BASF has launched its EvolveTM fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) additive, designed for butylene selectivity. This additive provides measurable improvements in butylene yields, while preserving unit conversion and valuable fuels yields compared to existing technologies.
With long-term global fuel demand expected to favour clean, low-sulfur fuels and with increasing use of high compression engines requiring higher octane gasoline, Evolve enables refineries to optimise the alkylation plant by increasing selectivity for butylene over propylene compared to conventional olefins additives. Refineries benefit from both the output of butylene and low sulfur, high-octane gasoline.
The technology is the result of R&D efforts dedicated to the development of a technology to provide a significant increase in butylene selectivity without negatively affecting unit operating yields.
“Cornerstones of this R&D effort were to create an additive that had increased selectivity to butylene over propylene when compared to conventional olefins additives. BASF’s solution provides an effective means for refineries with gas plant constraints to optimize their alkylation unit feedstock,” said Jim Chirumbole, Vice President, BASF Refining Catalysts.
