Inventors:
Michael A. Better - Deptford NJ
Jonathan E. Child - Sewell NJ
Kenneth J. Del Rossi - Woodbury NJ
Edward H. Edelson - Cherry Hill NJ
Anagha A. Gupte - Marlton NJ
Rafi Jalkian - Mantua NJ
Tomas R. Melli - Sewell NJ
Sergei Yurchak - Media PA
Assignee:
Mobil Oil Corporation - Fairfax VA
International Classification:
C07C 268
C07C 710
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method for separating conjunct polymers which are formed as byproducts of acid catalyzed isoparaffin-olefin alkylation and sulfolane from a mixture containing conjunct polymers, sulfolane, and hydrofluoric acid comprising the sequential steps of:
(a) separating hydrofluoric acid from a mixture containing conjunct polymers, sulfolane, and hydrofluoric acid to provide a first intermediate stream containing less than about 30 percent hydrofluoric acid by weight;
(b) mixing said intermediate stream with a nonpolar extraction solvent to provide a second intermediate stream; and
(c) gravitationally separating said intermediate stream into a less dense extract stream enriched in conjunct polymers and a more dense liquid stream enriched in sulfolane.