DuPont HF alkylation process could offer alternative to diesel 
The clean fuel alkylate could become a widespread alternative to diesel, thanks to the development of a safer hydrofluoric acid (HF) alkylation conversion process. The fuel, a type of petrol, could help meet increasingly stringent emissions standards. Scientists at US chemicals giant DuPont have devised a cost-effective reactor design that replaces HF alkylation units with sulphuric acid alkylation units, sulphuric acid being a safer option than the more volatile HF. In the US, there are around 100 alkylation units in use with approximately half using HF alkylation technology that could be converted to sulphuric acid alkylation.
- DuPont, Overland Park, Kansas

Jason Nunez is a Senior Technical Service Engineer at DuPont Clean Technologies for the alkylation and hydroprocessing businesses. He has more than 14 yr of experience in the refining and petrochemical industries. Prior to joining DuPont in 2014, he served in various roles at Citgo Petroleum Corp. and the Saudi Aramco Mobil Refinery. Mr. Nunez holds BS degrees in chemical engineering and environmental science from McNeese State University.