USW seeks phaseout of HF alkylation units

摘要

The United Steelworkers (USW) Union has called for a nationwide phaseout of hydrogen fluoride alkylation units at refineries, saying solid-state catalysts offer promise as a safer alternative although this method is only used at the pilot plant stage. Hydrogen fluoride (HF) is an acid used as a catalyst in alkylation units. USW said sulfuric acid has less potential to form a deadly vapor plume in the case of an accidental release. The US Chemical Safety Board has sent an investigative team to ExxonMobil's 240,000-b/d Joliet refinery. National Petrochemical & Refiners Association president Charles T. Drevna said HF is as safe as any other catalyst, and is a critical component in refinery operations.