Abstract: A process for the production of motor fuel alkylate by reacting an alkene hydrocarbon, an alkane hydrocarbon and a hydrogen halide with a solid alkylation catalyst disposed in swing beds. The spent solid alkylation catalyst is regenerated in a highly integrated flow scheme associated with the alkylate recovery.

Abstract: A method of regulating the concentration of onium in a liquid onium poly(hydrogen fluoride) composition utilized in a hydrogen fluoride catalyzed alkylation reaction for a given level of total airborne hydrogen fluoride is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of regulating the concentration of onium in the liquid onium poly(hydrogen fluoride) composition for a given level of RON. In one embodiment, the liquid onium poly(hydrogen fluoride composition is a mixture including pyridine and anhydrous hydrogen fluoride so as to give a pyridine poly(hydrogen fluoride) composition that is useful as a catalyst in the hydrogen fluoride catalyzed alkylation reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for alkylating olefins and isoparaffins in the presence of an acid to reduce and/or control acid consumption or maximize and/or control the octane number of the produced alkylate product. One embodiment includes alkylation by controlling the C.sub.3 /C.sub.5 olefin ratio to reduce acid consumption. Another embodiment includes alkylation of C.sub.3 and C.sub.5 olefins in separate alkylation zones to maximize alkylate octane number. Even another embodiment includes propylene alkylation followed by C.sub.4 and/or C.sub.5 olefin alkylation, with the spent propylene acid used in the C.sub.4 and/or C.sub.5 olefin alkylation. Still another embodiment includes alkylation of C.sub.3, C.sub.4 and C.sub.5 olefins in separate alkylation zones, with the spent propylene acid used in the C.sub.4 alkylation, and the spent butylene acid used in the C.sub.5 alkylation. Yet another embodiment includes alkylation by controlling the C.sub.3 /C.sub.

Abstract: Improved acid catalyzed alkylation reactions occur for the addition of a hydrocarbyl reactant to an alkene, by the optimized addition of an oxidizing agent, such as a peroxide, molecular oxygen, ozone, peracid, and one or more of the peroxide, molecular oxygen, ozone, or peracid mixed with at least one material selected from the group consisting of the hydrocarbyl reactant, and the alkene. The hydrocarbyl reactant contains at least one tertiary carbon atom attached to hydrogen, such as isobutane. The alkene is preferably an alkene of at least 2 carbon atoms. Suitable peroxides are found in the group consisting of: tert-butyl peroxyneopentanoate ((CH.sub.3).sub.3 C--O--OCO--C(CH.sub.3).sub.3); acetyl peroxide (CH.sub.3 CO--O--OCOCH.sub.3); di-tert-butyl peroxide ((CH.sub.3).sub.3 C--O--O--C(CH.sub.3).sub.3); hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2 O.sub.2) and peracids of carboxylic acid having up to 10 carbon atoms, and a general chemical formula C.sub.n H.sub.2n O.sub.3, where n has values in the range 2-10.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alkylation process which utilizes a mixture of sulfone and hydrogen fluoride as an alkylation catalyst. The process provides for the removal of light ASO from the alkylation catalyst that accumulates therein as a result of the inability to remove the light ASO produced as a by-product of the alkylation reaction.

Abstract: An HF-agent complex, such as HF-pyridine complex where the complexing agent is pyridine, is recovered and recycled from a by-product containing stream in an alkylation process using the complex by (a) selectively removing a portion of the HF from the by-product stream to produce an HF-depleted stream having a molar ratio of HF per Lewis base site of the complexing agent of 3:1 to 5:1, (b) separating the resulting HF-depleted stream into a hydrocarbon phase enriched in ASO and an acid phase depleted in ASO and containing a substantial portion of the complex, and (c) recycling the acid phase to the hydrocarbon alkylation step.

Abstract: A novel alkylation catalyst is described which is used in processes for alkylating olefin hydrocarbons with isoparaffin hydrocarbons to produce high octane alkylate products suitable for use as a blending component of gasoline motor fuel. The novel catalyst comprises a mixture of a hydrogen halide, a sulfone and a promoter. The novel alkylation catalyst is utilized in a novel process for alkylating olefin hydrocarbons with isoparaffin hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method for prolonging the life of a defluorinator material contained within an alkylation process product stream defluorination zone used to remove organic fluorides from a product stream produced by an alkylation process that utilizes an alkylation catalyst containing HF and sulfone. The life of the defluorinator material is extended by reducing the amount of organic fluorides produced in the alkylation process through the addition of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid to the HF/sulfone alkylation catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to catalysts for alkylation reactions and their preparation. More particularly, the invention relates to an alkylation process using a hydrogen fluoride-containing alkylation catalyst, which catalyst may be safely and easily handled, transported, and stored.

Abstract: In a process for alkylating C.sub.4 -C.sub.18 alkenes in the presence of an acid catalyst, propylene is separated from the alkenes feed, the propylene is oligomerized to oligomers containing maily propylene tetramers, and the propylene oligomers are then combined with the remainder of the alkene feed before the alkylation reaction is carried out.

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: Disclosed is a process for separating sulfone and hydrogen fluoride from hydrocarbon streams containing a concentration of such compounds. An extraction solvent laden with sulfone and HF is contacted with a reversible base in order to remove the HF therefrom. The thus-treated extract stream is separated into a water stream that can be reused as the water extractant and a sulfone stream that is suitably free of HF.

Abstract: A novel alkylation catalyst is described which is used in processes for alkylating olefin hydrocarbons with isoparaffin hydrocarbons to produce high octane alkylate products suitable for use as blending components of gasoline motor fuel. The novel catalyst comprises a mixture of a hydrogen halide, a sulfone and water and has suitable corrosion properties which permit its utilization in alkylation process systems. The novel alkylation catalyst is utilized in a novel process for alkylating olefin hydrocarbons with isoparaffin hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A novel alkylation catalyst is described which is used in processes for alkylating olefin hydrocarbons with isoparaffin hydrocarbons to produce high octane alkylate products suitable for use as blending components of gasoline motor fuel. The novel catalyst comprises a mixture of a hydrogen halide, a sulfone and water and has suitable corrosion properties which permit its utilization in alkylation process systems. The novel alkylation catalyst is utilized in a novel process for alkylating olefin hydrocarbons with isoparaffin hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Improved acid catalyzed alkylation reactions occur for the addition of a hydrocarbyl reactant to an alkene, by the optimized addition of an oxidizing agent, such as a peroxide, molecular oxygen, ozone, peracid, and one or more of the peroxide, molecular oxygen, ozone, or peracid mixed with at least one material selected from the group consisting of the hydrocarbyl reactant, and the alkene. The hydrocarbyl species contains at least one tertiary carbon atom attached to hydrogen, such as isobutane. The alkene is preferably 1- or 2-butene. Suitable peroxides are found in the group consisting of: tert-butyl peroxyneopentanoate ((CH.sub.3).sub.3 C--O--OCO--C(CH.sub.3).sub.3); acetyl peroxide (CH.sub.3 CO--O--O--COCH.sub.3); di-tert-butyl peroxide ((CH.sub.3).sub.3 C--O--O--C(CH.sub.3).sub.3); hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2 O.sub.2) and peracids of carboxylic acid having up to 10 carbon atoms, and a general chemical formula C.sub.n H.sub.2n O.sub.3, where n has values in the range 2-10.

Abstract: An improved process for the regeneration of an ASO-containing HF catalyst by the removal of ASO from said catalyst through the utilization of a separation column equipped with fixed valve fractionation trays. The separation column defines a separation zone having a top zone, an intermediate zone, and a bottom zone wherein contained within the bottom zone is a series of vertically spaced, fixed valve fractionation trays, wherein each of the fixed valve fractionation trays include a plate defining a plurality of apertures and wherein fixedly spaced above each of the apertures is a valve having a shape substantially the same as the apertures for directing the flow of gas passing upwardly through the apertures of the plate into the direction substantially parallel to the plate.

Abstract: A novel alkylation catalyst is described which is used in processes for alkylating olefin hydrocarbons with isoparaffin hydrocarbons to produce high octane alkylate products suitable for use as blending components of gasoline motor fuel. The novel catalyst comprises a mixture of a hydrogen halide, a sulfone and water and has suitable corrosion properties which permit its utilization in alkylation process systems. The novel alkylation catalyst is utilized in a novel process for alkylating olefin hydrocarbons with isoparaffin hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An improved process for the regeneration of an ASO-containing HF catalyst by the removal of ASO from said catalyst through the utilization of a separation column equipped with fixed valve fractionation trays. The separation column defines a separation zone having a top zone, an intermediate zone, and a bottom zone wherein contained within the bottom zone is a series of vertically spaced, fixed valve fractionation trays, wherein each of the fixed valve fractionation trays includes a plate defining a plurality of apertures and wherein fixedly spaced above each of the apertures is a valve having a shape substantially the same as the apertures for directing the flow of gas passing upwardly through the apertures of the plate into the direction substantially parallel to the plate.

Abstract: A novel alkylation catalyst is described which is used in processes for alkylating olefin hydrocarbons with isoparaffin hydrocarbons to produce high octane alkylate products suitable for use as blending components of gasoline motor fuel. The novel catalyst comprises a mixture of a hydrogen halide, a sulfone and water and has suitable corrosion properties which permit its utilization in alkylation process systems. The novel alkylation catalyst is utilized in a novel process for alkylating olefin hydrocarbons with isoparaffin hydrocarbons. Also, described is a method for suppressing the rate of evaporation of hydrogen fluoride from a mixture of hydrogen fluoride and sulfolane that has been exposed to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The disproportionation of isopentane(s) in the presence of hydrogen fluoride as the catalyst is improved by adding at least one C.sub.6 -C.sub.18 (preferably C.sub.6 -C.sub.8) isoalkane to the isopentane feed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reclaiming HF and producing valuable gasoline blending components from the conjunct polymeric byproducts (acid soluble oil or ASO) formed as a byproduct of acid-catalyzed isoparaffin-olefin alkylation comprising the steps of:(a) reacting isoparaffin and olefin in the presence of a liquid acid alkylation catalyst to form alkylate and ASO byproduct;(b) separating alkylate, unreacted isoparaffin, and a majority of said liquid acid alkylation catalyst from said ASO;(c) reacting said separated ASO of step (b) under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure to convert the hydrocarbon portion of said ASO to gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons and to liberate HF.In a preferred embodiment, the ASO is pre-mixed with hydrogen or a hydrogen donor before reaction at elevated temperature and pressure. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the elevated temperature reaction is carried out in the presence of a catalyst such as activated carbon.

Abstract: A method for separating conjunct polymers which are formed as byproducts of acid catalyzed isoparaffin-olefin alkylation and sulfolane from a mixture containing conjunct polymers, sulfolane, and hydrofluoric acid comprising stripping HF from the spent catalyst, treating the stripped, spent catalyst with hydrogen to provide a stripped hydrotreated catalyst stream, and gravitationally separating the stripped hydrotreated catalyst stream to remove conjunct polymeric byproducts.

Abstract: A method of recovery of acid catalyst from acid soluble oil being formed in a process for alkylation of hydrocarbons and containing valuable amounts of spent acid catalyst which method comprises,treating the acid soluble oil with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst comprising one or more metals from Group VIII of the Periodic Table supported on an acid resistant carrier; andrecycling the hydrotreated acid soluble oil to the alkylation process.

Abstract: Catalyst based on silica and sulfuric acid and its use in the catalytic alkylation of isobutane and/or isopentane in the presence of at least one olefin having 3 to 6 carbon atoms per molecule. The catalyst may contain an additive, e.g., B(OH).sub.3, HBF.sub.4, H.sub.3 PO.sub.4, FSO.sub.3 H, CF.sub.3 SO.sub.3 H, SbF.sub.5, CF.sub.3 COOH and SO.sub.3.

Abstract: A shell-and-tube heat exchanger with a tube sheet having partition grooves used to form joints with partition plates contained within the exchanger head. The partition plates define chambers within the head of the exchanger which direct the fluid through the exchanger tubes and which allow for the use of an unequal number of tubes per tube-side pass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for separating conjunct polymers which are formed as byproducts of acid catalyzed isoparaffin-olefin alkylation and sulfolane from a mixture containing conjunct polymers, sulfolane, and hydrofluoric acid, and for minimizing accumulation of conjunct polymeric byproducts in the recycled acid catalyst.

Abstract: A method of minimizing or controlling the production of synthetic isopentane during the catalyzed alkylation reaction of amylenes and isoparaffins by providing a concentration of isopentane in the alkylation reactor feed material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the defluorination of a liquid hydrocarbon mixture, containing organic fluorides, produced during the conversion of hydrocarbons using a fluorine-containing catalyst. In one embodiment, both thermal means and a contacting material are used to effectuate a more complete defluorination.The liquid hydrocarbon mixture is extracted from a distillation column and heated sufficiently in the thermal means to decompose at least some of the organic fluorides. The effluent from the thermal means is separated into a vaporous and a liquid effluent. The liquid effluent is passed to the bottom of the distillation column where it undergoes further defluorination through contact with the contacting material.

Abstract: A method of increasing rainout from a liquid jet of an aerosolable corrosive and toxic substance, e.g. hydrogen fluoride, hydrofluoric acid, ammonia or chlorine, exiting from a pressurized source, such as a vessel, conduit, pump. The method includes spacing an impact plate from the pressurized source for deflecting the liquid jet to dissipate forward velocity and energy of the liquid jet. The impact plate is positioned a distance from the pressurized source to impact the liquid jet before the liquid is capable of expanding to form a substantial aerosol of vaporized substance. A mesh pad abuts the impact plate and faces the pressurized source for initially reducing the velocity and energy of the liquid jet, and for preventing back and radial splash of the liquid jet deflecting off the impact plate to coalesce droplets of the substance and thereby produce a collectable run-off.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alkylation process which ultilizes a mixture of sulfolane and hydrogen fluoride as an alkylation catalyst. The process provides for the removal of water from the alkylation catalyst that accumulates within the alkylation process system as a result of the incoming water which accompanies the catalyst mixture make-up components.

Abstract: Described is a novel acid-soluble oil composition produced as a by-product from an alkylation reaction catalyzed by a sulfone-containing catalyst. Also described is a novel process for regenerating an alkylation catalyst which contains a sulfone component. The regeneration process utilizes alumina adsorbent to remove a substantial portion of the hydrogen halide from the spent catalyst, thereby producing a neutralized stream, which is then treated with carbon to remove a substantial portion of the reaction by-product to produce a sulfone stream substantially free of reaction by-product and hydrogen halide.

Abstract: Refining processes for recovering HF from acid soluble oils (ASO) generated by the HF recovery unit of an HF alkylation unit are provided. ASO containing HF is removed from the HF recovery unit and contacted with water to form a system having two phases, an aqueous HF containing phase and an organic phase. After phase separation, the aqueous HF containing phase passes through a bed of fluidized NaF crystals, where the NaF reacts with the HF to form salts having the general formula NaF.nHF. Flow of the aqueous HF containing phase to the bed continues until exhaustion of the bed, as determined by the detection of HF in the effluent. After exhaustion of the bed, the process provides for the regeneration of the bed and release of anhydrous HF which is then returned to the HF alkylation unit.

Abstract: Impregnated catalyst based on silica and a solid state sulfuric acid and its use in the catalytic alkylation of isobutene and/or isopentane in the presence of at least one olefin having 3-6 carbon atoms per molecule. The catalyst may contain an additive, e.g., B(OH).sub.3, HBF.sub.4, H.sub.3 PO.sub.4, FSO.sub.3 H, CF.sub.3 SO.sub.3 H, SbF.sub.5, CF.sub.3 COOH, and SO.sub.3.

Abstract: Described is a novel process for regenerating an ASO contaminated alkylation catalyst containing a sulfone component and a hydrogen halide component. A sulfone-containing mixture containing ASO and which is derived by the removal of a major portion of the hydrogen halide component of the alkylation catalyst is contacted with a reversable base selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl pyridine, amine-substituted styrene divinyl benzene copolymer and mixtures thereof so as to remove at least a portion of the ASO component from the sulfone-containing mixture to thereby produce a treated sulfone-containing mixture. The treated sulfone-containing mixture can further be processed by contacting it with an absorbent material which can include carbon and alumina.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for regenerating a spent liquid acid catalyst comprising the steps of:(a) providing a spent liquid acid catalyst comprising HF, sulfolane, and conjunct polymeric byproducts formed during the HF-catalyzed reaction of isoparaffin and olefin to form isoparafinnic alkylate;(b) providing a finely divided solid sorbent, wherein said solid sorbent preferentially and reversibly sorbs said conjunct polymeric byproducts from a mixture containing HF, sulfolane;(c) mixing said spent liquid acid catalyst of step (a) with said solid sorbent of step (b) by charging said spent liquid acid catalyst to the driving fluid inlet of an eductor and drawing a stream containing said solid sorbent into said eductor;(d) holding said mixture of step (c) in contact for time sufficient for said solid sorbent to preferentially sorb at least a portion of said conjunct polymeric byproducts from said spent liquid acid catalyst to produce a conjunct polymer-enriched sorbent and to regenerate said liquid acid catalyst; an

Abstract: This invention provides an isoparaffin-olefin alkylation catalyst composition comprising hydrofluoric acid, an additive, and a superacid promoter. The additive is present in concentration sufficient to effect deactivation of the hydrofluoric acid for isoparaffin-olefin alkylation such that the catalytic properties of said admixture of the hydrofluoric acid and the additive, in the absence of superacid promoter are characterized by the conversion of a mixed isoparaffin-olefin stream to product containing more than about 0.1 weight percent of alkyl halide.

Abstract: System for increasing rainout from a liquid jet of an aerosolable corrosive and toxic substance, e.g. hydrogen fluoride, hydrofluoric acid, ammonia or chlorine, exiting from a pressurized source such as a vessel, conduit, pump. The system includes an impact plate spaced from the pressurized source for deflecting the liquid jet to dissipate forward velocity and energy of the liquid jet. The impact plate is positioned a distance from the pressurized source to impact the liquid jet before the liquid is capable of expanding to form a substantial aerosol of vaporized substance. A mesh pad abuts the impact plate and faces the pressurized source for initially reducing the velocity and energy of the liquid jet, and for preventing back and radial splash of the liquid jet deflecting off the impact plate to coalesce droplets of the substance and thereby produce a collectable run-off.

Abstract: A method for converting HF alkylation unit to a sulfuric acid alkylation unit comprising the steps of retaining a reactor, an acid settler and a fractionation section from the HF alkylation unit and modifying at least a portion of the HF alkylation unit to produce a converted alkylation unit that is adapted to use sulfuric acid as a reaction catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing acid soluble oils, produced as an undesirable by-product of an acid catalyzed alkylation reaction, from a mixture containing a strong acid and methanesulfonic acid. The process includes the use of water to induce the formation of the two immiscible liquid phases of ASO and methanesulfonic acid with water. The two immiscible phases can subsequently be separated from each other.

Abstract: A safety apparatus has been found for controlling the release of flashing hydrogen fluoride in a hydrocarbon alkylation process. The safety apparatus comprises containment baffles enclosing major process vessels. The safety apparatus may be used in combination with a liquid onium polyhydrogen fluoride complex to substantially reduce the vapor cloud produced from a leaking process vessel.

Abstract: Described is a novel acid-soluble oil composition produced as a by-product from an alkylation reaction catalyzed by a sulfone-containing catalyst. Also described is a novel process for regenerating an alkylation catalyst which contains a sulfone component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for separating conjunct polymers and sulfolane from a mixture containing conjunct polymers, sulfolane, and hydrofluoric acid comprising the sequential steps of:(a) separating hydrofluoric acid from said mixture to provide an intermediate stream containing less than about 30 percent hydrofluoric acid by weight;(b) gravitationally separating said intermediate stream into a sulfolane-enriched stream and a conjunct polymer-enriched stream;(c) contacting said sulfolane-enriched stream with a polar extraction solvent to provide an extract stream enriched in sulfolane and a raffinate stream enriched in conjunct polymers;(d) stripping the polar extraction solvent from said sulfolane-enriched extract stream; and(e) recovering sulfolane from said enriched stream of step (d).

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing acid soluble oils, produced as an undesirable by-product of an HF catalyzed alkylation reaction, from a liquid containing a sulfone compound. The process includes the use of a solvent to extract the acid soluble oils from a sulfone-containing fluid that has previously been neutralized by a treating step.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for separating ASO from a mixture containing ASO, HF and sulfolane comprising the steps of:(a) contacting said mixture with a sorbent to selectively sorb HF and water from said mixture to evolve an intermediate product containing less than 5 weight percent HF;(b) charging said intermediate product to a gravitational separation zone;(c) holding said intermediate product in said gravitational separation zone for time sufficient to evolve two at least partially immiscible liquid phases in said gravitational separation zone; and(d) withdrawing a less-dense phase enriched in ASO and a more-dense phase enriched in sulfolane from said gravitational separation zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for separating conjunct polymers which are formed as byproducts of acid catalyzed isoparaffin-olefin alkylation and sulfolane from a mixture containing conjunct polymers, sulfolane, and hydrofluoric acid comprising the sequential steps of:(a) separating hydrofluoric acid from said mixture to provide an intermediate stream containing less than about 30 percent hydrofluoric acid by weight;(b) gravitationally separating said intermediate stream into a more dense sulfolane-enriched stream and a less dense conjunct polymer-enriched stream;(c) distilling said more dense sulfolane-enriched stream of step (b) to provide an overhead stream containing a higher sulfolane concentration than said more dense sulfolane-enriched stream of step (b) and a bottom stream enriched in conjunct polymers.

Abstract: Described is a novel process for regenerating an ASO contaminated alkylation catalyst which contains a sulfone component and a hydrogen halide component. The alkylation catalyst undergoes a series of separation steps to remove a significant portion of the hydrogen halide component contained therein followed by a phase separation between an ASO phase and a sulfone phase. The sulfone phase is then contacted with a carbon material to remove a portion of any remaining ASO contained in the sulfone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for separating conjunct polymers which are formed as byproducts of acid catalyzed isoparaffin-olefin alkylation and sulfolane from a mixture containing conjunct polymers, sulfolane, and hydrofluoric acid comprising the sequential steps of:(a) separating hydrofluoric acid from a mixture containing conjunct polymers, sulfolane, and hydrofluoric acid to provide a first intermediate stream containing less than about 30 percent hydrofluoric acid by weight;(b) mixing said intermediate stream with a nonpolar extraction solvent to provide a second intermediate stream; and(c) gravitationally separating said intermediate stream into a less dense extract stream enriched in conjunct polymers and a more dense liquid stream enriched in sulfolane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for separating sulfolane from a mixture containing conjunct polymers, sulfolane, and hydrofluoric acid comprising the sequential steps of:(a) removing HF from said mixture to provide an intermediate stream containing less than about 30 weight percent HF;(b) contacting said intermediate stream with water;(c) contacting said intermediate stream with an aliphatic hydrocarbon co-solvent having from about 3 to about 20 carbon atoms concurrently with said water-contacting step (b);(d) recovering an extract stream enriched in sulfolane and hydrofluoric acid; and(e) recovering a raffinate stream enriched in conjunct polymers.

Abstract: A single path process for alkylating a hydrocarbon feedstock containing an olefin and an isoparaffin is disclosed. The process includes dispersing an acid-based liquid alkylation catalyst into a reaction zone for contact with a continuous hydrocarbon phase. The process further includes separating the hydrocarbon phase from the acid catalyst upon completion of the alkylation reaction and providing a continuous on-line regeneration of the entire volume of catalyst once it has been separated from the hydrocarbon phase.

Abstract: An improved alkylation recontactor is provided, wherein the recontactor utilizes an internal mixer for mixing hydrocarbon effluent from an alkylation zone with an acid catalyst from an acid inventory vessel in fluid flow communication with the interior of the recontactor.