- Overview
- Schedule
TRAINING DAYS: | 3 Days | PDH: | 24 Hours |
DISCIPLINE: | Strategic Planning and Process Solutions | LEVEL: | Core Skill |
CATEGORY: | Process Technology | SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: | 1–5 years |
TRAINING MAP: | Process Engineer | ||
Levels and experience are guidelines based on topic-specific experience. All courses support foundational and advanced learning.
About:
This course provides an in-depth review of hydrofluoric (HF) alkylation technology used in modern gasoline production. Participants examine HF alkylation chemistry, process flow, operating principles, process control, metallurgy, corrosion, safety systems, emergency response, troubleshooting, and design considerations. Emphasis is placed on the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of HF alkylation units while maintaining product quality and minimizing operational risk.
What You’ll learn:
Explain HF alkylation chemistry, process flow, and the role of hydrofluoric acid as a catalyst.
Evaluate operating variables, process control strategies, and equipment reliability for HF alkylation units.
Apply best practices for process safety, emergency mitigation, corrosion management, and troubleshooting.
Understand design considerations that improve alkylation unit performance, product quality, and operational reliability.
Who Should Attend:
HF Alkylation is designed for refinery unit operations personnel, technical service professionals, process safety specialists, supervisors, and process engineers involved in refinery design, construction, or support services for HF alkylation units.
Course Outline:
Introduction to HF Alkylation
Basic reactions
Liquid acid catalyst
Basic process flow
Process history
Alkylate value
HF Alkylation Process Flow
Feed preparation
Reaction section
Product fractionation
HF stripping and acid regeneration
Product treatment
Neutralization systems
HF Alkylation Principles of Operation and Chemistry
Distillation
HF and water stripping
Adsorption drying
Alkylation reactions
Defluorination
Neutralization
Safety and Environmental Considerations
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Chemical hazards
Waste management
Safety systems
Process Control
Feed drying
Reactor parameter control
Fractionation
Acid regeneration
Product treatment
Operational Objectives
Minimize feed impurities
Maximize alkylate production and quality
Minimize acid losses
Produce specification LPG products
Equipment Reliability
Reliability concerns
Iron fluoride scale
Corrosion parameters
Bimetallic welds
Effects of hydrogen
Emergency Response and Mitigation
Emergency response
HF detectors and cameras
Isolation valves
Water mitigation
Acid transfer systems
Troubleshooting
Equipment malfunctions
Reactor operating conditions
Acid purity
Product quality
Corrosion issues
Design Guidelines
Materials of construction
Feed preparation
Reaction system
Fractionation system
Acid regeneration system
Taught By:
Tim Sheppard
Meet The Instructor:
Tim Shepperd has over 30 years of experience in process engineering, safety auditing, operations, and maintenance management, with a focus on HF alkylation performance and safety. His industry committee work includes chairing the rewrite of Section 2 of the fifth edition of API RP 751, Safe Operation of HF Alkylation Units.
As Vice President of Technology and Consulting Services at HF Alkylation Consultants, he supports units worldwide through API 751 audits, operator and maintenance training, procedure reviews, turnaround planning, and troubleshooting. His previous roles include Chemical Engineering Lead Process Specialist for FCC/Alkylation/Treating at UOP and Senior Process Advisor for Licensing at ConocoPhillips.
His practical experience spans safety and operability reviews, corrosion troubleshooting, technical design reviews, new unit startups, and process safety and management-of-change support.
Venue:
Training will be held at Hilton The Hague, located at Zeestraat 35, 2518 AA, The Hague, Netherlands.