Alkylation is a process to convert isobutane and low-molecular-weight alkenes (usually a mix of propene and butene) to an aklylate which is high octane gasoline component. For that process the strong acting hydrofluoric acid (HF) is utilized.
The feed for an HF unit commonly comes from an FCCU unit
License for the process is held by UOP in Des Plaines, IL, USA. UOP has specified different pipe classes depending of the different process stages.
- Pipe Class HF1/10 – Hot/Wet Hydrofluoric Acid
- Pipe Class HF2/20 – Hydrofluoric Acid
- Pipe Class HF4/40 – Hydrocarbons and Trace Hydrofluoric Acid
- Pipe Class HF5/50 - Hydrocarbons and Trace Hydrofluoric Acid
HF acid service is a very tough environment for valves due to corrosion and build up in the piping system. It is imperative to ensure correct material quality and to design valves especially for this rough service to eliminate any leakage to the environment and to keep the integrity of the valve seats over its lifetime.
We would be very pleased to assist you for the correct application of our valves in your process plant or for further questions or information that you may have.
