DuPont Clean Technologies (DuPont) has announced the successful startup and performance test of a STRATCO alkylation unit licensed by DuPont at the Hengli Petrochemical Co. (Hengli) new refinery complex, Changxing Island Harbor Industrial Zone, China.

 

The new alkylation unit enables Hengli to produce high-quality alkylate, a key component for cleaner, high octane gasoline, from a 100% isobutylene feed stream. This first-of-a-kind unit was developed through DuPont research into the best ways to maximise product octane and minimise end point with this feedstock. Hengli had awarded DuPont the contract for the new alkylation unit as well as a MECS Sulfuric Acid Regeneration unit in 2015.

 

The alkylation unit uses the latest innovative patented XP2 technology by DuPont in the STRATCO Contactor reactor. The reactor enhancement is designed to improve the acid/hydrocarbon emulsion flow path near the tube bundle heat transfer area of the reactor in order to realise significant process benefits and achieve optimal alkylate product quality.

 

“DuPont Clean Technologies could not be happier with its ability to enable Hengli Petrochemical Co. to meet performance guarantees while processing a feed never before processed in an alkylation unit,” said Eli Ben-Shoshan, Global Business Leader, DuPont Clean Technologies. “It’s a groundbreaking achievement and we’re very pleased to provide innovative technology and services that support the operational and business goals of Hengli.”

 

“We’re delighted that the new alkylation unit is performing to design specifications,” said a unit manager at the Hengli Petrochemical Co. “The fact that we’re able to produce high-quality alkylate with high-octane values from isobutylene by using the STRATCO alkylation technology benefits our refinery’s overall gasoline pool.”

 

The STRATCO Alkylation Technology is a sulfuric acid, catalysed process that converts low-value, straight-chain olefins into high-value, branched components called alkylate. Alkylate, with its superior blending properties, is a key component for clean gasoline and the STRATCO Alkylation Technology helps refiners safely produce cleaner-burning gasoline with high octane, low RVP, low sulfur, zero aromatics and zero olefins.