AM-94-53 TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW OF THE C4 OLEFLEX PROCESS AT VALERO REFINERY

Description:

Changes in gasoline composition stemming from the 1990 Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments prompted Valero Energy Corporation to evaluate options for producing reformulated gasoline. The evaluation culminated in a project to upgrade butanes into methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). Technology selection focused on the dehydrogenation of isobutane, and the UOP* Oleflex* process was selected. The MTBE project was implemented in 34 months and was $3 million under budget. The guaranteed MTBE production of 12,500 BPSD was achieved within one month of mechanical completion and has since reached 15,000 BPSD. Even at the low MTBE prices prevailing in late 1993, the butane upgrading project contributed significantly to Valero Refinery’s overall profitability. Worldwide demand is expected to increase MTBE prices in 1996, thereby further increasing profits.