Production of renewable fuels

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and systems for producing renewable fuels by upgrading a renewable hydrocarbon stream (e.g., a stream comprising C6-C12 aromatic hydrocarbons) by alkylating the renewable hydrocarbon stream with alkylating agents to produce an alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons and hydrogenating the alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream to produce a hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream. The products can be used as renewable jet fuel and renewable diesel fuels, for example.

Description

P608810PC00 PRODUCTION OF RENEWABLE FUELS Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure relates generally to methods and systems for producingrenewable fuels (e.g., renewable jet fuel and renewable diesel fuel) by upgrading arenewable hydrocarbon stream. For example, the disclosure can involve upgrading astream comprising C6-C12 aromatic hydrocarbons. More specifically, but not by way oflimitation, this disclosure relates to methods to reduce the carbon footprint of fuels and toimprove process efficiencies for fuel generation. Background

[0002] The production of renewable fuels is currently of great interest to combatclimate change by reducing the release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. For example, fuel formulation with the aim of emission reduction is one of the promising approaches in combustion engine transformation to achieve the targets of stringent emission regulations. A suitable cleaner fuel for diesel engines is desirable,considering the large number of diesel power vehicles throughout the world and higherdiesel consumption. Moreover, diesel fuel consumption is higher compared to gasoline in most developed as well as developing countries. There are numerous studies available with biodiesel as a feedstock for diesel-operated engines with or without modifications. These biodiesels have effectively reduced the particulate matter emissions due to their inherent properties of higher oxygen content. However, they promote the formation of NOxdue to higher combustion zone temperature. The lower heating value of these fuels leads to increased fuel consumption. Lowering the aromatic content from the fuel is one possible way to reduce the harmful exhaust emissions from these diesel engines.

[0003] With respect to jet fuel, in addition to CO2 pollution, aviation’s contributionto global warming goes well beyond that caused by carbon dioxide emissions alone. One of the main non-CO2impacts is the net warming effect from the formation of contrails and contrail cirrus caused when aircraft engines emit particulates (soot) at altitude in ice- supersaturated regions. The main culprit is the aromatic content of jet fuel, and fuels witha higher concentration of aromatics and especially naphthalene, a bicyclic aromatic compound, cause higher particulate emissions because aromatics burn slower than otherhydrocarbons.Summary

[0004] One or more embodiments of the disclosure relate to methods for producingrenewable fuels, comprising: (1) alkylating a renewable hydrocarbon stream comprisingC6-C12 aromatic compounds in an alkylation zone with alkylating agents to produce an alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons, (2)hydrogenating at least part of the alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream obtained in(1) in a hydrogenation zone with hydrogen to saturate at least a portion of the C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons in the alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream and produce a hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream, and (3) recovering a renewable fuels stream from at least part of the hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream obtained in (2).

[0005] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraph, wherein the alkylating agents comprise C1-C12 oxygenates.

[0006] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the alkylating agents comprise C4-C12 alcohols.

[0007] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the alkylating agents comprise C2-C12 ethers.

[0008] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the alkylating agents are from renewable sources.

[0009] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein following alkylation, the alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream is fed to a separation zone to separate the alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream into a purified alkylated stream and a by-products stream comprising water, wherein at leastpart of the purified alkylated stream is fed into the hydrogenation zone.

[0010] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraph, wherein recovering a renewable fuels stream from at least part of thehydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream comprises separating the renewable fuels stream from by-products in at least one separation unit.

[0011] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the at least one separation unit comprises a distillation column.

[0012] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the hydrogenation zone comprises a hydrogenation reactor comprising a hydrogenation catalyst.

[0013] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the hydrogenation catalyst comprises one or more Group VIIIB metals.

[0014] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the hydrogenation catalyst comprises nickel, cobalt, platinum,ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, iridium, or any combination thereof.

[0015] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the hydrogenation step saturates at least 30 wt.% of the C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons in the alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream. In someembodiments, the hydrogenation step saturates at least 10 wt.%, at least 20 wt.%, atleast 40 wt.%, at least 50 wt.%, at least 60 wt.%, or at least 70 wt.% of the C8-C24aromatic hydrocarbons in the alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream.

[0016] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein at least a portion of the alkylating agents are added to the renewable hydrocarbon stream.

[0017] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the alkylating agents all come from the renewable hydrocarbon stream.

[0018] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the alkylating agents comprise C2-C12 olefins or C1-C12oxygenates.

[0019] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the alkylation is carried out in the liquid phase.

[0020] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the alkylation is carried out at least partially in the vapor phase.

[0021] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the renewable fuels stream is a sustainable aviation fuel.

[0022] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the renewable hydrocarbons stream comes from biomass, solid waste, waste plastic, waste gas, syn gas, or any combinations thereof.

[0023] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the method comprises:(1) alkylating a renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6-C12 aromatic compounds in an alkylation zone with alkylating agents to produce an alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons, wherein the renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6-C12 aromatic compounds is produced from pyrolysis of biomass or waste products, from depolymerization, decomposition, or other thermal and / or catalytic conversion of waste plastics or solid waste, or from synthesis processes of syngas derived from biomass or other renewable sources, wherein the alkylating agents comprise C1-C12 oxygenates and are from renewable sources, and wherein the alkylation is carried out in the liquid phase in at least one adiabatic alkylation reactor; (2) separating at least part of the alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream obtained in (1) in a separation zone to produce a purified alkylated stream and a by- products stream comprising water; (3) hydrogenating at least part of the purified alkylated stream obtained in (2) in a hydrogenation zone with hydrogen to saturate at least a portion of the C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons in the purified alkylated stream and produce a hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream; and (4) recovering a renewable fuels stream from at least part of the hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream obtained in (3).

[0024] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods forproducing renewable fuels, comprising: (1) at least one alkylation reactor for alkylating arenewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6-C12 aromatic compounds with alkylating agents to produce an alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C8-C24aromatic hydrocarbons, (2) at least one hydrogenation reactor for hydrogenating at least part of the alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream obtained in (1) with hydrogen to saturate at least a portion of the C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons in the alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream and produce a hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream, and (3) at least one separation unit for recovering a renewable fuels stream from the hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream obtained in (2).

[0025] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraph, wherein the alkylating agents comprise C1-C12 oxygenates.

[0026] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, further comprising at least one separation unit to separate the alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream into a purified alkylated stream and a by-products stream comprising water, wherein at least part of the purified alkylated stream is fed into the at least one hydrogenation reactor.

[0027] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraph, wherein the at least one separation unit comprises a distillation column.

[0028] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the at least one hydrogenation reactor comprises a hydrogenation catalyst.

[0029] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the at least one alkylation reactor is configured to operate adiabatically.

[0030] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the at least one alkylation reactor is configured to operate isothermally.

[0031] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the at least one alkylation reactor comprises a heterogenous alkylation catalyst.

[0032] One or more embodiments relate to the methods of the precedingparagraphs, wherein the separation unit separates a by-products stream from the hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] FIG.1 illustrates a process flow diagram for some embodiments involving aprocess for producing renewable fuels by upgrading a renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6-C12 aromatic compounds.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a process flow diagram for some embodiments involving aprocess for producing renewable fuels by upgrading a renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6-C12 aromatic compounds.

[0035] FIG.3 illustrates a process flow diagram for some embodiments involving aprocess for producing renewable fuels by upgrading a renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6-C12 aromatic compounds. Detailed Description

[0036] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of producingrenewable fuels such as jet and diesel fuels, for example, by upgrading a hydrocarbonstream comprising C6-C12 aromatic hydrocarbons. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon stream can be a renewable hydrocarbon stream. In some embodiments, the processes disclosed can be used to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Hydrocarbon Stream

[0037] In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon stream (e.g., a renewablehydrocarbon stream) can comprise six carbon containing aromatic compounds (“C6”)(e.g., benzene) through twelve carbon containing aromatic compounds (“C12”) (e.g.,hexylbenzene or diisopropylbenzene). Thus, the hydrocarbon stream can comprise C7to C12 aromatic compounds, C8 to C12 aromatic compounds, C9 to C12 aromatic compounds, C10 to C12 aromatic compounds, C6 to C10 aromatic compounds, C6 to C9 aromatic compounds, or C6 to C8 aromatic compounds, for example. In some embodiments, the C6 to C12 aromatic compounds only contain carbon and hydrogen. In other embodiments, the C6 to C12 aromatic compounds contain other elements inaddition to carbon and hydrogen. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon stream maycomprise C6 to C12 mono-cyclic aromatic compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, propylbenzenes, butylbenzenes, amylbenzenes, orhexylbenzenes and C10 to C12 di-cyclic aromatic compounds such as naphthalene,methyl naphthalene, dimethyl naphthalene, or ethyl naphthalene. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon stream may also comprise C6-C12 paraffinic and / or olefinic non- aromatic hydrocarbons. The non-aromatic compounds may comprise linear non- aromatic compounds such as n-hexane or 3-heptene, branched non-aromatic compounds such as 3-ethyl-hextane or 2,5-dimethyl-2-octene, or cyclic non-aromaticcompounds such as methylcyclohexane or 2,4-dimethylcyclohexene, for example. Thehydrocarbon stream may also comprise compounds that contain heteroatom(s) such as nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur.

[0038] In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon stream comprising C6 to C12aromatic compounds can be a renewable hydrocarbon stream. In some embodiments, the renewable hydrocarbon stream can be derived from renewable sources such as biomass, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, animal fats, vegetable oils, waste products, or bio-alcohols made from sugarcane, sugar beet, corn, cellulosic materials, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, or waste gases, for example. In some embodiments, the renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6-C12 aromatic compounds can be produced from pyrolysis of biomass or waste products, from depolymerization, decomposition, or other thermal and / or catalytic conversion of waste plastics or solid waste, from dehydration, oligomerization, cracking, and aromatization of bio-alcohols, or from synthesis processes of syngas derived from biomass or other renewable sources.

[0039] In some embodiments, the (renewable) hydrocarbon stream may containmore light aromatic compounds than desired for a product fuel (e.g., jet fuel or diesel fuel). Some non-limiting examples of light aromatic compounds include benzene, toluene,xylene, and / or naphthalene. In some embodiments, the (renewable) hydrocarbon streammay contain more alkylating agents than desired for a fuel product. Alkylating agents arereagents for effecting alkylation. In some embodiments, the alkylating agents in the(renewable) hydrocarbon stream may comprise C2-C12 olefins (e.g., ethylene,propylene, butylenes, amylenes, hexenes, for example) and / or C1-C12 oxygenates such as alcohols and / or ethers. Alkylation

[0040] In some embodiments, to upgrade the hydrocarbon stream comprising C6-C12 aromatic compounds to desired fuels (e.g., jet or diesel fuel), the hydrocarbon streamis fed to an alkylation zone. In some embodiments, the alkylation zone can comprise atleast one alkylation catalyst and be operated under alkylation conditions to alkylate atleast a portion of the C6-C12 aromatic compounds in the hydrocarbon stream. In someembodiments, the alkylation is carried out using at least a portion of alkylating agentscontained in the hydrocarbon stream (e.g., C2-C12 olefins and / or C1-C12 oxygenatessuch as alcohols and / or ethers) to produce an alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons. In some embodiments, the alkylation can becarried out with additional alkylating agents contained in an alkylating agent stream toproduce an alkylated hydrocarbon stream comprising C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons. Insome embodiments, the alkylating agent stream comprises C2-C12 olefins and / or C1-C12 oxygenates such as alcohols and / or ethers. In some embodiments, the additionalalkylating agent stream comprises renewable alkylating agents produced from renewablesources.

[0041] In some embodiments, the alkylation reaction can be carried out in at leastone alkylation reactor. Thus, the alkylation zone can comprise at least one alkylation reactor, for example, with the at least one alkylation reactor comprising at least one alkylation catalyst. The at least one alkylation reactor can be operated adiabatically or isothermally, for example. Thus, in some embodiments, the alkylation reactor is operated adiabatically. In other embodiments, the alkylation reactor is operated isothermally.

[0042] In some embodiments, the alkylation reaction can be carried out in vaporphase, liquid phase, or mixed phase. In some embodiments, the alkylation reaction can be carried out in the vapor phase. In other embodiments, the alkylation reaction can becarried out in the liquid phase. In still other embodiments, the alkylation reaction can becarried out in a mixed phase.

[0043] Any known alkylation catalyst can be used in the alkylation step, includinghomogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. In some embodiments, a heterogeneouscatalyst (e.g., a solid acid catalyst, is used). Some examples of solid acid catalystsinclude both acidic clays, such as BASF F-24X and F-25X clays, and molecular sieves,both naturally occurring and synthetically produced. In some embodiments, ahomogeneous catalyst such as sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, phosphoric acid, aluminum(tri) chloride, or ionic liquids, or any combinations thereof is used.

[0044] In some embodiments, the alkylation catalyst employed in the alkylationstep comprises at least one medium pore molecular sieve having a Constraint Index of 2-12 (as defined in U.S. Pat. No. 4,016,218). Suitable medium pore molecular sieves include ZSM-5, ZSM-11, ZSM-12, ZSM-22, ZSM-23, ZSM-35, and ZSM-48. ZSM-5 is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No.3,702,886 and Re.29,948. ZSM-11 is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No.3,709,979. ZSM-12 is described in U.S. Pat. No.3,832,449. ZSM- 22 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,477. ZSM-23 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,842. ZSM-35 is described in U.S. Pat. No.4,016,245. ZSM-48 is described in U.S. Pat. No.4,234,231.

[0045] In other embodiments, the alkylation catalyst employed in the alkylation stepcomprises at least one molecular sieve of the MCM-22 family. As used herein, the term “molecular sieve of the MCM-22 family” (or “material of the MCM-22 family” or “MCM-22 family material” or “MCM-22 family zeolite”) includes one or more of: (1) molecular sieves made from a common degree crystalline building block unit cell, which unit cell has the MWW framework topology. (A unit cell is a spatial arrangement of atoms which if tiled in three-dimensional space describes the crystal structure. Such crystal structures are discussed in the “Atlas of Zeolite Framework Types”, Fifth edition, 2001); (2) molecular sieves made from a common second-degree building block, being a 2- dimensional tiling of such MWW framework topology unit cells, forming a monolayer ofone unit cell thickness, for example one c-unit cell thickness;(3) molecular sieves made from common second-degree building blocks, being layers of one or more than one unit cell thickness, wherein the layer of more than one unit cell thickness is made from stacking, packing, or binding at least two monolayers of one unit cell thickness. The stacking of such second-degree building blocks can be in a regular fashion, an irregular fashion, a random fashion, or any combination thereof; and (4) molecular sieves made by any regular or random 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional combination of unit cells having the MWW framework topology.

[0046] Molecular sieves of the MCM-22 family include those molecular sieveshaving an X-ray diffraction pattern including d-spacing maxima at 12.4±0.25, 6.9±0.15, 3.57±0.07 and 3.42±0.07 Angstrom. The X-ray diffraction data used to characterize the material are obtained by standard techniques using the K-alpha doublet of copper as incident radiation and a diffractometer equipped with a scintillation counter and associated computer as the collection system.

[0047] Materials of the MCM-22 family include MCM-22 (described in U.S. Pat. No.4,954,325), PSH-3 (described in U.S. Pat. No.4,439,409), SSZ-25 (described in U.S. Pat. No.4,826,667), ERB-1 (described in European Patent No.0293032), ITQ-1 (described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,498), ITQ-2 (described in International Patent Publication No. WO97 / 17290), MCM-36 (described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,250,277), MCM-49 (described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,236,575), MCM-56 (described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,697), UZM-8 (described in U.S. Pat. No.6,756,030), UZM-8HS (described in U.S. Pat. No.7,713,513) and mixtures thereof.

[0048] In additional embodiments, the alkylation catalyst employed in the alkylationstep comprises one or more large pore molecular sieves having a Constraint Index less than 2. Suitable large pore molecular sieves include zeolite beta, zeolite Y, Ultrastable Y(USY), Ultrahydrophobic Y (UHP-Y), Dealuminized Y (Deal Y), mordenite, ZSM-3, ZSM-4, ZSM-14, ZSM-18, ZSM-20 and mixtures thereof. Zeolite ZSM-3 is described in U.S. Pat. No.3,415,736. Zeolite ZSM-4 is described in U.S. Pat. No.4,021,947. Zeolite ZSM- 14 is described in U.S. Pat. No.3,923,636. Zeolite ZSM-18 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,950,496. Zeolite ZSM-20 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,972,983. Zeolite Beta is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,308,069, and Re. No. 28,341. Low sodium Ultrastable Y molecular sieve (USY) is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,293,192 and 3,449,070. Ultrahydrophobic Y (UHP-Y) is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,556. Dealuminized Y zeolite (Deal Y) may be prepared by the method found in U.S. Pat. No.3,442,795. Zeolite Y and mordenite are naturally occurring materials but are also available in synthetic forms, such as TEA-mordenite (i.e., synthetic mordenite prepared from a reaction mixture comprising a tetraethylammonium directing agent). TEA-mordenite is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,766,093 and 3,894,104.

[0049] In some embodiments, molecular sieves for the alkylation step comprisezeolite beta, zeolite Y, mordenite and molecular sieves of the MCM-22 family, andcombinations thereof.

[0050] The above molecular sieves may be used as the alkylation catalyst in thealkylation step without any binder or matrix, i.e., in so-called self-bound form, for example.In other embodiments, the molecular sieve may be composited with another materialwhich is resistant to the temperatures and other conditions employed in the alkylationreaction. Such materials can include active and inactive materials and synthetic ornaturally occurring zeolites as well as inorganic materials such as clays and / or oxides such as alumina, silica, silica-alumina, zirconia, titania, magnesia or mixtures of these and other oxides, for example. The latter may be either naturally occurring or in the form of gelatinous precipitates or gels including mixtures of silica and metal oxides. In some embodiments, clays may also be included with the oxide type binders to modify the mechanical properties of the catalyst or to assist in its manufacture. Use of a material in conjunction with the molecular sieve, i.e., combined therewith or present during its synthesis, which itself is catalytically active may change the conversion and / or selectivityof the catalyst. In some embodiments, inactive materials can serve as diluents to controlthe amount of conversion so that products may be obtained economically and orderly without employing other means for controlling the rate of reaction. These materials may be incorporated into naturally occurring clays, e.g., bentonite and kaolin, to improve thecrush strength of the catalyst under commercial operating conditions and function asbinders or matrices for the catalyst, for example. The relative proportions of molecular sieve and inorganic oxide matrix vary widely, with the sieve content ranging from about 1 to about 90 percent by weight and more usually, particularly, when the composite is prepared in the form of beads, in the range of about 2 to about 80 weight percent of the composite.

[0051] In some embodiments, the alkylation step can be conducted in at least onefixed bed reactor(s), moving bed reactor(s), fluidized bed reactor(s) and / or reactivedistillation unit(s). In addition, in some embodiments, the reactor(s) may comprise asingle reaction zone or multiple reaction zones located in the same or different reaction vessels. Suitable conditions for the alkylation step comprise a temperature from 20 to500° C, such as from 50 to 300° C, and a pressure from 10 to 15,000 kPa-a, such as from100 to 7,000 kPa-a. In some embodiments, conditions for the alkylation step comprise atemperature from 50 to 200°C, 100 to 200°C, 100 to 300°C, 100 to 400°C, 100 to 500°C,200 to 300°C, 200 to 400°C, 200 to 500°C, 300 to 400°C, or 300 to 500°C. In someembodiments, conditions for the alkylation step comprise a pressure range of 10-50 kPa-a, 10-100 kPa-a, 10-200 kPa-a, 100-300 kPa-a, 100-500 kPa-a, 100-1,000 kPa-a, 100- 2,000 kPa-a, 100-3,000 kPa-a, 100-5,000 kPa-a, 100-7,000 kPa-a, 500-1,000 kPa-a, 500-2,000 kPa-a, 500-3,000 kPa-a, 500-5,000 kPa-a, 500-7,000 kPa-a, 1,000-2,000 kPa- a, 1,000-3,000 kPa-a, 1,000-5,000 kPa-a, 1,000-7,000 kPa-a, 2,000-3,000 kPa-a, 2,000- 5,000 kPa-a, 2,000-7,000 kPa-a, 3,000-5,000 kPa-a, 3,000-7,000 kPa-a, 3,000-10,000 kPa-a, 3,000-15,000 kPa-a, 5,000-7,000 kPa-a, 5,000-10,000 kPa-a, 5,000-15,000 kPa-a, 7,000-10,000 kPa-a, 7,000-15,000 kPa-a, or 10,000-15,000 kPa-a. In certainembodiments, the temperature and pressure conditions are selected to maintain thereactant substantially in the liquid phase. In other embodiments, the temperature andpressure conditions are selected to maintain the reactant in vapor phase. In still otherembodiments, the temperature and pressure conditions are selected to maintain the reactant in mixed vapor / liquid phase. In the case of a continuous process, suitable weighthourly space velocities include from 0.01 to 100 hr-1 for example. In some embodiments,suitable weight hourly space velocities include ranges of 0.01-0.03, 0.01-0.1, 0.01-0.3,0.01-1, 0.1-0.3, 0.1-1, 0.1-3, 0.1-10, 0.3-1.0, 0.3-3, 0.3-10, 0.3-30, 1-3, 1-10, 1-30, 1-100,3-10, 3-30, 3-100, 10-30, 10-100, or 30-100 hr-1.

[0052] The alkylation zone / step can produce an alkylated (renewable)hydrocarbon stream comprising C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons, for example.Hydrogenation

[0053] In some embodiments, following the alkylation reaction, at least part of thealkylated (renewable) hydrocarbon stream comprising C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons isfed to a hydrogenation zone / step. In some embodiments, a hydrogen stream comprisinghydrogen is also fed to the hydrogenation zone (e.g., combined with the alkylated(renewable) hydrocarbon stream prior to hydrogenation). In some embodiments, thehydrogenation zone comprises at least one hydrogenation catalyst and can be operatedunder hydrogenation conditions to carry out a hydrogenation reaction. In some embodiments, the hydrogenation reaction reacts at least part of the C8-C24 aromaticcompounds in the alkylated (renewable) hydrocarbon stream with hydrogen from ahydrogen stream to saturate at least a portion of the C8-C24 aromatic compounds and produce a hydrogenated (renewable) hydrocarbon stream. In some embodiments, the hydrogen stream is produced from processes using black or brown coal (lignite), steam methane reforming, autothermal reforming, partial oxidation, methane pyrolysis, ammonia splitting, electrolysis of water with nuclear, renewable or non-renewable electricity, from fermenting microbes found in depleted oil wells, by recovery of naturally occurring hydrogen found in underground deposits, or any combinations thereof.

[0054] The hydrogenation reaction can be carried out in one or morehydrogenation reactors. Thus, in some embodiments, the hydrogenation zone can comprise at least one hydrogenation reactor and the hydrogenation reactor can comprise at least one hydrogenation catalyst.

[0055] Hydrogenation of aromatics, hindered by the stable π-conjugated phenylring structures, can require high temperatures and pressures in some embodiments.However, some embodiments involve ambient hydrogenation.

[0056] Compared to the easy hydrogenation of alkene / alkyne groups,hydrogenating π-conjugation phenyl group (i.e., aromatics) is more difficult, due to their high aromaticity, nonpolarity, and large reaction energy barriers involved. In some embodiments, the hydrogenation of the alkylated (renewable) hydrocarbon stream can involve high reaction temperature (>100 °C) and hydrogen pressure (up to 1,000 bar),using a noble catalyst. Although certain aromatics (e.g., benzene) can be hydrogenatedat mild conditions, solvents (e.g., isopropanol or ethanol) or promoters (e.g., Lewisacid) are required in some embodiments to facilitate the hydrogen transfer and ring openprocess for the aromatics.

[0057] Thus, to hydrogenate the alkylated (renewable) hydrocarbon streamcontaining aromatics, some embodiments use a group VIIIB metal (e.g., nickel, cobalt,platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, or iridium) catalyst with hydrogen gas at apressure of up to several hundred atmospheres. In some embodiments, the group VIIIBmetal(s) can be supported on inert material such as carbon, silicate, or alumina, forexample, and used as heterogenous hydrogenation catalyst. In other embodiments, a more effective catalyst is used such as rhodium on carbon, for example. Under theseconditions, aromatic rings are converted into cyclohexanes. For example, o-xylene yields1,2-dimethylcyclohexane, and 4-tert-butylphenol gives 4-tert-butylcyclohexan. In someother embodiments, group VIIIB metal(s) such as ruthenium, platinum, rhodium,palladium, and iridium can be used to produce coordination complexes such asRuCl2(PPh3)3, [C8H12IrP(C6H11)3C5H5N]PF6 (Crabtree's catalyst), Rh[(C6H5)3P]3Cl(Wilkinson's catalyst), and Rh2Cl2(C8H12)2 and used as a homogenous hydrogenationcatalyst. In another embodiment, nickel-based catalysts, such as Raney nickel andUrushibara nickel, can be used as heterogenous hydrogenation catalyst.

[0058] Ambient hydrogenation, as used in some embodiments, is not only facileand energy efficient (no need for energy input) but also essential for some hydrogen- related applications. For instance, solid hydrogen getters are required to control the hydrogen concentration and reduce the risk of explosion in hydrogen stations and cells. In some battery-driven equipment, hydrogen is inevitably released, which brings a severe explosion risk for defense and energy applications. Hence, solid organic hydrogen getters are indispensable to effectively hydrogenate at room temperature without any solvents or promoters due to equipment constraints and environmental limitations. As a typical example, the 1,4-bis(phenylethynyl)benzene (DEB) molecules, linked by the alkyne and phenyl ring groups, are commonly used as hydrogen getters. However, catalyzed by palladium catalyst, only the alkynyl groups are hydrogenated at ambient temperature.

[0059] Theoretically, the hydrogenation of solid aromatics requires highly efficientcatalysts capable of simultaneously activating H2and C-C unsaturated bonds. However, most existing catalysts, limited to one or a few metals, offer inadequate active sites and are incapable of realizing full hydrogenation, especially for robust aromatics. Recently,high-entropy alloy (HEA) nanocatalysts have been widely used in catalysis due to theirflexible composition, high activity, excellent stability, and a magic cock-tailing effect, which offer the promise of catalytic properties that could exceed conventional catalysts. HEA catalysts, containing multifunctional active sites, are used in some embodiments. Separation

[0060] Following the hydrogenation step / zone, in some embodiments, thehydrogenated stream can be separated in at least one separation zone / unit. In someembodiments, the at least one (first) separation unit can separate at least one gas and atleast one liquid component from a product of the hydrogenation. In some embodiments,the at least one (first) separation unit can separate at least one gas and at least one liquidcomponent from a product of the hydrogenation while maintaining a temperature of theproduct generally higher than a boiling point of the hydrogenated aromatic compound. Insome embodiments, a second separation unit can separate a hydrogenated aromatic compound from the gas component separated by the first separation unit.

[0061] In some embodiments, the separation zone / unit is configured to separatethe hydrogenated aromatics contained in the gas component separated from the liquidcomponent (e.g., higher boiling point components) at a temperature higher than theboiling point of the hydrogenated aromatic compound so that the energy required to lowerthe concentration of the higher boiling point components that are present with thehydrogenated aromatic compound in the product of the hydrogenation reaction can be minimized.

[0062] In some embodiments, the separation zone further comprises a cooler forcooling the product from which the gas and liquid components are to be separated by the first separation unit.

[0063] In some embodiments, the separation zone allows the temperature of theproduct that is to be separated into the gas and liquid components to be maintained withina desired range in a stable manner in the (first) separation unit so that the recovering ratioof the gas component comprising hydrogenated aromatics separated in the (first)separation unit can be controlled and / or increased.

[0064] In some aspects, a temperature of the product (e.g., the hydrogenated(renewable) hydrocarbon stream) that is separated by the first separation unit ismaintained in a range of 100° C to 280° C.

[0065] In some aspects, the separation zone further comprises a distillation unit fordistilling the liquid component separated by the first separation unit, wherein an effluent of the distillation unit is mixed with the hydrogenated aromatic compound separated by the second separation unit.

[0066] In some embodiments, the distillation column distills the liquid component)separated by the first separation unit so that the necessary energy required for thedistilling operation can be reduced as compared to a case where the whole amount of theproduct is distilled.

[0067] In some aspects, the distillation unit performs distillation by using thereaction heat of the hydrogenation reaction zone or reactor. This can allow the distillationunit to operate by making use of the reaction heat of the hydrogenation reaction unit, and the energy cost for the distillation unit can be minimized.

[0068] In some embodiments, at least part of the hydrogenated hydrocarbonstream is recovered as a renewable fuel.

[0069] FIG. 1 shows a simplified flow diagram for certain embodiments thatproduce renewable fuels by upgrading a renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6- C12 aromatic compounds.

[0070] The feed renewable hydrocarbon stream 10 comprises C6-C12 aromaticcompounds. The renewable hydrocarbon stream 10 can be derived from renewable sources such as biomass, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, animal fats, vegetable oils, waste products, or bio-alcohols made from sugarcane, sugar beet, corn, cellulosic materials, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, or waste gases, for example. In some embodiments, the renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6-C12 aromatic compounds 10 can be produced from pyrolysis of biomass or waste products, from depolymerization, decomposition, or other thermal and / or catalytic conversion of waste plastics or solid waste, from dehydration, oligomerization, cracking, and aromatization of bio-alcohols, or from synthesis processes of syngas derived from biomass or other renewable sources.

[0071] Optionally, an alkylating agents stream 15 comprising alkylating agents canbe added to the renewable hydrocarbon stream 10 before or in the alkylation zone 20. Insome embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 is added before the alkylation zone 20. In some embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprises C2-C12 olefinsand / or C1-C12 oxygenates such as alcohols and / or ethers. In some embodiments, thealkylating agents stream 15 comprises light olefins such as ethylene, propylene, butenes,pentenes, or hexenes. In other embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprisesC4-C12 olefins. In still other embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprises light alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanols, butanols, pentanols, or hexanols. Inother embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprises C4-C12 alcohols. Inadditional embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprises C2-C12 ethers suchas methyl ether, methyl-ethyl ether, ethyl ether and higher ethers. In some embodiments,the alkylating agent stream 15 comprises at least some alkylating agents derived fromrenewable sources. The renewable alkylating agents, such as C1-C12 oxygenates (e.g.methanol, ethanol, higher alcohols, methyl ether, methyl-ethyl ether, ethyl ether, higher ethers, and other oxygenates), can be produced from renewable resources, including from plant materials such as corn, sugar cane and sugar beet, biomass such as agricultural residues, municipal solid waste, bio-syngas, waste CO2 and captured CO2. This further enhances the renewable content of the produced renewable fuels.

[0072] The alkylation zone 20 may contain at least one alkylation reactor. The atleast one alkylation reactor can be isothermal or adiabatic, for example. The renewable hydrocarbon stream 10 and, optionally, the alkylating agents stream 15 are fed to the alkylation zone 20 into the at least one alkylation reactor. Alkylation of the renewable hydrocarbon stream 10 can be carried out in the at least one alkylation reactor at alkylation conditions. The alkylation can produce an alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream 22.

[0073] Following the alkylation zone, the alkylated stream 22 can be combined witha hydrogen stream 25 comprising hydrogen. The hydrogen stream 25 can be added to the alkylated stream 22 before or in the hydrogenation zone 30. In some embodiments,the hydrogen stream 25 is added before the hydrogenation zone 30

[0074] The hydrogenation zone 30 may contain at least one hydrogenation reactor.The at least one hydrogenation reactor can be isothermal or adiabatic, for example. The at least one hydrogenation reactor can contain at least one hydrogenation catalyst. Thealkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream 22 and, the hydrogen stream 25 are fed to theat least one hydrogenation reactor. Hydrogenation of the alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream 22 can be carried out in the at least one hydrogenation reactor at hydrogenation conditions. The hydrogenation can produce a hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream 33.

[0075] Following the hydrogenation zone, the hydrogenated stream 33 can be fedto a separation zone 40. The separation zone 40 may contain at least one separationunit (e.g., a distillation column). The separation zone 40 can separate the hydrogenated stream 33 into a renewable fuels stream 100 and a by-products stream 45.

[0076] The renewable fuels stream 100 comprises a fuel product (e.g., a dieseland / or jet fuel).

[0077] The by-products steam 45 may comprise water, light, and / or heavy materialproduced in the alkylation 20 and hydrogenation 30 zones, for example.

[0078] FIG. 2 shows a simplified flow diagram for certain embodiments thatproduce renewable fuels by upgrading a renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6- C12 aromatic compounds.

[0079] The feed renewable hydrocarbon stream 10 comprises C6-C12 aromaticcompounds. The renewable hydrocarbon stream 10 can be derived from renewable sources such as biomass, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, animal fats, vegetable oils, waste products, or bio-alcohols made from sugarcane, sugar beet, corn, cellulosic materials, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, or waste gases, for example. In some embodiments, the renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6-C12 aromatic compounds 10 can be produced from pyrolysis of biomass or waste products, from depolymerization, decomposition, or other thermal and / or catalytic conversion of waste plastics or solid waste, from dehydration, oligomerization, cracking, and aromatization of bio-alcohols, or from synthesis processes of syngas derived from biomass or other renewable sources.

[0080] Optionally, an alkylating agents stream 15 can be added to the renewablehydrocarbon stream 10 before or in the alkylation zone 20. In some embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 is added before the alkylation zone 20. In someembodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprises C2-C12 olefins and / or C1-C12oxygenates such as alcohols and / or ethers. In some embodiments, the alkylating agentsstream 15 comprises light olefins such as ethylene, propylene, butenes, pentenes, orhexenes. In other embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprises C4-C12olefins. In still other embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprises light alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanols, butanols, pentanols, or hexanols. In otherembodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprises C4-C12 alcohols. In additional embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprises C2-C12 ethers. In someembodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprises at least some alkylating agentsderived from renewable sources.

[0081] The alkylation zone 20 may contain at least one alkylation reactor. The atleast one alkylation reactor can be isothermal or adiabatic, for example. The renewable hydrocarbon stream 10 and, optionally, the alkylating agents stream 15 are fed to the alkylation zone 20 into the at least one alkylation reactor. Alkylation of the renewable hydrocarbon stream 10 can be carried out in the at least one alkylation reactor at alkylation conditions. The alkylation can produce an alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream 22.

[0082] Following the alkylation zone 20, the alkylated stream 22 can be fed to aseparation zone 50. The separation zone 50 may contain at least one separation unit (e.g., a distillation column). The separation zone 50 can separate the alkylated stream22 into a purified alkylated stream 52 and a by-products stream 55. The separation zone50 can separate the alkylated stream 22 into a purified alkylated stream 52, a by-productsstream 55, and a recycle stream 60 comprising unconverted C6-C7 aromatic compounds.The recycle stream 60 comprising unconverted C6-C7 aromatic compounds may berecycled to the alkylation zone 20. The by-products stream 55 may comprise water. Theby-products stream 55 may further comprise light and / or heavy material produced in thealkylation zone 20. Water can be produced in the alkylation step, particularly when C1-C12 oxygenates are used as the alkylating agents. Separating the alkylated stream 22into a purified alkylated stream 52 and a by-products stream 55 comprising waterremoves at least some of the water from the alkylated stream 52 and prevents the waterbeing fed into the hydrogenation zone 30. This can improve the performance of thehydrogenation zone 30, including the hydrogenation catalyst.

[0083] Following the separation zone 50, the purified alkylated stream 52 can becombined with a hydrogen stream 25 comprising hydrogen. The hydrogen stream 25 canbe added to the purified alkylated stream 52 before or in the hydrogenation zone 30. Insome embodiments, the hydrogen stream 25 is added before the hydrogenation zone 30.

[0084] The hydrogenation zone 30 may contain at least one hydrogenation reactor.The at least one hydrogenation reactor can be isothermal or adiabatic, for example. The at least one hydrogenation reactor can contain at least one hydrogenation catalyst. Thepurified alkylated hydrocarbon stream 52 and, the hydrogen stream 25 are fed to the atleast one hydrogenation reactor. Hydrogenation of the purified alkylated hydrocarbonstream 52 can be carried out in the at least one hydrogenation reactor at hydrogenationconditions. The hydrogenation can produce a renewable hydrocarbon stream 100.

[0085] The renewable fuels stream 100 comprises a fuel product (e.g., a dieseland / or jet fuel).

[0086] FIG. 3 shows a simplified flow diagram for certain embodiments thatproduce renewable fuels by upgrading a renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6- C12 aromatic compounds.

[0087] The feed renewable hydrocarbon stream 10 comprises C6-C12 aromaticcompounds. The renewable hydrocarbon stream 10 can be derived from renewable sources such as biomass, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, animal fats, vegetable oils, waste products, or bio-alcohols made from sugarcane, sugar beet, corn, cellulosic materials, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, or waste gases, for example. In some embodiments, the renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6-C12 aromatic compounds 10 can be produced from pyrolysis of biomass or waste products, from depolymerization, decomposition, or other thermal and / or catalytic conversion of waste plastics or solid waste, from dehydration, oligomerization, cracking, and aromatization of bio-alcohols, or from synthesis processes of syngas derived from biomass or other renewable sources.

[0088] Optionally, an alkylating agents stream 15 can be added to the renewablehydrocarbon stream 10 before or in the alkylation zone 20. In some embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 is added before the alkylation zone 20. In some embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprises C2-C12 olefins and / or C1-C12oxygenates such as alcohols and / or ethers. In some embodiments, the alkylating agentsstream 15 comprises light olefins such as ethylene, propylene, butenes, pentenes, orhexenes. In other embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprises C4-C12olefins. In still other embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprises lightalcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanols, butanols, pentanols, or hexanols. In other embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprises C4-C12 alcohols. In additional embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprises C2-C12 ethers. In some embodiments, the alkylating agents stream 15 comprises at least some alkylating agents derived from renewable sources.

[0089] The alkylation zone 20 may contain at least one alkylation reactor. The atleast one alkylation reactor can be isothermal or adiabatic, for example. The renewable hydrocarbon stream 10 and, optionally, the alkylating agents stream 15 are fed to the alkylation zone 20 into the at least one alkylation reactor. Alkylation of the renewable hydrocarbon stream 10 can be carried out in the at least one alkylation reactor at alkylation conditions. The alkylation can produce an alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream 22.

[0090] Following the alkylation zone 20, the alkylated stream 22 can be fed to aseparation zone 50. The separation zone 50 may contain at least one separation unit(e.g., a distillation column). The separation zone 50 can separate the alkylated stream22 into a purified alkylated stream 52, a first by-products stream 55, and a recycle steam60 comprising unconverted C6-C7 aromatic compounds. The first by-products steam 55may comprise water, light, and / or heavy material produced in the alkylation zone 20.

[0091] Following the separation zone 50, the purified alkylated stream 52 can becombined with a hydrogen stream 25 comprising hydrogen. The hydrogen stream 25 canbe added to the purified alkylated stream 52 before or in the hydrogenation zone 30. Insome embodiments, the hydrogen stream 25 is added before the hydrogenation zone 30.

[0092] The hydrogenation zone 30 may contain at least one hydrogenation reactor.The at least one hydrogenation reactor can be isothermal or adiabatic, for example. The at least one hydrogenation reactor can contain at least one hydrogenation catalyst. Thepurified alkylated hydrocarbon stream 52 and, the hydrogen stream 25 are fed to the atleast one hydrogenation reactor. Hydrogenation of the purified alkylated hydrocarbonstream 52 can be carried out in the at least one hydrogenation reactor at hydrogenationconditions. The hydrogenation can produce a hydrogenated hydrocarbon stream 33.

[0093] Following the hydrogenation zone 30, the hydrogenated stream 33 can befed to a separation zone 40. The separation zone 40 may contain at least one separationunit (e.g., a distillation column). The separation zone 40 can separate the hydrogenated stream 33 into a renewable fuels stream 100 and a second by-products stream 45.

[0094] The renewable fuels stream 100 comprises a fuel product (e.g., a dieseland / or jet fuel).

[0095] The second by-products steam 45 may comprise water, light, and / or heavymaterial produced in the alkylation 20 and hydrogenation 30 zones, for example.

[0096] In one embodiment, the alkylating agents stream comprises light olefinssuch as ethylene, propylene, butenes, pentenes, or hexenes. In another embodiment, the alkylating agents stream comprises C4-C12 olefins. In an alternate embodiment, the alkylating agents stream comprises light alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanols, butanols, pentanols, or hexanols. In another alternate embodiment, the alkylating agents stream comprises C4-C12 alcohols. In yet another alternate embodiment, the alkylating agents stream comprises C2-C12 ethers.

[0097] The foregoing description of certain examples including the illustratedexamples above, has been presented only for the purpose of illustration and descriptionand is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, any examples described herein can be combined with any other examples to yield further examples.

Claims

Claims1. A method for producing renewable fuels, comprising:(1) alkylating a renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6-C12 aromatic compounds in an alkylation zone with alkylating agents to produce an alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons,wherein the alkylating agents comprise C1-C12 oxygenates,(2) hydrogenating at least part of the alkylated renewable hydrocarbonstream obtained in (1) in a hydrogenation zone with hydrogen to saturate at leasta portion of the C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons in the alkylated renewablehydrocarbon stream and produce a hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream, and (3) recovering a renewable fuels stream from at least part of the hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream obtained in (2).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the alkylating agents comprise C4-C12 alcohols.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the alkylating agents comprise C2-C12 ethers.

4. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the alkylating agents are fromrenewable sources.

5. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein following alkylation, thealkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream is fed to a separation zone to separate thealkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream into a purified alkylated stream and a by-products stream comprising water, wherein at least part of the purified alkylated streamis fed into the hydrogenation zone.

6. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein recovering a renewable fuelsstream from at least part of the hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream comprisesseparating the renewable fuels stream from by-products in at least one separation unit, wherein the at least one separation unit optionally comprises a distillation column.

7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the alkylation zone comprisesat least one alkylation reactor comprising an alkylation catalyst, wherein the alkylationcatalyst comprises zeolite beta, zeolite Y, mordenite and molecular sieves of the MCM-22 family, or any combinations thereof.

8. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein the hydrogenation zonecomprises a hydrogenation reactor comprising a hydrogenation catalyst, wherein the hydrogenation catalyst comprises nickel, cobalt, platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, iridium, or any combination thereof.

9. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrogenation stepsaturates at least 30 wt.% of the C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons in the alkylatedrenewable hydrocarbon stream.

10. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of thealkylating agents are added to the renewable hydrocarbon stream.

11. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the alkylating agents all comefrom the renewable hydrocarbon stream.

12. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the alkylatingagents come from an additional alkylating agents stream.

13. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the alkylating agents furthercomprise C2-C12 olefins.

14. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the alkylation is carried out inthe liquid phase at a temperature from 20 to 500° C, a pressure from 10 to 15,000 kPa-a, and a weight hourly space velocity between 0.01 and 100 hr-1.

15. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the renewable fuels stream isa sustainable aviation fuel.

16. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the renewable hydrocarbonsstream comes from biomass, solid waste, waste plastic, waste gas, syn gas, or any combinations thereof.

17. The method of claim 1 for producing renewable fuels, comprising:(1) alkylating a renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6-C12 aromatic compounds in an alkylation zone with alkylating agents to produce an alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons, wherein the renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6-C12 aromatic compounds is produced from pyrolysis of biomass or waste products, from depolymerization, decomposition, or other thermal and / or catalytic conversion of waste plastics or solid waste, or from synthesis processes of syngas derived from biomass or other renewable sources, wherein the alkylating agents comprise C1-C12 oxygenates and are from renewable sources, and wherein the alkylation iscarried out in the liquid phase in at least one adiabatic alkylation reactor;(2) separating at least part of the alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream obtained in (1) in a separation zone to produce a purified alkylated stream and aby-products stream comprising water; (3) hydrogenating at least part of the purified alkylated stream obtained in (2) in a hydrogenation zone with hydrogen to saturate at least a portion of the C8- C24 aromatic hydrocarbons in the purified alkylated stream and produce a hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream; and (4) recovering a renewable fuels stream from at least part of the hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream obtained in (3).

18. A system for producing renewable fuels, comprising:(1) at least one alkylation reactor for alkylating a renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C6-C12 aromatic compounds with alkylating agents to produce an alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream comprising C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons, wherein the alkylating agents comprise C1-C12 oxygenates,(2) at least one hydrogenation reactor for hydrogenating at least part of thealkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream obtained in (1) with hydrogen to saturate at least a portion of the C8-C24 aromatic hydrocarbons in the alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream and produce a hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream, and (3) at least one separation unit for recovering a renewable fuels stream from the hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream obtained in (2).

19. The system according to claim 18, further comprising at least one separation unitto separate the alkylated renewable hydrocarbon stream into a purified alkylated streamand a by-products stream comprising water, wherein at least part of the purified alkylatedstream is fed into the at least one hydrogenation reactor.

20. The system according to claims 18 or 19, wherein the at least one hydrogenationreactor comprises a hydrogenation catalyst.

21. The system according to any of claims 18-20, wherein the at least one alkylationreactor is configured to operate adiabatically.

22. The system according to any of claims 18-21, wherein the at least one alkylationreactor is configured to operate isothermally.

23. The system according to any of claims 18-22, wherein the at least one alkylationreactor comprises a heterogenous alkylation catalyst.

24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the alkylation catalyst comprises zeolitebeta, zeolite Y, mordenite and molecular sieves of the MCM-22 family, or any combinations thereof.

25. The system according to any of claims 18-24, wherein the at least one separationunit of (3) separates a by-products stream from the hydrogenated renewable hydrocarbon stream.

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