New type jet turbulent contactor for sulfuric acid alkylation of isobutane with olefins

Abstract

The modernization of the reactor equipment for the industrial process of sulfuric acid alkylation of isobutane with olefins is considered. Improvement of the “classical” technology for the production of high-octane gasoline is ensured by the use of small-sized reaction apparatuses of a diffuser–confuser design, which contributes to the optimization of the hydrodynamic regime in the reaction space. A theoretical analysis of the flow of this emulsion process with the rationale for the proposed structural design of the contactor apparatus is given. The conducted industrial tests of the technology are described, which confirmed the high efficiency of the applied design in comparison with the functioning industrial processes of sulfuric acid alkylation, in terms of reducing energy costs, and optimizing consumption indicators for the components of the raw materials and the catalysts.