Maintenance Practices Specific to HF Alkylation Units
Alkylation, FCC
Moderator:
Bill Clark, Phillips 66
Speaker:
Sheila Bottjen, Valero Corporation
Speakers
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Moderator:
Bill Clark, Phillips 66
Speaker:
Sheila Bottjen, Valero Corporation
101 Series: HF Alkylation — HF & H₂SO₄ Uncovered: Fundamentals You Need to Know
101 Series, Alkylation
Moderator:
Sheila Bottjen, Valero Energy Corporation
Speaker:
Mike Teders, Becht
Speakers
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Topic
Acid Runaway (HF and Sulfuric Acid)
Alkylation
In this session we will discuss symptoms, causes, and consequences of an Acid Runaway in an Alkylation Unit and how to recognize and respond to an acid runaway. This track will also discuss lessons learned from acid runaway incidents across the industry.
Participants will: Gain an understanding of what’s an acid runaway, Develop acid runaway monitoring parameters, Develop acid runaway response guidance.
Moderator:
Wade Hollman, Phillips 66
Presenters:
Wade Hollman, Phillips 66
Liza Pacheco, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Speakers
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Topic
Refinery Wastewater Upset Lessons Learned: Maintaining Production and Avoiding Negative Environmental Impacts
Environmental, Sustainability
The oil refining process generates a significant volume of wastewater that contains a suite of challenging contaminants, from hydrocarbons to heavy metals and organic compounds. Oil production at a refinery relies on efficient and reliable wastewater treatment as it is impossible for the facility to operate without treating its effluent. Issues with the wastewater treatment systems can result in production limitations, as well as significant environmental impacts and violations. These systems can be complex, and they are sensitive to upset conditions due to poor feed quality, unexpected contaminants, or equipment breakdown.
This presentation will discuss a significant upset condition that impacted both the primary and secondary wastewater treatment system at a large West Coast refinery. We will present the processes that allowed for detection of the upset, and the steps taken by the operations group, technical team, and vendor support that helped maintain target production rates and avoid any environmental violations or impacts. The mitigation steps allowed for storage and post-upset treatment of the problematic effluent streams. The technical team evaluated options for treatment and environmental compliance, and the water treatment vendor supplied specialty biological treatment technology to get the system back online as quickly as possible. All of this contributed to a successful upset response and the implementation of best practices that can help all refineries facing a wastewater oil contamination.
Moderator:
Dan Harbs, Veolia
Speakers:
Angela Wharton, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
Kai Zhang, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
Speakers
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Emerging Technologies for Alkylation
Alkylation
Today’s refiners are looking for newer technologies to product better quality alkylate. This session will review innovative processes, including:
- The K-SAAT® process, which produces higher quality alkylate using an engineered non-corrosive solid-acid catalyst. The K-SAAT® process eliminates the need for liquid acid catalyst, and is an ideal low cost solution for refiners looking to upgrade their existing Alkylation process. Participants will gain an understanding of how refiners can revamp an existing Alkylation unit to produce better quality alkylate through case studies that illustrate examples of such a conversion and the benefits achieved.
- The ISOALKY™ Technology, commercialized by Chevron and UOP, which offers benefits (product quality and yields) and economics compared to traditional alkylation technologies. The ISOALKY™ Catalyst is a non-volatile ionic liquid that does not require offsite regeneration. ISOALKY™ Technology can be used for green field plants or retrofit/expansion of existing alkylation units. The first commercial ISOALKY™ Unit has been successfully operating at the Chevron Salt Lake Refinery since January 2021, and the first unit turnaround was completed in October 2024. Participants will gain information on the ISOALKY™ Technology as well as the commercial operation, including turnaround learnings.
Moderator:
Liana Siegel, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Speakers:
Bhavdip Kalaria, KBR
Jon Keuler, Honeywell UOP
Mark Rasmussen, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
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Contaminants from FCC to Alky
Alkylation, FCC
Units in the refinery are interconnected and operational changes to an upstream often create challenges for downstream units. We will review how normal and abnormal FCC operations impact Alky feeds. We will also discuss Alky feed specifications and the impact to acid consumption and alkylate quality.
Moderator:
Tyner Devine, Flint Hills Resources, LLC
Speakers:
Javier Rios, Honeywell UOP
Liana Siegel, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Speakers
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Topic
Unlocking the Future of Refining: The Transformative Power of Perchloroethylene (PCE or PERC) – Regulations, Safety, and Sustainability
Gasoline Processes, Environmental
The intersection of refining and petrochemical manufacturing has never been more significant as industries navigate the dual challenges of efficiency and sustainability. This session will explore the critical role of Perchloroethylene (PERC) in modern refining processes while also highlighting its applications in petrochemical production.
PERC is recognized as one of the safest catalyst activators during normal operations, as well as a regenerator for spent catalysts. Utilizing less efficient materials can necessitate larger quantities of hazardous substances being kept onsite, thus increasing exposure risks. Other chlorinating agents are either restricted by the EPA or are inherently more hazardous, making PERC a preferable option.
Attendees will gain insights into how PERC enhances refining technologies through processes such as isomerization and catalytic reforming, which help ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Industry experts will discuss the extensive benefits of utilizing PERC, emphasizing innovations that contribute to both safety and operational efficiency.
Moreover, we will review advancements in safety protocols that facilitate the effective handling of PERC, ensuring minimal exposure and adherence to rigorous regulatory standards. By fostering dialogue among leaders in refining and petrochemical manufacturing, this session aims to identify collective strategies for driving innovation and achieving sustainability goals within the industry.
Moderator:
Alex Kniuksta, Honeywell UOP
Speaker:
Scott Wozniak, Honeywell UOP
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