The BP AVADA Ethyl Acetate Process

The catalytic alkylation of isobutane with C3—C5 alkenes was commercialized in the US during WW II. Blending the alkylate product with catalytically cracked gasoline provided high-octane aviation fuel. The introduction of aromatic and oxygenated fuel additives, such as methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE), pushed alkylation to the sidelines. However, in the 1990s, when the environmental effects of such additives were realized, alkylation regained its importance [191]. 

In 1999, Akzo Nobel (which later sold its catalyst division to Albemarle) patented a new technology for alkylating hydrocarbons based on a zeolite acid catalyst [193]. This new process, AlkyClean, was then designed by ABB Lummus and Albemarle, and a 10 barrels per stream day (BPSD) demonstration unit came online in Finland in 2002. AlkyClean produces a high-quality sulfur-free alkylate (96 octane), eliminating all the drawbacks of the liquid acid catalyst technologies. There are no add-soluble oil waste streams, the reactor operates at 50-90 °C, and the catalyst is a solid, noncorrosive material, which is easily transported and stored. 

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