KBR announced that it has acquired isomerization technologies from RRT Global that will enable KBR to offer expanded octane and clean fuel technology solutions to customers.

KBR, in alliance with RRT Global, has been offering MAX-ISOMTM catalytic distillation technology for the isomerization of C5 and C6 n-paraffins to boost gasoline pool octane since 2015. Isomerization of C5 and C6 streams is practiced to improve the octane rating of light straight run naphtha.

Now, KBR has acquired the patented technology with intellectual property rights to offer MAX-ISOM globally and to offer isomerization technologies for C4 and C7 streams.

Isomerization of C4 streams produces a more desirable feedstock for alkylation units such as KBR’s Solid Acid Alkylation Technology (K-SAAT). C7 isomerization can be applied to upgrade low octane C7 streams to produce isomerate that can be blended directly in the gasoline pool.

Unlike conventional fixed-bed isomerization process technologies, MAX-ISOM can accommodate high benzene content in the feed, due to its unique catalytic distillation column design. MAX-ISOM offers significant energy reduction, much smaller footprint and lower CapEx compared to traditional units.

“With the acquisition of these technologies, KBR now offers expanded Octane solutions including isomerization of C4, C5, C6 and C7 streams in refineries,” said John Derbyshire, President, KBR Technology Solutions. “MAX-ISOM is the technology of choice for the low-cost production of high octane isomerate, in a highly flexible and compact design with minimum energy requirements.”

Globally, fuel specifications have been tightening on the sulfur, benzene, olefins and total aromatics content of gasoline. Isomerization offers refiners a higher octane gasoline blend stock that is free from benzene, aromatics, oxygenates and olefins.

About KBR, Inc.

KBR (NYSE: KBR) is a global provider of differentiated professional services and technologies across the asset and program lifecycle within the Government Solutions and Energy sectors. KBR employs approximately 38,000 people worldwide (including our joint ventures), with customers in more than 80 countries, and operations in 40 countries, across three synergistic global businesses:

- Government Solutions, serving government customers globally, including capabilities that cover the full lifecycle of defense, space, aviation and other government programs and missions from research and development, through systems engineering, test and evaluation, program management, to operations, maintenance, and field logistics
- Technology Solutions, featuring proprietary technology, equipment, catalysts, digital solutions and related technical services for the monetization of hydrocarbons, including refining, petrochemicals, ammonia and specialty chemicals, as well as inorganics
- Energy Solutions, including onshore oil and gas; LNG (liquefaction and regasification)/GTL; oil refining; petrochemicals; chemicals; fertilizers; differentiated EPC; maintenance services (Brown & Root Industrial Services); offshore oil and gas (shallow-water, deep-water, subsea); floating solutions (FPU, FPSO, FLNG & FSRU); program management and consulting services.