Etherification

TAME/TAEE

The purpose of the TAME/TAEE unit is to selectively transform reactive isoamylenes from light cut naphtha into Tert-Amyl-Methyl-Ether or Tert-Amyl-Ethyl-Ether (TAME/TAEE), and tertiary branched C6+ olefins into corresponding C6 ethers by etherification with methanol/ethanol in order to produce light gasoline with a high octane number while decreasing olefin content and reducing vapor pressure of the gasoline pool.

Axens TAME/TAEE technologies rely on in-depth expertise to provide the most appropriate solution based on simple and robust designs with the following main features:

• Highly reactive isoamylenes conversion
• Use of non-proprietary catalysts (i.e., inexpensive and readily available from several suppliers).
• Easy catalyst loading and unloading
• Low investment cost and utility consumption
• Possibility of staged investment
• Mild operating conditions

The first step of Prime-G+® technology is in offering excellent preparation for the feed of the light gasoline etherification unit. The TAME/TAEE process ideally complements Prime-G+® technology in compensating for the octane loss and regaining the octane barrels.

MTBE/ETBE

The purpose of the MTBE/ETBE unit is to selectively transform reactive isobutylene from FCC, SC or other olefinic C₄ cut into Methyl-Tert-Butyl-Ether/Ethyl-Tert-Butyl-Ether (MTBE/ETBE) by etherification with methanol/ethanol.

Axens MTBE/ETBE technologies are based on a specific concept of expanded catalytic-bed reactors and on a state-of-the-art reactive distillation system called CatacolTM. In addition to overcoming equilibrium limitations, Catacol™ minimizes catalyst cost because, unlike other catalytic systems, Catacol™ does not require proprietary catalyst packaging.

Based on in-depth expertise, Axens provides optimum solutions for every type of application thanks to a very flexible offer, such as Alkylation feed preparation or ultimate conversion with a very high selectivity, which is required for petrochemical applications and especially for the 1-Butene production.