Coffee Break
Southwest Process Technology Conference
2017
9th Southwest Process Technology Conference
Southwest Process Technology Conference
Petroleum Refining Technology 1
Friday, October 13, 2017 - 10:30am to 11:00am
Lacking the existence or proximity to strong propylene or derivative demand, refiners have traditionally used processes for reacting propylene to maximize production of gasoline blend stocks. These processes have historically included catalytic polymerization and acid catalyzed alkylation of isobutane. More recently, to meet environmental regulation restricting benzene in gasoline, some refiners have implemented technology to alkylate dilute benzene streams with propylene, resulting in a benzene regulation compliant, higher octane product.
This paper will define and compare key characteristics and considerations of refinery propylene processes for both fuels and petrochemicals: fractionation, solid catalyst polymerization, liquid acid catalyzed alkylation of isobutane and solid catalyst alkylation of concentrated and dilute benzene. Recent innovations in liquid acid catalyzed alkylation will also be included.