Sinopec starts up seventh DuPont alkylation unit

The STRATCO alkylation unit at FREP is designed to produce 7700 bpsd of alkylate from a mixed butylene FCC feedstock.

This startup is the seventh successful STRATCO alkylation technology startup within Sinopec and allows compliance with the China VI standard which limits sulfur content in gasoline to a maximum of 10 ppm by generating low-sulfur, high-octane, low-Rvp alkylate. As the largest vehicle market in the world, China is committed to improving air quality in the country by introducing legislation, such as the China VI fuel standards, to reduce automobile-generated pollution. Alkylate produced by Sinopec will meet both the current China VIA fuel standard and the VIB standard expected to come into force in 2023, which further reduce the levels of benzene, aromatics and olefins in the gasoline pool. As a paraffinic hydrocarbon, alkylate plays a key role in improving air quality and public health.

“Over the last several years, we have been able to work with multiple Sinopec refineries, building an energetic relationship and providing a reliable technology solution at each site. The consistency of our technology provides Sinopec the ability to deliver high quality alkylate to the gasoline pool, decreasing the environmental impact of its fuels. It has been a pleasure to work regularly with the Sinopec organisation, a rapport that will continue throughout the lives of these seven units,” said Kevin Bockwinkel, Global Business Manager, STRATCO Alkylation Technology.

With this startup at the FREP refinery, the total capacity of alkylate produced by STRATCO alkylation units in the Sinopec refinery network is 60 380 bpsd.

The STRATCO alkylation technology is a sulfuric acid-catalysed process that converts low-value, light olefins (propylene, butylene and amylene) into high-value, branched components called alkylate. Alkylate is known for its superior blending properties and is a key component for clean gasoline. The STRATCO alkylation technology helps refiners safely produce cleaner-burning gasoline with high octane, low Reid vapour pressure, low sulfur, zero aromatics and zero olefins. Licensed and marketed by DuPont as part of its Clean Technologies portfolio, the STRATCO alkylation technology is a leading alkylation technology with more than 100 licensed units worldwide and more than 915 000 bpsd of installed capacity.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/10122021/sinopec-starts-up-seventh-dupont-alkylation-unit/