporated to minimize the makeup of
organic chloride promoter.
The ISOALKY Technology does not wash its product streams (propane, n-butane,
and alkylate gasoline), and the process does not produce any waste caustic solutions
from the product treating. Solid adsorbents are used to remove the residual chlorides from the finished alkylate, n-butane, and propane products. Treating with these
commercially available adsorbents removes residual chlorides and meets all product
specifications.
2.8 Compared to Conventional Alkylation Technologies
Table 2.2 compares key features of conventional alkylation technologies with
ISOALKY Technology. The sulfuric acid alkylation technologies operate at 60 °F or
lower alkylation reactor temperature with cryogenic cooling to control the conjunctpolymer formation rate. The HF technology typically operates at about 95 °F with
cooling water. The ISOALKY Technology can operate at a very wide temperature
window, and the process can be designed to fit the needs of customers for product
quality and/or their constraint in cooling capability.
The ISOALKY Technology can produce higher octane number alkylates than
other alkylation technologies by operating at about 60 °F reactor temperature or
lower. Alternatively, the unit can be designed to operate at 95 °F with cooling water
to lower the capital cost.
Alkylate yields by the three alkylation processes are similar. The ISOALKY Technology is estimated to have about 2 wt% alkylate yield advantage with the lower conjunct polymer formation, on-line regeneration, and conversion of conjunct polymer
back to regen naphtha compared to the sulfuric acid process.
The efficient regeneration process allows for a much lower makeup rate for the
catalyst. The makeup rate is about 400 times less than the H 2 SO 4 alkylation process
and about 2 times less than the HF alkylation process.
43
formation rate by the alkylation step. The unique on-line regeneration sub-process
converts conjunct polymer into saturated hydrocarbon “regen naphtha” in gasoline
boiling range and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The regeneration unit effluent is
sent to the alkylation reactor effluent separator where the regen naphtha and LPG are
transferred to the hydrocarbon stream and then sent to the distillation section. Reuse
of the ISOALKY Catalyst with on-line regeneration enables very low ionic liquid
catalyst consumption.
2.7.4 Product Finishing and Chloride Control
Our process design was optimized to minimize chloride formation in the product
streams. Recycling of HCl co-catalyst is incorporated to minimize the makeup of
organic chloride promoter.
The ISOALKY Technology does not wash its product streams (propane, n-butane,
and alkylate gasoline), and the process does not produce any waste caustic solutions
from the product treating. Solid adsorbents are used to remove the residual chlorides from the finished alkylate, n-butane, and propane products. Treating with these
commercially available adsorbents removes residual chlorides and meets all product
specifications.
2.8 Compared to Conventional Alkylation Technologies
Table 2.2 compares key features of conventional alkylation technologies with
ISOALKY Technology. The sulfuric acid alkylation technologies operate at 60 °F or
lower alkylation reactor temperature with cryogenic cooling to control the conjunctpolymer formation rate. The HF technology typically operates at about 95 °F with
cooling water. The ISOALKY Technology can operate at a very wide temperature
window, and the process can be designed to fit the needs of customers for product
quality and/or their constraint in cooling capability.
The ISOALKY Technology can produce higher octane number alkylates than
other alkylation technologies by operating at about 60 °F reactor temperature or
lower. Alternatively, the unit can be designed to operate at 95 °F with cooling water
to lower the capital cost.
Alkylate yields by the three alkylation processes are similar. The ISOALKY Technology is estimated to have about 2 wt% alkylate yield advantage with the lower conjunct polymer formation, on-line regeneration, and conversion of conjunct polymer
back to regen naphtha compared to the sulfuric acid process.
The efficient regeneration process allows for a much lower makeup rate for the
catalyst. The makeup rate is about 400 times less than the H 2 SO 4 alkylation process
and about 2 times less than the HF alkylation process.