Etherification

TAME/TAEE

The purpose of the TAME/TAEE unit is to selectively transform reactive isoamylenes from light cut naphtha into Tert-Amyl-Methyl-Ether or Tert-Amyl-Ethyl-Ether (TAME/TAEE), and tertiary branched C6+ olefins into corresponding C6 ethers by etherification with methanol/ethanol in order to produce light gasoline with a high octane number while decreasing olefin content and reducing vapor pressure of the gasoline pool.

Axens TAME/TAEE technologies rely on in-depth expertise to provide the most appropriate solution based on simple and robust designs with the following main features:

• Highly reactive isoamylenes conversion
• Use of non-proprietary catalysts (i.e., inexpensive and readily available from several suppliers).
• Easy catalyst loading and unloading
• Low investment cost and utility consumption
• Possibility of staged investment
• Mild operating conditions

The first step of Prime-G+® technology is in offering excellent preparation for the feed of the light gasoline etherification unit. The TAME/TAEE process ideally complements Prime-G+® technology in compensating for the octane loss and regaining the octane barrels.

MTBE/ETBE

The purpose of the MTBE/ETBE unit is to selectively transform reactive isobutylene from FCC, SC or other olefinic C₄ cut into Methyl-Tert-Butyl-Ether/Ethyl-Tert-Butyl-Ether (MTBE/ETBE) by etherification with methanol/ethanol.

Axens MTBE/ETBE technologies are based on a specific concept of expanded catalytic-bed reactors and on a state-of-the-art reactive distillation system called CatacolTM. In addition to overcoming equilibrium limitations, Catacol™ minimizes catalyst cost because, unlike other catalytic systems, Catacol™ does not require proprietary catalyst packaging.

Based on in-depth expertise, Axens provides optimum solutions for every type of application thanks to a very flexible offer, such as Alkylation feed preparation or ultimate conversion with a very high selectivity, which is required for petrochemical applications and especially for the 1-Butene production.

Isobutely™ - MTBE Back Cracking

Isobutylene is a versatile molecule with high value for petrochemical / chemical intermediates production.
The back cracking represents an opportunity to repurpose facilities from fuels to petrochemicals in keeping with future trends.

Principal applications of isobutylene include the production of Butyl Rubber, Methyl-Methacrylate (MMA), Poly-Isobutylene (PIB), Di-isobutylene (DIIB) & Tri-isobutylene, Tertiary-butyl phenol...

As a leader in MTBE / ETBE, Axens has exclusively partnered with ExxonMobil to offer MTBE Decomposition technology for use in integrated MTBE facilities or for standalone MTBE Decomposition units. Shaped by ExxonMobil and powered by Axens expertise in licensing and engineering, Isobutely™ enables operators to achieve higher levels of isobutylene purity.