Polymerisation

Polymerisation
Low molecular weight High molecular weight

Petroleum Refinery Industries:

 smaller molecules of hydrocarbons are combined to form
heavier molecule
 light gaseous hydrocarbons high-octane gasoline
Polymer
[catalytic cracking, highly unsaturated] Gasoline

 It is of two type: 1. Thermal Polymerisation

2. Catalytic Polymerisation
 Catalytic process is more
preferred
Thermal Polymerisation:-
• T = 500-600 C, P = 70-350 kg/cm2

Catalytic Polymerisation:-
 T = 150- 200 C, low P
 In presence of catalyst like phosphoric acid.
 The rate of reaction is increased.
 The gasoline obtained is of improved quality and
posses high antiknock properties
 Feed stock Products
• Olefins • High octane naphtha
From cracking process • Petrochem feedstock
• LPG

Catalysts:
sulphuric acid, copper pyrophosphate, or phosphoric acid supported
on Kieselguhr

The reaction is exothermic, and the temperature is usually controlled

by heat exchange.
Polymerization reaction
Process
 Comparison of polymerization
and Alkylation
Process Polymerisation Alkylation
Purpose Polymerise butene and propene produce a high octane gasoline by
to form a high number gasoline reactine light olefins with light iso-
paraffins.

Feed Propene and butene primarily a mixture of (propylene

and butylene) with isobutane

Catalyst phosphoric acid (H2SO4 and HF) The

Products 1. Liquefied petro. Gas
2. High octane naphtha
3. Petrochem. Feedstock
concentrations must be greater
than 88%
1. LPG grade propane liquid
2. Normal butane liquid
3. C5 + alkylate