World’s 1st bio-based renewable alkalyte paves way for clean fuels

Two US companies have jointly produced the world’s first renewable alkylate that’s derived from ethanol. This renewable alkylate was produced by Lummus Technology and Next Wave Energy.

The alkylate produced through a series of Lummus’ technologies, is a bio-based, low carbon intensity fuel blending component.

Leon de Bruyn, chief executive officer at Lummus Technology, stated that this achievement continues Lummus’ success in innovating and developing breakthrough technologies that propel the industry forward.

Renewable alkylate production

“The success of renewable alkylate production holds strategic significance for our customers, partners and the industry at large as we shift towards more eco-friendly and efficient chemical processes,” added Bruyn.

Michael Bloesch, Next Wave’s chief executive officer, stated that the production of renewable alkylate, a drop-in blending component with 30% lower carbon intensity than traditional gasoline, is a major breakthrough for the industry and an important milestone in the development of Next Wave’s Project Lightning.

“Project Lightning can enhance the capabilities and optionality of our existing ethylene-to-alkylate facility by enabling the world-scale conversion of ethanol into renewable alkylate, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and carbon negative, polymer grade ethylene — all from the same flexible production unit.”

Lummus Technology focuses on a more sustainable, low carbon future and it also licenses process technologies in clean fuels, renewables, petrochemicals, polymers, gas processing and supply lifecycle services, catalysts, proprietary equipment and digitization to customers worldwide.

Alkylate is an excellent, high-octane blending component

Alkylate is an excellent, high-octane blending component for motor gasoline, and is well-accepted in the marketplace. Alkylate is generally made by reacting light olefins, such as butylenes, from typical refinery sources; fluid catalytic cracking units, or from steam cracking units, with isoparaffins, such as isobutane, in the presence of an acidic catalyst.

Earlier, Lummus developed a CDAlky gasoline alkylation technology, an advanced sulfuric acid alkylation process that operates at significantly lower temperatures than conventional technology—below 0°C—which favors the formation of the desired product isomer, trimethylpentane. Side reactions are greatly minimized, which also reduces acid consumption rates appreciably.

Combustion of alkylate fuel results in lower levels of carbon monoxide

Lummus claims that its AlkyClean gasoline alkylation technology employs a true solid alkylation catalyst. For refiners needing or wanting to avoid liquid acid catalyst altogether, the AlkyClean technology offers such a solution, according to the company.

Generally, it’s claimed that Alkylate fuel boasts a high octane rating, which means it resists knocking and allows for more efficient combustion. This enhances engine performance and longevity. Unlike conventional fuels, alkylate fuel contains minimal aromatic hydrocarbons, which are known to produce harmful emissions. This makes alkylate fuel a cleaner alternative, according to Market Research Intellect.

The combustion of alkylate fuel results in significantly lower levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, contributing to improved air quality.