HF Alkylation Solutions
HF alkylation units require precise control of water, acid carryover and particulate contamination. Pall filtration and separation solutions help reduce corrosion, control acid costs and maintain consistent product quality.
What Is HF Alkylation?
HF alkylation is a refinery process that combines olefins and isobutane in the presence of hydrofluoric acid (HF) to produce high-octane alkylate, a premium gasoline blending component.
Pall filtration and liquid/liquid coalescer solutions support HF alkylation processes by helping reduce corrosion, control acid costs and improve separation performance.
HF Alkylation at a Glance
Effective filtration and separation technologies help HF alkylation units:
- Support equipment reliability across 4 to 6-year turnaround cycles
- Minimise acid makeup costs by preventing water ingress
- Produce high-octane alkylate and caustic-free propane/n-butane
- Prevent fugitive HF emissions through effective separation and corrosion control
How Can Pall Improve Separation Performance in HF Alkylation?
- Water, caustic, acid droplets and particulate contamination can contribute to corrosion, fouling and off-spec products. Pall filtration and liquid/liquid coalescer technologies help remove these contaminants at key stages throughout the process.
- Watch our video to learn how Pall coalescers improve liquid separation and particle removal in refinery applications.
Pall liquid/liquid coalescers for liquid separation and particle removal in refinery applications.
Common HF Alkylation Challenges and Pall Solutions
HF alkylation units depend on effective contaminant removal to help maintain product quality, minimise corrosion and protect critical process equipment. The table below highlights common operational challenges and the Pall technologies used to address them.
| Challenge | Solution | Pall Product |
|---|---|---|
| Bed fouling, off-spec products | Remove water and caustic from feed and product streams | |
| Corrosion and plugging in towers | Eliminate emulsified water, acid droplets and solids | |
| Acid dilution from wet feeds | Protect molecular sieve dryers |
Where Are Pall Filtration Solutions Applied in HF Alkylation?
Pall offers a range of filtration and coalescence solutions tailored to each stage of the HF alkylation process. The process flow diagram below illustrates key filtration and separation points throughout the unit.
Process flow diagram showing recommended filtration and liquid/liquid coalescer locations throughout the HF alkylation process.
Key Application & Filter Recommendations for HF Alkylation Units
Pall solutions support HF alkylation operations by helping remove water, caustic, acid droplets and particulates throughout the process. Typical applications include feed conditioning, molecular sieve protection, propane and n-butane treatment, HF acid removal and olefin regenerant clean-up.
The table below outlines the recommended Pall technologies for key application points throughout the HF alkylation process and the operational benefits they help deliver.
| Steps(s) | Application Description | Pall Products(s) | Customer Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 | Pre-filtration before liquid/liquid coalescer | Ultipleat® High Flow or Profile® Coreless PPS filter | Extend coalescer life and reduce operating costs |
| 2 | Feed water or caustic removal | AquaSep® XS liquid/liquid coalescer | Prevent HF acid dilution and corrosion; extend molecular sieve life |
| 4 | Water removal from propane | PhaseSep® EL liquid/liquid coalescer | Ensure propane purity; prevent KOH dilution |
| 6 | Water removal from n-butane | PhaseSep® EL liquid/liquid coalescer | Ensure n-butane purity; prevent KOH dilution |
| 8 | HF acid removal after reactor settler | PhaseSep® EL liquid/liquid coalescer | Reduce corrosion and fouling in isobutane stripper |
| 10 | Water removal from olefin regenerant (mol sieve) | PhaseSep® EL liquid/liquid coalescer | Enable olefin reuse and protect downstream equipment |
Can HF Alkylation Filtration Be Upgraded Without New CAPEX?
Pall provides fast-track options for upgrading or deploying filtration technology.
- Pall-Fit™ Retrofits: Upgrade to Pall quality using existing filter housings
- Rental Housings: Deploy advanced filtration quickly for urgent process improvements
Why Choose Pall for HF Alkylation?
Pall’s high-efficiency liquid/liquid coalescers and filtration systems are engineered to withstand the harsh conditions of HF alkylation. Our solutions help refineries:
- Improve alkylate quality and yield
- Reduce acid consumption and maintenance costs
- Enhance safety and environmental compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
How is water removed in an HF alkylation unit?
Water is removed at key stages of the HF alkylation process using liquid/liquid coalescer technologies. Effective water removal helps prevent HF acid dilution, protect molecular sieve dryers and maintain product quality.
Why is water control important in HF alkylation?
Water entering the HF alkylation process can contribute to acid dilution, corrosion and equipment reliability challenges. Effective separation technologies help remove water from process streams before it impacts operation.
What filtration technologies are used in HF alkylation?
HF alkylation operations commonly use liquid/liquid coalescers and filtration systems to remove water, acid droplets, caustic contamination and particulate matter from process streams.
Ready to Optimise Your HF Alkylation Unit?
Whether you are looking to reduce corrosion, prevent acid dilution, improve product quality or protect critical equipment, contact us to discuss filtration and separation requirements for your HF alkylation process.
Contact Pall to discuss filtration and separation requirements for your HF alkylation process.
