Acid accounts for the highest cost of operating the alkylation unit, amounting to 50% of the overall operating expenses.
Since the acid feed control loop controls the hydroflouric acid fed to the reactor, it is vitally important that it is reliable and consistent in controlling the conversion from olefins to alkylate. An upset in control valve performance could cause leakage of hydroflouric or sulfuric acid, leading to a major environmental and health risk.
