COURSE OVERVIEW

 

This practical and highly-interactive course includes real-life case studies and exercises where participants will be engaged in a series of interactive small groups and class workshops. 

Since the phase-out of Lead from Gasoline in 1979, Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE) has been used worldwide as an octane enhancer or anti-knocking agent.  The use of MTBE at higher levels resulted from two fuel programs required by the USA Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990, the Wintertime Oxygenated, and Reformulated Gasoline Programs. Most oil companies chose to use MTBE as the main fuel oxygenate and since 1997 it has become the second most heavily produced chemical in the United States and the world.  

 

Since it has a relatively low heat of vaporization, MTBE improves fuel mixing and atomization during cold operation and consequently reduces emissions. MTBE has been blended into gasoline primarily because it has an extremely high-octane value which has enabled it to take the place of Lead compounds gradually being phased out. Adding oxygen to gasoline allows more complete combustion of the fuel, and this reduces exhaust emissions of CO (Carbon Monoxide). Furthermore, when used as part of the gasoline formulation, MTBE leads to a reduction in emissions of exhaust pollutants such as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) and PM (Particulates). 

 

 

 

Reducing these pollutants improves air quality. By reducing the Ozone Forming Potential (OFP) of volatile organic compounds, MTBE performs significantly better than other octane blending components. It generates about half of the ozone when compared to Iso/Alkylates and one-tenth that of Aromatics. For all these reasons MTBE has been widely used all over the world for the last 20 years.  

 

MTBE is manufactured by reacting Methanol, made from Natural Gas, with Isobutylene (2-Methyl-1-Propene) in the liquid state, using an Acidic Catalyst at 100oC. The physical properties of MTBE resemble most of those of hydrocarbon components of gasoline. MTBE is highly soluble in water and more soluble than other gasoline constituents. In almost all cases, MTBE is transported and stored much the same as gasoline. Some of the MTBE is made in the petroleum refineries, but most is manufactured at chemical facilities and then transported to the refineries where it is blended into gasoline. The MTBE-containing gasoline is then transported to the distribution terminals (via pipelines or other methods), distributed to the underground storage tanks (USTs) at gasoline service stations, and sold to consumers.  While MTBE may be good for air quality, it now appears to be harmful for other parts of the environment, especially ground water. Over the past few years, monitoring has detected MTBE in lakes, streams, and ground water. 

 

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of MTBE production, blending and process troubleshooting. The course covers the production of MTBE and other fuel oxygenates, MTBE Chemical & Physical Properties, MTBE in Gasoline & Blending Properties, Synthesis & Production of Ethers, Kinetics & Thermodynamic of MTBE Reaction, Hüls Ethers Processes, UOP Ethermax Process for MTBE, ETBE, and TAME Production, UOP Olefin Isomerization, Oxypro Process, MTBE & Safety, MTBE and the Environment, and the Impact of MTBE Phase-out on the Refining and Petrochemical Industries.