Next Wave Energy Facility in Texas Completes World's First Standalone Alkylation Complex

In 2019, Next Wave Energy Partners, LP (Next Wave), a prominent player in energy solutions focusing on petrochemicals, fuels, and renewable value chains, chose Elessent Clean Technologies, Inc. (Elessent) to supply STRATCO® alkylation technology for the world's inaugural stand-alone alkylation complex. Located in Pasadena, Texas, at the heart of the Houston Ship Channel, this pioneering facility is transforming alkylate production, boasting the capability to generate alkylate with exceptional properties: 96.0 road octane (98+ Research Octane Number), 3.5 psia Reid vapor pressure, and a sulfur content of ≤5 parts per million.

Functioning as an ethylene-to-alkylate facility, the complex eliminates reliance on crude oil and substantially diminishes carbon intensity compared to conventional methods. Employing STRATCO® technology, the alkylation complex delivers remarkable environmental advantages, ensuring adherence to rigorous regulations while upholding exceptional performance standards. Since its inception at the close of 2023, the STRATCO® unit has excelled in all performance evaluations, cementing its status as a transformative force in alkylate production.

"We are thrilled to be involved in the introduction of this innovative alkylation complex. Working closely with the Next Wave team for the past ten years has been a privilege. As we move forward, we look forward to continued collaboration, assisting Next Wave in broadening its scope and diversifying feedstocks, all while continuously challenging industry standards," stated Eli Ben-Shoshan, CEO of Elessent Clean Technologies.

Michael Bloesch, President and CEO of Next Wave, remarked, "We swiftly cleared all performance tests, and the alkylation unit's capabilities, powered by STRATCO® alkylation technology, have surpassed our expectations. Elessent's team hasn't just supplied technology for this endeavor; they have served as valued advisors, offering insights, support, and guidance since the project's inception. We are grateful for their assistance in enhancing and maximizing the capabilities of this facility, particularly as we set our sights on expansion."

The partnership between Next Wave and Elessent Clean Technologies highlights their joint dedication to innovation, sustainability, and excellence within the energy sector. As the global need for cleaner and more efficient energy solutions expands, this collaboration establishes a fresh benchmark for pioneering industry practices.

The STRATCO® alkylation technology employs a sulfuric acid-catalyzed process to transform olefins (such as propylene, butylene, and amylene) into valuable, branched compounds known as alkylate. Renowned for its exceptional blending characteristics, alkylate serves as a crucial ingredient in producing clean gasoline. This advanced technology from STRATCO® aids refiners in safely generating gasoline that burns cleaner, boasting high octane, low Reid vapor pressure, minimal sulfur content, and devoid of aromatics and olefins. Marketed and licensed by Elessent Clean Technologies, the STRATCO® alkylation technology stands as the foremost solution globally, with over 100 licensed units worldwide and an installed capacity exceeding 915,000 barrels per stream day (35,800 kilo metric tons per annum). Elessent demonstrates its commitment to alkylation advancement through comprehensive services encompassing research, design support, start-up assistance, performance testing, issue resolution, process optimization, facility expansions, analytical assessments, operator training, turnaround support, and hazard and operability studies (HAZOP).