Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Alkylation (al-kuh-ley-shun) is a secondary refinery unit operation that many refineries in the United States have because it adds high octane hydrocarbons to motor and aviation gasoline.

What are the desirable properties of alkylation products?

Its high unleaded motor octane, low volatility, low sulfur, and nearly zero olefins and aromatics make alkylate critical to the production of quality environmental gasolines. Alkylate typically makes up about 15 % of the gasoline blending pool but can reach as much as 60 % of the low-sulfur reformulated premium pool.

What are the benefits of having an alkylation unit in the refinery?

In refining, the alkylation unit produces a high-quality gasoline blendstock by combining two LPG-range molecules to form one gasoline-range molecule.