Cenco Refining Licenses Phillip's ReVap Alkylation Technology

The first licensee of the Reduced Volatility Akylation Process (ReVap) outside of its original developers, Phillips Petroleum and Mobil Oil, is Cenco, at its 50,000-bbl/d refinery in Santa Fe Springs, CA.

According to Larry Shoemaker, a licensing manager at Phillips Petroleum (Bartlesville, OK), ReVAP utilizes a modified hydrofluoric (HF) acid catalyst system that, when used in existing HF alkylation units, makes it possible to reduce airborne HF by as much as 60 to 90% in the event of an accidental release. Shoemaker says that the technology primarily comprises know-how that allows refiners to substitute an HF solution of a higher molecular weight and lower volatility. Company literature also refers to a nonvolatile, low-toxicity additive.

Phillips and Mobil Oil Corp. jointly developed the process and installed it in late 1997 at the Phillips Woods Cross, UT, facility (see photo) and Mobil's Torrance, CA, refinery. Shoemaker says that while the process changes were not expected to improve actual alkylation performance, the Woods Hole refinery experienced a gain of as much as 0.5 RON when using ReVap.

"ReVAP is another step in Phillips' efforts to ensure safe operation of our licensed HF alkylation technology," said John Mihm, a VP at Phillips. "ReVAP is compatible with existing HF alkylation reactor systems, which are used to meet increasing demand for alkylate as a clean high-octane blending component in reformulated gasoline."

Phillips is a major licensor of HF alkylation technology and numerous other technologies. In 1997, the company posted a record $112 million in licensing revenues.

By Nick Basta