Oil, Gas and PetrochemicalsAlkylation Unit Operations
An alkylation unit turns light olefins and isobutane into a clean, high octane blendstock, but it does so with hydrofluoric or sulphuric acid, and loss of acid strength or containment is the central risk. It starts with the chemistry and why isobutane to olefin ratio, acid strength, temperature and mixing intensity govern alkylate octane and acid consumption. Sulphuric and hydrofluoric processes are then studied side by side: contactors and settlers, refrigeration and effluent cooling, acid runaway, deisobutaniser operation and acid regeneration. Feed contaminants such as water, butadiene and oxygenates are traced to their effect on acid usage and corrosion. HF release mitigation, protective equipment and the newer solid acid and ionic liquid catalysts complete the programme. Alky staff return able to run the unit for octane at lowest acid cost with acid hazards controlled.
Course objectives
- Explain alkylation chemistry and the side reactions that degrade alkylate quality
- Set isobutane to olefin ratio, temperature and mixing for best octane
- Monitor acid strength and prevent acid runaway
- Compare sulphuric and hydrofluoric acid processes and their equipment
- Trace feed contaminants to acid consumption and corrosion
- Operate deisobutaniser and product treating sections
- Apply hydrofluoric acid release mitigation and protective measures
- Evaluate solid acid and ionic liquid alternatives
Who should attend
- Alkylation unit operators and supervisors
- Process engineers on light ends upgrading
- Refinery safety and emergency response staff
- Corrosion and inspection engineers on acid service
- Planners managing gasoline octane and vapour pressure
Course outline
- 01Alkylation chemistry
- 02Process variables and alkylate quality
- 03Sulphuric acid process
- 04Hydrofluoric acid process
- 05Feed contaminants and acid consumption
- 06Fractionation and product treating
- 07Acid hazards and release mitigation
- 08New catalyst technologies
Scheduled sessions
| Dates | Venue | Format | Price | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 to 6 November 2026 | Lagos, Nigeria | Classroom | USD 1,325 per delegate | |
| 14 to 18 December 2026 | Harare, Zimbabwe | Classroom | USD 1,325 per delegate | |
| 28 December 2026 to 1 January 2027 | Online | Online | R8,500 per delegate | |
| 25 to 29 January 2027 | Accra, Ghana | Classroom | USD 1,325 per delegate |
Alkylation Unit Operations
From R8,500