An Axens licensed Iso-5 unit, which isomerizes linear pentenes to isoamylenes, was put on stream at Sasol’s Synthetic Fuels Pty. Ltd. plant in Secunda, South Africa. The process, used to maximize the concentration of ether forming olefins for a tertiary-amylmethylether (TAME) unit is the world’s first.

The 50 000 kg/h capacity unit employs a proprietary continuous catalytic regeneration (CCR) catalyst system. The Iso-5 unit was started up on a fast track schedule: two months from process inspection to the signature of the performance certificate and the departure of the Axens’ team from the site. The start-up phase, including vessel drying, catalyst loading & circulation, drying, and pre-treatment, oil-in, catalyst regeneration, specification attainment, stabilization and the performance test was one of the best executed on record.

Sasol

Sasol, with a market capitalization of approximately USD 7 billion, is an integrated oil and gas group with substantial chemical interests. Based in South Africa and operating in 15 other countries throughout the world, Sasol is the leading provider of liquid fuels in South Africa and a major international producer of chemicals, using a world leading technology for the commercial production of synthetic fuels and chemicals from low grade coal. In the future Sasol expects to apply this technology to convert natural gas to diesel and chemicals. Sasol manufactures over 200 fuel and chemical products that are sold in more than 90 countries and also operates coal mines to provide feedstock for synthetic fuels and chemical plants. The company also manufactures and markets synthesis gas and operates the only inland crude oil refinery in South Africa. Internet address: www.sasol.com.