High-Octane Fuel from Refinery Exhaust Gas

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Program:
OPEN 2009
Award:
$999,999
Location:
Fairfield, New Jersey
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
12/01/2009 - 05/31/2012

Technology Description:

Exelus is developing a method to convert olefins from oil refinery exhaust gas into alkylate, a clean-burning, high-octane component of gasoline. Traditionally, olefins must be separated from exhaust before they can be converted into another source of useful fuel. Exelus' process uses catalysts that convert the olefin to alkylate without first separating it from the exhaust. The ability to turn up to 50% of exhaust directly into gasoline blends could result in an additional 46 million gallons of gasoline in the U.S. each year.

Potential Impact:

If successful, Exelus' project would result in a reduction in the carbon intensity of oil refining and an improved yield of motor fuel from each barrel of oil.

Security:

Improving the efficiency of the fuel production process limits waste and reduces our dependence on foreign oil.

Environment:

Wasting the olefin content of refinery exhaust represents an avoidable addition of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Using olefin as a gasoline additive adds to our fuel supply without further harming the environment.

Economy:

Advances in fuel production efficiency increases our fuel supply, which ultimately reduces the price of fuel for consumers and businesses.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Karma Sawyer
Project Contact:
Mr. Mitrajit Mukherjee
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
mmukherjee@exelusinc.com

Partners

Linde Process Plants
Zeolyst International

Related Projects


Release Date:
10/26/2009