Sonatrach to use Honeywell UOP tech for 200,000 t/yr MTBE at Arzew
- 200,000 metric tons per year of MTBE will be produced at Sonatrach's Arzew refinery in Algeria.
- Honeywell UOP will provide technology licensing, design services, key equipment, catalysts and adsorbents for the project.
- The package includes UOP Butamer (n‑butane→isobutane), C4 Oleflex (isobutane→isobutylene) and Ethermax (isobutylene+methanol→MTBE).
- UOP track record cited: more than 85 Butamer units, 55 dehydrogenation projects since 2011, and 44 Ethermax units in operation worldwide.
Project scope
Sonatrach will install a unit at its Arzew refinery to produce 200,000 metric tons per year of methyl tert‑butyl ether (MTBE), a high‑octane gasoline blending component that reduces automobile exhaust emissions.
Supplier role
Honeywell UOP will supply technology licensing, design services, key equipment, and state‑of‑the‑art catalysts and adsorbents for the project.
Process technologies
The technology package comprises UOP Butamer to isomerize normal butane to isobutane, C4 Oleflex to dehydrogenate isobutane to isobutylene, and Ethermax to synthesize MTBE from isobutylene and methanol; Ethermax yields high MTBE without benzene or aromatics.
Performance and context
C4 Oleflex is described as having low energy consumption, low emissions and a fully recyclable platinum‑alumina catalyst system; UOP notes >85 Butamer units, 55 dehydrogenation projects since 2011 and 44 Ethermax units worldwide. The project is positioned to help regional refineries meet stricter specifications, including Euro V.
Feedstocks and company note
MTBE is produced from methanol (typically from natural gas) and isobutylene (derived from butane recovered from crude oil or natural gas). Sonatrach is Algeria's largest company, employing about 120,000 people and accounting for nearly one‑third of the country's gross national product; it operates the Hassi Messaoud field and others.
Source: honeywell.com