The Supercritical Fluid Isoparaffin Alkylation Research Project is developing a Supercritical Fluid (SCF) solid catalyst process to replace the concentrated liquid acids currently used by the petroleum refining industry for isoparaffin alkylation. INL Fossil Energy Technologies work draws on the advances made in SCF technology to control the deactivation of a solid catalyst, improve the energy efficiency of product recovery, and regenerate used catalysts. The program supports the development of advanced industrial processes with minimal environmental impact and enhanced processing to maximize the use of natural resources. The result of the multiyear project will be an integrated isoparaffin alkylation process capable of replacing the environmentally risky liquid acid catalyzed processes currently in use.
Through a work-in-kind cooperative research and development agreement with Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLP, one task is focused on developing solid acid catalysts. Other task focus areas include online control of solid catalyst activity maintenance at SCF conditions, examining energy-efficient product recovery of alkylate from the SCF reaction mixture, and performing offline catalyst regeneration studies. Work under way includes exploration of nonsteady state reactors and reactor system testing. In addition, nonsteady state reaction conditions are being explored to maximize reaction rates, the hydride transfer reaction step, and product and coke desorption. An integrated reaction system will be developed based on the nonsteady state testing. This reaction system will provide a continuous operating process with zones for desorption and hydride transfer.
This project is sponsored by the National Petroleum Technology Office of the DOE Fossil Energy Program.
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