Oligomerization of Light FCC Naphtha with Ion Exchange Resin Catalyst

Abstract

There is a great importance to those processes which are producing from the lower value light hydrocarbons (C3–C6 paraffins and olefins) heavier and more valuable products (gasoline or middle distillate). In the hydrocarbon industry proven technologies already exist for the application of acidic ion exchange resin catalysts (e.g. synthesis of ethers). Our objective was to study the selectivity in oligomerization of a distillated FCC naphtha feedstock with ion exchange resins, in function of catalyst properties and operating conditions. In our experimental work we investigated the applicability of acidic ion exchange resins (5.46 and 4.98 eqH+kg−1 acidity; 31 and 52 m2g−1 surface area; 243 and 298 A pore size; respectively) alone and in premixed bed in case of 80–140 °C temperature, 15–40 bar pressure and 0.5–3.0 h−1 LHSV. In case of premixed catalyst bed both the olefin conversion (98–99 %) and the share of heavier oligomers (C12+ share: 40–49 %) increased compared to the share of C8–C11 oligomer products. The application of premixed bed was also investigated during a more than 600-h experiment.