Abstract: Issues related with processing scheme and equipment selection of the etherification of FCC gasoline light fraction were discussed based on engineering design standpoint. When non-noble metal catalysts are selected for selective hydrogenation of diolefin, full-range FCC gasoline hydrogenation process is preferred. Adopting Johnson screen in fixed-bed etherification reactor could significantly reduce the equipment size and investment cost. In order to obtain ideal etherification conversion and to improve the unit operation flexibility, two (or even more) etherification reactors in series are required. However, the application of catalytic distillation in etherification is depended on the individual conditions.

Key words: light FCC gasoline, etherification, diolefin selective hydrogenation, process, reactor, design