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. 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 present invention relates to a catalyst comprising silica and an acid phase comprising sulphuric acid and the compound HB(HSO.sub.4).sub.4, the silica having been impregnated by said acid phase, said catalyst being such that is consists essentially of particles of an average diameter of between 0.1 and 150 .mu.m, its content by weight of acid phase is greater than 40%, the silica, prior to its impregnation with said acid phase, has a total porous volume of between 0.5 and 6 cm.sup.3 per gram and said acid phase contains between 0.4% and 68.8% by weight of the compound HB(HSO.sub.4).sub.4, said acid phase containing neither sulphuric anhydride nor boric acid.The invention also relates to the preparation and use of said catalyst in catalytic alkylation of isobutane and/or isopentane in the presence of at least one olefin containing 3 to 6 carbon atoms per molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst comprising silica and sulphuric acid which impregnates said silica, and the use of said catalyst in catalytic alkylation of isobutane and/or isopentane in the presence of at least one olefin containing 3 to 6 carbon atoms per molecule, said catalyst being characterized in that the silica, prior to its impregnation with sulphuric acid, has a total porous volume greater than 1.5 cm.sup.3 per gram and in that said catalyst consists essentially of particles of an average diameter of between 0.1 and 150 .mu.m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst comprising silica and an acid phase comprising sulphuric acid and the compound HB(HSO.sub.4).sub.4, the silica having been impregnated by said acid phase, said catalyst being such that is consists essentially of particles of an average diameter of between 0.1 and 30 .mu.m, prior to its impregnation with said acid phase, has a total porous volume of between 0.1 and 6 cm.sup.3 per gram and said acid phase contains between 0.4% and 68.8% by weight of the compound HB(HSO.sub.4).sub.4, and between 31.2% and 99.6% by weight of the compound containing neither sulphuric anhydride nor boric acid.The invention also relates to the preparation and use of said catalyst in catalytic alkylation of isobutane and/or isopentane in the presence of at least one olefin containing 3 to 6 carbon atoms per molecule.

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: There is provided a catalyst comprising a heteropoly acid, such as phosphotungstic acid, supported on a mesoporous crystalline material, such as M41S. A particular form of this M41S support is designated as MCM-41. There is also provided a method for preparing this catalyst by impregnating the heteropoly acid on the support. There is also provided a process for using this catalyst to catalyze acid catalyzed reactions, such as the isomerization of paraffins and the alkylation of aromatics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing acid soluble oils, produced as an undesirable by-product of an HF catalyzed alkylation reaction, from a fluid containing a sulfone compound. The process includes the use of hydrocarbons to remove ASO from the sulfone-containing fluid.

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 process for alkylating an isoparaffin with an olefin in the presence of a catalyst comprising HF, BF.sub.3, and a hydroxylic promoter wherein the total acid dosage as defined herein is less than about 1 weight percent of the total hydrocarbon reactants and the molar ratio of BF.sub.3 to the sum of the moles of HF and hydroxylic promoter is greater than zero and less than about 1.

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: The present invention provides an acid catalyzed isoparaffin-olefin alkylation process which improves process stability and safety by storing the acid in an excess of an additive which reduces the fuming tendency of the mixture, for example, a sulfone. Acid is stripped from the additive and concentrated prior to charging the acid to the alkylation reaction zone. Specifically, because the stored solution of acid in the additive is more dilute than can be effectively used for isoparaffin-olefin alkylation, the acid is concentrated prior to charging the catalyst mixture to the reaction zone. The invention solves the problem of conjunct polymer accumulation by diluting the conjunct polymer with a relatively large volume of the additive and continuously regenerating a slipstream of the dilute acid/additive mixture.

Abstract: Process for the recovery of acid catalyst from acid catalyzed hydrocarbon conversion processes comprising the steps of: passing a product stream of converted hydrocarbons leaving the hydrocarbon conversion process and containing the acid catalyst through a fixed bed of a solid adsorbent material having affinity for the acid catalyst and, thereby, adsorbing the acid catalyst on the material; desorbing the adsorbed acid catalyst by passing a process stream of hydrocarbons through the adsorbent bed; and cycling the process stream together with the desorbed acid catalyst contained therein to the hydrocarbon conversion process.

Abstract: A process for the alkylation of hydrocarbon feedstock with an olefinic alkylating agent in the presence of a hydrogen fluoride catalyst, wherein the hydrogen fluoride catalyst is supported on a support material comprising a solid material with a Hammett acidity H.sub.0 >-8 calculated on the material in protonated form.

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: The invention provides an isoparaffin-olefin alkylation catalyst composition comprising from about 5 to about 95 weight percent hydrofluoric acid, from about 5 to about 95 weight percent of a solvent having a Donor Number of less than about 40 and from about 0.05 to about 10 weight percent water.An isoparaffin-olefin alkylation process employing the catalyst composition of the invention is also disclosed.

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: The surface properties of hydrofluoric acid are modified by the addition of a perfluoro compound in order to reduce the tendency of the HF to form an aerosol upon any release of HF alkylation acid from an HF alkylation unit. The perfluoro compounds which are used are the perfluorosulfonic acid fluorides and perfluorocarboxylic acid fluorides.

Abstract: A process for producing an alkylate product having an improved octane value from an olefin stream having a reduced concentration of the butene isomer of isobutylene. The olefin feed stream to the process system is substantially free of isobutylene and can have undergone prior processing to remove isobutylene therefrom. The olefin feed is subjected to an alkylation reaction catalyzed by a mixture of hydrogen fluoride and sulfone.

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: 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: Alkylation processes of the type used in the refining of petroleum can be improved by using a promoter composition which contains an alkyl phosphate ester amine salt and pinene.

Abstract: This invention is a process for the regeneration of solid acidic hydrocarbon conversion catalysts, but particularly certain transition aluminas and zeolites promoted with Lewis acids (preferably BF.sub.3) which have been used in the alkylation of isoparaffins with olefins. The process involves the removal of some portion of the reaction product residue adhering to the solid catalyst by contact with a solvent to partially recover the catalyst's initial activity.

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: 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 Lewis acid, a strong Bronsted acid, and a predominant amount of a weaker acid. The novel alkylation catalyst is utilized in a novel process for alkylating olefin hydrocarbons with isoparaffin hydrocarbons. Specifically the novel catalyst comprises antimony pentaflouride, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and a predominant amount of methanesulfonic acid.

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 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 water to induce the formation of the two immiscible liquid phases of ASO and sulfone with water. The two immiscible phases can subsequently be separated from each other.

Abstract: The invention provides an isoparaffin:olefin alkylation catalyst composition comprising at least one acid selected from the group consisting of hydrofluoric acid and the halogen-substituted sulfonic acids, together with a carbonate additive having the formula ROC(O)OR or ##STR1## wherein R is selected from alkyl, alkyl halide, aromatic and halogenated aromatic groups having from about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms, and an isoparaffin:olefin alkylation process employing the same.

Abstract: The invention provides an acid catalyst composition for alkylation of an isoparaffin with an olefin comprising from about 10 to about 90 percent of at least one acid selected from the group consisting of hydrofluoric acid and the halogen-substituted sulfonic acids, together with from about 10 to about 90 weight percent of a mono-, di-, or tri-carboxylic acid substituted member selected from the group consisting of alkanes, aromatics, haloalkanes, and haloaromatics having from about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The invention provides a substantially fail-safe HF alkylation process and reactor apparatus. The elongated reactor vessel is enclosed in a well casing and an alkylate-containing hydrocarbon layer is maintained above the hydrofluoric acid to prevent release of gaseous HF in the event of sudden depressurization. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon layer contains light hydrocarbons which vaporize upon depressurization to effect Joule-Thompson cooling of the reactor vessel. A method for storing hazardous liquids and a penetration-resistant storage tank are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides an isoparaffin:olefin alkylation catalyst composition and a process employing the same, wherein the catalyst composition comprises from about 10 to about 90 percent of at least one acid selected from the group consisting of hydrofluoric acid and the halogen-substituted sulfonic acids, together with from about 10 to about 90 weight percent of an additive having the formula R--(NO.sub.2).sub.n, wherein R is an alkyl, aromatic, alkyl halide or halide-substituted aromatic group having from about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The invention provides a substantially fail-safe HF alkylation process and reactor apparatus. The elongated reactor vessel is enclosed in a subterranean well casing and an alkylate-containing hydrocarbon layer is maintained above the hydrofluoric acid to prevent release of gaseous HF in the event of sudden depressurization. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon layer contains light hydrocarbons which vaporize upon depressurization to effect Joule-Thompson cooling of the reactor vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for alkylating an isoparaffin with an olefin comprising contacting an isoparaffin having from 4 to 8 carbon atoms with an olefin having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms in an alkylation reaction zone at temperature from about -20.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. with an alkylation catalyst complex comprising a Lewis acid and an inorganic, porous crystalline phase material having, after calcination, a d-spacing greater than about 18 Angstrom Units and having a benzene adsorption capacity of greater than 15 grams benzene per 100 grams of said material at 50 torr and 25.degree. C., wherein the molar ratio of said isoparaffin to said olefin is from about 1 to about 250 to evolve a product stream containing C.sub.5 +alkylate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for alkylating an isoparaffin with an olefin comprising contacting an isoparaffin having from 4 to 8 carbon atoms with an olefin having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms in an alkylation reaction zone at temperature from about -20.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C. in the presence of a Bronsted acid and an inorganic, porous crystalline phase material having, after calcination, a d-spacing greater than about 18 Angstrom Units and having a benzene adsorption capacity of greater than 15 grams benzene per 100 grams of said material at 50 torr and 25.degree. C., wherein the molar ratio of said isoparaffin to said olefin is from about 1:1 to about 250:1 to evolve a product stream containing C.sub.5 + alkylate.

Abstract: A method for separating conjunct polymers and sulfolane from a mixture containing conjunct polymers, sulfolane, and hydrofluoric acid is disclosed, which method comprises the sequential steps of separating hydrofluoric acid from said mixture to provide an intermediate stream containing less than about 30 percent hydrofluoric acid by weight and gravitationally separating said intermediate stream into a sulfolane-enriched stream and a conjunct polymer-enriched stream.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the addition of H.sub.2 O in acid catalyzed processing of hydrocarbons are disclosed. The H.sub.2 O is added to the hydrocarbons in the form of steam, increasing the quantity of H.sub.2 O dissolved in the acid catalyst after contact of the acid catalyst with the steam-added hydrocarbon feed. Entrained water present in the steam-added hydrocarbon feed can be decanted prior to contacting the acid with the feed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for acid continuous alkylation of a hydrocarbon-containing feedstream in which the inventory of acid is reduced. The apparatus used combines a reactor, settler and heat exchanger in a single vessel. The acid phase flows out of the reactor only for acid makeup, to account for acid consumption, and regeneration.

Abstract: A method of containing a hydrofluoric acid spill which includes the steps of detecting the spill, drenching the hydrofluoric acid spill area with an aqueous drench, drenching the hydrofluoric acid area with an aqueous solution composed of at least one foam generating surfactant, a foam stabilizer and a phase transfer agent. The drenching steps may be performed in sequence or concurrently.

Abstract: A method of containing and neutralizing a hydrofluoric acid spill which comprises the steps of detecting a hydrofluoric acid spill, and then drenching the hydrofluoric acid spill area with a drench composition comprising water, and an alkali agent, or water an alkali agent and a surfactant, or water an alkali agent, a surfactant and a foaming agent. The alkali agents are present in an amount of 0.1 to 10 parts per 100 parts of water.