KBR licenses new alkylation technology in China

KBR has been awarded the first licensing contract for its K-SAAT solid acid alkylation technology, the company announced on Friday.

The contract was awarded to KBR by Dong Ying Haike Ruilin Chemical Co. (Haike) for use at the Dong Ying Port Economic Development District in China's Dong Ying City, Shandong Province.

KBR describes K-SAAT as a safe, revolutionary technology to produce alkylate, which is an ultra-clean gasoline blendstock. Unlike traditional refinery alkylation technologies that utilize strong acids, KBR says that K-SAAT produces alkylates by combining light olefins and isobutane using a solid catalyst that is intrinsically safer and more environmentally benign.

Under the terms of the contract, KBR will deliver the licensing package for this first-of-a-kind project.

"We are pleased to bring this exceptional technology to market", said John Derbyshire, president of KBR's technology and consulting business. 

"China will demand a tremendous amount of alkylates to meet new environmental fuel standards, and K-SAAT technology enables clients to meet demand in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner," he added.

Revenue from this project will be booked into the backlog of unfilled orders for KBR's technology and consulting business from the fourth quarter of 2015.