Ionikylation
Composite Ionic Liquid Alkylation
About Ionikylation
Ionikylation is a commercially proven, non-hazardous, non-corrosive, and environmentally friendly alkylation process that uses a proprietary composite ionic liquid catalyst and affordable carbon steel equipment.
Ionikylation is operated under moderate process conditions (ambient temperatures and moderate pressures) and is cost competitive with existing alkylation technologies. Ionikylation has a higher yield and selectivity towards the formation of valuable and high octane compounds, such as trimethylpentanes, over traditional methods. Composite ionic liquid catalyst is recycled and regenerated within the Ionikylation process, providing added benefits of reduced wastes and emissions.
Ionikylation was first piloted in 2003 in a 20 tpy operation. In 2005, Ionikylation catalyst was successfully used to retrofit an existing 65,000 tpy sulfuric acid alkylation unit. In 2013, the world's first greenfield Ionikylation unit was commissioned, having an alkylate production capacity of 100,000 tpy. From 2018 to 2022, six additional Ionikylation units were constructed and commissioned by Chinese state-owned refiners, with capacities ranging from 50,000 to 300,000 tpy, including the world's first commercial revamp from an existing HF alkylation process.
Traditional Acid-Based Alkylation Technologies are Unsafe
Traditional alkylation technologies consume large quantities of anhydrous hydrofluoric acid and sulfuric acid. Hydrofluoric acid is highly toxic and deleterious to the environment, and its leakage can form aerosols, which are lethal to biological life. Meanwhile, treatment costs of spent sulfuric acid catalysts are high and there are environmental hazards requiring special attention. Due to the corrosive nature of these strong acids, specialized and expensive operating equipment is also required, which severely impacts project economics.
Regulators around the world are taking serious action to protect the public. For example, China's Environmental Protection Ministry has imposed heavy penalties on alkylation operators with inadequate safe practices relating to spent sulfuric acid treatment. In the United States, the South Coast Air Quality Management District of California praised novel alkylation technologies in their ability to mitigate "safety concerns related to volatile acid vapor clouds and acid transportation."
In an era where environmental preservation and safety are top priorities, Ionikylation is the safe and sustainable alternative.
Competitive Advantage
Ionikylation offers the following advantages over conventional alternatives:
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Innovative technology with multiple commercial units
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Eliminate reliance on toxic and corrosive HF and H₂SO₄ catalysts
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Inherently safe process
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Non-corrosive system: low-cost carbon steel equipment
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Non-hazardous emissions and waste, reduced waste water
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Environmentally friendly
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High catalyst activity, stable reactor operating system
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High quality alkylate product (96-98 RON)
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Integrated catalyst regeneration
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Reduced energy consumption
Ionikylation Projects
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