The Future of HF Alkylation

The HF Alkylation process has been used in to produce high octane gasoline in refineries for 65 years. The alkylate gasoline component that it produces is valued for its clean, low toxicity characteristics as well as its high octane. The catalyst used is in the reaction is hydrogen fluoride which provides a very efficient process, but poses potential risks as a volatile acid. This presentation explores the history of the HF Alkylation process in refineries around the world, the current motor gasoline specification requirements that put a high demand on the alkylate product, risk reduction pressures imposed on the process due to the nature of the catalyst, and possible future states of the alkylation process related to technical advances and societal demands.