BP Etherol process

The reaction occurs in the liquid phase at relatively low temperatures (about 50°C) in the presence of a solid acid catalyst. Few side reactions occur such as the hydration of isohutene to tertiary hutyl alcohol, and methanol dehydration and formation of dimethyl ether and water. However, only small amounts of these compounds are produced. Figure 5-8 is a simplified flow diagram of the BP Etherol process. 

Etherol A process for making oxygenated fuels (e.g., methyl f-butyl ether) from C4-C6 hydrocarbons by reacting them with methanol over an acid resin catalyst in a fixed bed reactor under mild conditions. Developed by BP with Erdoel Chemie and first used in a refinery at Vohburg, Germany, in 1986. Four units were operating and one was under construction in 1988. 

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