Two alkylation processes are available: the CDAlky⁽¹⁾ sulfuric acid alkylation process and the AlkyClean^® solid acid catalyst alkylation process.

High acid consumption has always been a characteristic of conventional sulfuric acid alkylation units, which use mechanical mixing to achieve the required contact between acid and hydrocarbon phases in their contactors. The CDAlky process, offered by CDTECH, a partnership of Lummus Technology and Chemical Research & Licensing Co., utilizes a novel contactor that significantly improves mass transfer relative to conventional contactors, and operates at lower temperatures, which substantially improves alkylate quality and lowers acid consumption. The CDAlky process yields a bright, clear, high-quality alkylate while consuming significantly less acid, reducing consumption by 50% or more compared to conventional technologies.

The environmentally friendly AlkyClean process was developed by Lummus Technology, Albemarle Catalysts and Neste Oil. It employs a robust zeolite catalyst formulation coupled with a novel reactor processing scheme to yield a high quality alkylate product. The true solid acid catalyst eliminates corrosive liquid acid use and associated safety concerns; is tolerant to feedstock impurities, changes in feedstock olefin composition, and process upsets (e.g. water spikes); and lowers maintenance and monitoring requirements. The total installed cost of the facility, including OSBL (regeneration facilities, safety installations, etc.), is lower than current liquid-acid processes, as the lack of corrosive acids in the system and the mild operating conditions allow for carbon steel construction. Limited pretreatment and no post treatment result in fewer OSBL equipment pieces.

(1) CDAlky is a registered trademark of CDTECH.