ABB Lummus Global, Albemarle Catalysts and Neste Oil have demonstrated a cost competitive, true solid acid catalyst alkylation process technology that is now available for license. This new offering is the result of an intensive research and development effort, which culminated with the successful proofing of the technology in a prototype, refinery slipstream demonstration unit.

The new process, employing an environmentally friendly zeolite catalyst, produces high octane alkylate without having all the drawbacks of the existing HF and H2SO4 technologies. Neither acid soluble oils, nor spent acids are produced, and there is no need for product post- treatment of any kind.

The operability of the process and the performance of the catalyst have been proven to be excellent during the two years of successful operation of the partnership's Demonstration Unit at Neste Oil's facilities in Porvoo, Finland.

The process has shown to be robust, requiring minimal maintenance, while offering flexibility in processing various feedstocks to produce high quality product. The AlkyClean® catalyst has proved tolerant of upsets and exposure to high levels of impurities. Its ability to be easily and repeatedly regenerated, with full activity recovery, has been demonstrated over long periods of operation.

Benchmarking efforts have confirmed the overall competitiveness of the new technology. Additionally, economic evaluation indicates that replacing an existing catalytic polymerization unit with the AlkyClean® process will result in a very attractive payout, which can be less than one year.