Chemical Engineering May 2021 - 53

Gulf Coast 2021 Special Advertising Section
Sampling for HF Alkylation Unit
M
uch like the sulfuric acid alkylation unit (SAAU), the hydrofluoric acid alkylation unit
(HFAU) converts olefins to high octane alkylate. One of the main differences between
the two is that isobutane is more soluble in HF than H2SO4. With optimum operating conditions,
99% of the olefin feed can potentially be converted into alkylate. To achieve optimum
operating conditions however, acid strength and water content must be continuously monitored.
Lower acid strengths are extremely dangerous and can lead to acid runaway. Low levels
of water will result in poor alkylation conditions, while high levels will result in corrosion.
Whether the UOP or Phillips Alkylation processes are being utilized, optimization of the
net consumption of HF acid is critical both from a product quality point of view but also from
a profitability standpoint.
In the absence of online HF analyzers, grab sampling becomes one of the most important
tasks in a HFAU, and it also becomes one of the most dangerous. HF is extremely toxic, and
it is vital that there is no risk of exposure to the Operator. Typically, HF acid samplers are located
at the bottom of the settlers, on the way back to the reactor.
When we talk about sampling hazardous chemicals, there are really only two main
criteria:
* The sample must be REPRESENTATIVE.
* Sampling must be SAFE.
A system installed directly on the process line or fast loop will not only guarantee a representative
sample, it also simplifies
the process and has fewer potential
leak points.
Contact BIAR to download
our brochure regarding a Simple
& Safe Sampling System for HF
Alkylation Units
www.biar.us/hfau
Koch Engineered Solutions
Delivering value to customers through innovative engineered-to-order solutions.
K
och Engineered Solutions (KES) is a growing community of experts
in more than 25 countries across the globe-more than
5,000 strong-that engineer, manufacture, install, and optimize
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transfer, combustion and emissions
controls, separation and ion exchange,
materials applications, automation
or actuation-KES helps
partners optimize performance
and develop advantages in the
marketplace.
The KES family of companies
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technology to transform and improve
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Technologies: Motors and mechanical innovations that change
how robots and machines are built and move.
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control: ultra-low emission burners, vapor recovery systems and
custom combustion solutions.
* Koch-Glitsch: Mass transfer and mist elimination equipment for
refineries and chemical plants worldwide.
* Koch Heat Transfer: Thermal and mechanical engineering expertise
and solutions for heat transfer processes.
* Koch Knight: Acid-proof products made from state-of-the-art ceramics
and plastics.
* Optimized Process Designs LLC: Full-service support and technologies
for the natural gas and
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* Koch Project Solutions:
Tailored strategies, from project
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CHEMICAL ENGINEERING WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM MAY 2021
53

http://www.biar.us/hfau http://www.kochengineeredsolutions.com http://WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM

Chemical Engineering May 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Chemical Engineering May 2021