ISOALKY™ Technology: Next-Generation Alkylate Gasoline Manufacturing Process Technology Using Ionic Liquid Catalyst

Abstract

Chevron and Honeywell UOP have developed a next-generation alkylate gasoline manufacturing process, ISOALKY Technology, which has performance benefits (yield, product octane number, safety, and environmental) over the conventional acid-based processes, while the economical costs for capital plant construction and operation are comparable to the conventional processes. The ISOALKY Catalyst is a non-volatile ionic liquid that operates efficiently via on-line regeneration. ISOALKY Technology is for greenfield plants as well as for retrofit and expansion of existing alkylation plants. Chevron has entered into an alliance agreement with Honeywell UOP, proven experts in alkylation technology, to license this technology to the industry. UOP is the exclusive licensor of the ISOALKY Technology. Chevron made the final investment decision to retrofit and convert its approximately 5,000 barrel per day (BPD), that is, 190 kton/year, alkylate production plant in its refinery from a hydrofluoric acid technology to the ISOALKY Technology. Construction for the conversion project began in 2018, with the ISOALKY Plant due for startup in 2020. Chevron will own the first ISOALKY Plant in the world.