DuPont launches HF alkylation conversion technology

Historically, the expense of converting from HF to sulfuric acid alkylation was estimated by the industry at 80% of the cost of a grassroots sulfuric acid alkylation unit of a similar size. This perceived high conversion cost and the lack of any other economic benefits deterred refiners from committing to this change. By reusing much of the existing equipment, conversion with DuPont ConvEx technology is estimated to be lower, at approximately 40 – 60% of the cost of a grassroots sulfuric acid alkylation unit.

In situations where plot space is available near the existing facility, downtime can be reduced by installing new equipment during normal operations. With new equipment installation already complete, the remainder of the conversion work can be finalised within a typical 30 - 45 day turnaround window.

The suite of HF conversion technologies offered by DuPont was developed with flexibility in mind to adapt to the strategic objectives of refiners currently operating HF alkylation units. One of the options that was developed utilises conventional STRATCO® Contactor™ reactors in order to achieve optimum product quality. A second option incorporates a reactor design, allowing for significant cost savings with only a minor performance debit.

Eli Ben-Shoshan, Global Business Director, DuPont Clean Technologies, said: “For the first time, refiners truly have cost-effective options to ensure the safety of their refinery personnel and surrounding communities, while simultaneously producing high-quality alkylate at increased rates to meet market demand.”

Fundamental to the expansion aspect of the DuPont™ ConvEx technology is the difference in the way in which isobutane is recycled between the HF and sulfuric acid alkylation technologies. HF alkylation units provide all isobutane to the reaction zone by recycling it from the fractionation section, while sulfuric acid alkylation units provide half of the required isobutane from fractionation and half from the refrigeration section. This difference is significant, as conversion from HF to sulfuric acid alkylation means isobutane required from fractionation is cut in half, freeing up fractionation space and, therefore, effectively doubling the capacity of the alkylation unit without requiring any significant changes to the fractionation equipment.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/product-news/06092017/dupont-launches-hf-alkylation-conversion-technology/