INTENSIFICATION OF HEAT TRANSFER OF CONTACT REACTOR FOR SULFURIC ACID ALKYLATION OF ISOBUTANE WITH BUTYLENES

Modern requirements for the quality of automotive fuel, particularly in the context of environmental sustainability, emphasize the urgent need to optimize its production processes. One key stage in this area is sulfuric acid alkylation, a process aimed at obtaining a high-quality gasoline component with minimal harmful impurities.The aim of this study is to improve the heat transfer efficiency in the contact reactor of this process to enhance the quality of the resulting alkylate. The article's structure includes an analysis of the significance of isobutane and olefin alkylation in the presence of sulfuric acid, emphasizing its crucial role in obtaining a component with high detonation resistance and minimal harmful elements for automotive fuel. Against this background, the issue of increased temperature in the reaction zone is highlighted, leading to the formation of harmful by-products and deteriorating the quality of the alkylate.The research methodology involves modeling flows in the reaction zone of the contact reactor using the SolidWorks 3D software and the Flow Simulation tool. Analysis of the base reactor model revealed a problematic stagnant zone, negatively impacting heat transfer efficiency and the temperature regime of the process.The article proposes a solution to this issue by modernizing the reactor with the introduction of spiral partitions, promoting improved flow turbulence and increased heat transfer coefficient. Modeling the modernized reactor demonstrates a more uniform flow distribution and temperature reduction, which can lead to improved alkylate quality and reactor productivity.The results of this study provide a basis for optimizing alkylation processes to enhance the efficiency of producing environmentally friendly automotive gasoline.