Aggreko plc, the power generation and HVAC speciality rental company, and sulphuric acid alkylation technology licensor, DuPont, have teamed up to provide Aggreko temperature control, including chiller systems, to DuPont STRATCO sulphuric acid alkylation customers worldwide.
Chiller systems are used in two key areas within the alkylation process to control process temperature: the reaction zone and the refrigeration section. The ability to reduce temperatures in these areas allows for significant process benefits in the form of increased throughput, reduced acid consumption, reduced corrosion and/or improved alkylate quality. Refineries use the alkylation process to convert low value mixed butylene, propylene and/or amylene feed streams into a high value alkylate product.
An East Coast refinery test was conducted by Aggreko’s Process Services (APS) group and the DuPont Clean Technologies division where chiller systems were installed in the reactor feed section of the STRATCO alkylation unit. Initial test results demonstrated an increase in alkylate production of over 45%, going from an alkylate product yield of 6,800 bpd at a 63°F reactor operating temperature to a production rate of 9,900 bpd at 60°F and a decreased feed temperature from 57°F to 42°F.
The successful test led to an arrangement between Aggreko and DuPont to further explore and expand temperature control for the sulphuric acid alkylation market.
Mark Puett, global business segment leader of DuPont Clean Technologies said: “Aggreko is a leading provider of temperature control systems for the petrochemical and refining industry. By partnering with Aggreko, we will ensure that the STRATCO alkylation units licensed by DuPont operate under optimal conditions in refineries.”
Russell Schuster, senior vice president of temperature control for Aggreko added: “We are proud to work with DuPont Clean Technologies and provide customers with temperature control that allows the STRATCO alkylation unit to run at reduced temperatures, thereby increasing process output.”