4. Alkylation processes in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts
The use of heterogeneous catalysts is the most suitable solution for reducing the risks inherent in the use of liquid catalysts and in particular HF. The aim is to provide an environmentally risk-free alternative at a cost comparable to HF and H 2 SO 4 processes.
Research into catalysts and associated technologies has come up against several major difficulties:
the catalyst must be sufficiently acidic to enable it to operate at low temperatures (below 50°C), so as to minimize cracking reactions of the alkylates produced, as well as oligomerization reactions of the olefins. Both alkylation yield and alkylate quality (octane number) deteriorate as reaction temperature rises;
the products of the...
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Unit operations. Chemical reaction engineering
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Alkylation processes in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts
Environment and process comparison
Bibliography
Bibliography
Regulations
We refer the reader to the regulations on highly concentrated HF and H 2 SO 4 acids.
Directory
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DuPont Stratco http://www.2.dupont.com
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Statistical and economic data
Alkylation developed mainly in North America, where demand for synthetic gasolines was much higher than in Europe. Of a total of 46 Mt in 1982, over 85% (39 Mt) was manufactured in North America. In 2008, North America still accounted for the majority of alkylation capacity, with 47 Mt, or 58% of worldwide capacity.
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