Patent ID: 8906311

Claim:
A process unit, comprising: a) an alkylation reactor comprising an acidic ionic liquid catalyst; b) a separator connected to the alkylation reactor that separates an effluent from the alkylation reactor into a hydrocarbon phase and an acidic ionic liquid catalyst phase; c) a distillation column following the separator that distills the hydrocarbon phase to produce an alkylate gasoline and a distillate; and d) a control system that enables the alkylation reactor to be operated in an alkylate mode wherein greater than 50 wt % of a C 5 + hydrocarbon stream boils at 280° F. (137.8 degree Celsius) or below and in a distillate mode wherein greater than 50 wt % of the C 5 + hydrocarbon stream boils above 280° F. (137.8 degree Celsius); wherein the alkylation reactor can switch back and forth from operating in the alkylate mode to the distillate mode; and wherein the control system is configured to control a level of a conjunct polymer in an alkylation catalyst above 10 wt % when the alkylation reactor is operated in the distillate mode.