During the mid 1950s, the refiners' interest in alkylation shifted from the production of aviation fuel to the use of alkylate as a blending component in automotive motor fuel. Capacity remained relatively flat during the 1950s and 1960s due to the comparative cost of other blending components. The World Bank is now calling for the phaseout of lead worldwide in an effort to reduce health problems.
Adults also suffer from excessive lead levels.
In addition to reducing or eliminating lead, many countries are also putting restrictions on the levels of aromatics and benzene allowed. Alkylate is a key component in replacing some of the octane lost when the levels of these components are being reduced. Figure 1 shows the growth in alkylation capacity. Therefore alkylation removes olefinic, high RVP components from the gasoline pool in exchange for alkylate which makes an ideal blendstock for reformulated and cleaner burning gasolines. Alkylate is an ideal blendstock.