The following is a status update of the voluntary safety enhancement projects the Torrance Refining has completed on its Alkylation Unit in cooperation with local, state and federal agencies.

California residents live in a state with the strictest environmental regulations, yet they still enjoy freedom to drive where they want, when they want, and in the vehicles of their choice with the reassurance their local refineries produce the world’s cleanest-burning gasoline using process called alkylation. The unique, cleaner-burning gasoline mandated to be sold in California requires a high-octane component called alkylate to comply with the most stringent tailpipe emissions in the world. Continue reading…

Alkylate is critical to making clean, low-emission gasoline. Hydrofluoric (HF) acid is one of two primary catalysts used to make alkylate. When it comes to using HF, refiners take major precautions and employ prevention, detection and containment strategies to keep their workforces and communities safe. Tim Shepperd, an expert in alkylation safety with more than 30 years of refining industry experience gives an on-the-ground look at HF alkylation. Using live and modeled footage, he walks through the layers of safety systems and risk mitigation protocols facilities use to protect workers, their neighbors and the environment. For more information about alkylation safety, please visit afpm.org/HF.

Additional reading: Banning Hydrofluoric Acid Won’t Eliminate Risk, But It Will Threaten Fuel Supplies