Hf alkylation process

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Field butanes are fractionated to provide an isobutane concentrate and a normal butane concentrate. The isobutane concentrate is reacted with an olefinic feed stream in admixture with hydrofluoric acid catalyst. The normal butane concentrate is introduced into the reaction zone wherein it is vaporized via indirect contact with the reaction mixture. Vaporous normal butane is introduced into the fractionation facility wherein the exothermic heat of reaction serves to separate the field butane stream. This technique also obviates the necessity for a cooling water system, thus eliminating the possibility of HF-acid contamination of water bodies.