Abstract: Disclosed is a process for separating sulfone from a hydrocarbon stream containing a small concentration sulfone by using water as an extraction solvent. The extraction solvent, laden with the removed sulfone, is further processed to separate the extraction solvent and water to thereby produce a sulfone product suitable for reused in an alkylation process or for sale as a dry sulfone end-product.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for transferring acid catalyst from a transport vehicle where liquid acid is carried under a relatively low vapor pressure level to a process vessel in an alkylation process where liquid acid is contained at a higher pressure level, while minimizing the loss of acid vapor to the environment. The acid transfer is accomplished without venting the process vessel by employing a relatively small volume pressure lock chamber between the transport vessel and the storage vessel. In a preferred embodiment the small volume pressure lock chamber also serves as a storage vessel for make-up acid which is added to the alkylation process as required.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering propane product from HF alkylation process that is substantially free of HF acid. The invention allows for the improvement in the operation of an HF alkylation propane stripper by utilizing a bottoms recycle stream.

Abstract: An improved system for performing an alkylation process and a method for handling liquid catalyst in an alkylation process. This improvement involves a method and apparatus by which liquid alkylation catalyst contained in alkylation process equipment can be safely stored and isolated from the external environment. Additionally, the apparatus improvement will allow for an improved method for controlling the circulation of liquid alkylation catalyst by providing means for quickly stopping the circulation of alkylation catalyst. The apparatus improvement includes a baffle contained within a vessel which is attached to the bottom of the vessel and extends upwardly into the vessel. The baffle is designed to allow for the liquid flow between the inside of the vessel and the inside of the baffle and it allows for the venting into a vapor space from the top of the baffle. Within the baffle is standpipe which provides for fluid flow from within the baffle to a region outside the vessel.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering propane product from HF alkylation process that is substantially free of HF acid. The invention allows for the improvement in the operation of an HF alkylation propane stripper by utilizing a bottoms recycle stream.

Abstract: An improved system for performing an alkylation process and a method for handling liquid catalyst in an alkylation process. This improvement involves method and apparatus by which liquid alkylation catalyst contained in the alkylation process equipment can be transferred into a catalyst storage vessel without the need for venting excess pressure from the storage vessel to atmosphere. Through a combination of the physical arrangement of the process equipment and the storage vessel along with the addition of a pressure equalization line, apparatus is provided whereby certain process steps can be followed which allow the transfer of catalyst from the process equipment to the storage vessel without venting the storage vessel. The improvement comprises physically locating the catalyst storage vessel at a relative elevation below the alkylation proces equipment and providing a line to connect the vapor space of the storage vessel with that of a catalyst settling vessel in the process equipment.

Abstract: An improved system for performing an alkylation process and a method for handling liquid catalyst in an alkylation process. This improvement involves a method and apparatus by which liquid alkylation catalyst contained in alkylation process equipment can be safely stored and isolated from the external environment. Additionally, the apparatus improvement will allow for an improved method for controlling the circulation of liquid alkylation catalyst by providing means for quickly stopping the circulation of alkylation catalyst. The apparatus improvement comprises a baffle contained within a vessel which is attached to the bottom of the vessel and extends upwardly into the vessel. The baffle is designed to allow for the liquid flow between the inside of the vessel and the inside of the baffle and it allows for the venting into a vapor space from the top of the baffle. Within the baffle is standpipe which provides for fluid flow from within the baffle to a region outside the vessel.

Abstract: An improved system for performing an alkylation process and a method for handling liquid catalyst in an alkylation process. This improvement involves method and apparatus by which liquid alkylation catalyst contained in the alkylation process equipment can be transferred into a catalyst storage vessel without the need for venting excess pressure from the storage vessel to atmosphere. Through a combination of the physical arrangement of the process equipment and the storage vessel along with the addition of a pressure equalization line, apparatus is provided whereby certain process steps can be followed which allow the transfer of catalyst from the process equipment to the storage vessel without venting the storage vessel. The improvement comprises physically locating the catalyst storage vessel at a relative elevation below the alkylation process equipment and providing a line to connect the vapor space of the storage vessel with that of a catalyst settling vessel in the process equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for transferring acid catalyst from a transport vehicle where liquid acid is carried under a relatively low vapor pressure level to a process vessel in an alkylation process where liquid acid is contained at a higher pressure level, while minimizing the loss of acid vapor to the environment. The acid transfer is accomplished without venting the process vessel by employing a relatively small volume pressure lock chamber between the transport vessel and the storage vessel. In a preferred embodiment the small volume pressure lock chamber also serves as a storage vessel for make-up acid which is added to the alkylation process as required.

Abstract: In an alkylation process wherein the amount of hydrogen fluoride (HF) acid catalyst required to maintain a desired HF acid/hydrocarbon ratio in a plurality of alkylation reactors is contained in the lower portion of a common settler vessel, the improvement comprises: dividing the lower portion of the common settler vessel into a plurality of chambers for containing the desired amount of HF acid catalyst, such that a leak affecting the catalyst handling system for one of the plurality of reactors would only spill the amount of liquid HF acid contained in one of the chambers, and would not affect the liquid HF acid level in a non-leaking chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manipulating the temperature and pressure of the hydrocarbon phase in an acid settler vessel associated with a catalytic alkylation process and apparatus, wherein the hydrocarbon phase in the acid settler vessel is regulated by controlling the amount of rerun catalyst stream entering the hydrocarbon phase of the acid settler vessel. In response to a detected temperature or pressure of the hydrocarbon phase above a set point, the flow of rerun catalyst stream to the hydrocarbon phase of the acid settler vessel is decreased. This decrease in flow to the hydrocarbon phase may be accompanied by an increase in flow of rerun catalyst vapor to the catalyst phase of the acid settler vessel.