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Etherification Amberlyst™ Catalysts

Fuel Ethers : MTBE, TAME, ETBE

 

The constant increase in demand for liquid fuels is the driving force for the petroleum industry. To satisfy high performance engines and more and more strict exhaust emission standards, modern gasoline must meet exacting specifications which can vary from country to country. The Octane rating is one of the most known measures of gasoline quality. In order to achieve an acceptable octane number, oxygenates like MTBE (Methyl tertiary-butyl ether), ETBE (Ethyl tertiary-butyl ether) or TAME (Tertiary amyl methyl ether) are added to gasoline to ensure clean combustion. In the United States MTBE is by far the most important oxygenated gasoline additive to replace lead alkyl anti-knock agents. In Europe and Asia ETBE is taking the leading position consuming more and more bioethanol instead of methanol.

In addition to improving octane, MTBE also assists in promoting the combustion of gasoline and is reducing the emission of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbon. The success of MTBE in the market place has led to the production of other fuel ethers, TAME (tertiary amyl methyl ether) and ETBE (ethyl tertiary-butyl ether).


Fuel ethers are formed by the exothermic reaction between isoolefin and alcohol.

 

 

Strongly acidic macroreticular catalysts based on styrene DVB such as Amberlyst™ 15Wet and Amberlyst™ 35Wet are exclusively used to produce these fuel ethers on a large scale. They are the benchmark for the industry in this application.
Following the request from the petrochemical industry, Rohm and Haas has developed a very active catalyst, Amberlyst™ 35wet to enhance the conversion of isoolefin, especially in MTBE and TAME production. Its improved catalytic activity can be effectively used at lower temperatures and at higher production rates. As a result, significantly higher productivity and longer catalyst lifetime have been successfully demonstrated in many commercial installations. Generally the pay back time for Amberlyst™ 35wet is less than 1 year.


Rohm and Haas has developed a simulation program called Ambercomp™ which allows the optimization of existing MTBE plants. Rohm and Haas technical experts can assist you in maximizing the conversion and catalyst lifetime of your plant.

 

Conventional grade macroreticular catalyst suitable for all reactor designs with excellent lifetime and good conversion rate. High physical and osmotic resistance.
Highest performing catalyst which has been developed for MTBE, ETBE and TAME production. Its novel acid functionality outperforms any other commercial catalysts in olefin conversion and catalyst lifetime.
Trifunctional polymeric catalyst for condensation, dehydration and hydrogenation of TAME. Typical Palladium concentration 0.3% wt.

 

Amberlyst™ 15Wet and Amberlyst™ 35Wet are approved by major licensing companies including CDTech, UOP, IFP, Snamprogetti, Neste and Lyondell. Rohm and Haas is clearly the market leader in the catalysis of oxygenates.

 

Depending on the reactor configuration special particle sizes might be required.

 

For sampling, pricing and availability of AMBERLYST™ catalysts please contact your Rohm and Haas sales representative.


 

Further Reading

 

 


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