Researchers at Queen’s have provided long-term research expertise to Chevron, the second largest oil company in America, to support the development of ISOALKYTM Technology, a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to hydrofluoric acid (HF). The technology represents the most significant development in alkylate gasoline production in 75 years, positively impacting the global production of clean fuels for decades to come.
Research Challenge
MAKING FUEL PRODUCTION CLEANER AND SAFER WITH IONIC LIQUIDS
Alkylate gasoline is the cleanest and most efficient gasoline blending component due to its low emissions and high octane number. As far as fossil fuels go, it is both green and economically attractive. One of the main drawbacks of the established process for alkylate gasoline production is the use of hydrofluoric acid (HF) as a catalyst. HF is an extremely corrosive and poisonous volatile liquid, making its safe use within plant operations demanding and costly.
Our Approach
THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISOALKYTM TECHNOLOGY
The QUILL (Queen's University Ionic Liquid Laboratories) research centre at Queen’s was established in 1999 to explore the potential of ionic liquids in industrial applications. The Centre was co-founded by Professor Kenneth R.Seddon OBE (1950- 2018) and supported by an Industrial Advisory Board of 17 companies, including Chevron.
ISOALKYTM technology relies on catalysis with a Lewis acidic ionic liquid, containing chloroaluminate anions as the Lewis acidic species. Research by QUILL and its national and international collaborators covers all aspects of ionic liquids studies, from fundamental investigations on physical properties, inorganic chemistry in/of ionic liquids, through spectroscopic and catalytic studies, fundamental chemistry related to catalyst regeneration and recycle. It was this breadth of expertise that enabled QUILL to support Chevron at all stages of ISOALKYTM development.
Compared to conventional acid catalysts such as hydrofluoric acid, the ISOALKY™ Catalyst exhibits several advantages
- Non-volatile, ionic liquid catalyst (improvement over HF)
- Smallest catalyst inventory (compared to both processes)
- Integrated on-line regeneration of catalyst (improvement over H2SO4)
- Eliminates polymer incineration
- Reduces caustic solution waste
- Major improvement in refinery safety both for individual operators and neighbouring refinery process unit
“The standout expertise of the research team led by Professor Seddon, and later by Dr Swadzba-Kwasny, has been crucial in supporting the development of this truly innovative technology.”
- Chevron Principal Scientist
What impact did it make?
A GAME-CHANGING BREAKTHOUGH IN THE PRODUCTION OF CLEAN FUELS
The ISOALKY™ Technology is the first successful new technology in alkylate gasoline production in 75 years and is expected to significantly impact the global production of clean fuels in decades to come.
The non-volatile acidic ionic liquid used in ISOALKYTM is inherently safer and easier to contain, making the process cheaper and safer, in addition to yielding high quality fuel.
The technology was awarded the Platts Global Energy Award for “Breakthrough Solution of the Year” in December, 2017: Judges welcomed it as a “game changer” that solves a big environmental issue for refiners and offers significant market opportunities (…) [with] “immense potential impact” on global production of clean fuels.”
In a milestone for the industrialization of ionic liquids, Chevron announced in 2021 it has started up an alkylation unit at its Salt Lake City refinery that uses an ionic liquid catalyst instead of the traditional hydrofluoric or sulfuric acid.
Our impact
Impact related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Queen’s University’s commitment to nurturing a culture of sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research and education.
