KBR has signed an alliance agreement with Exelus, a leading developer of green chemical technologies, to allow KBR to exclusively license Exelus' solid acid catalyst (ExSact) for KBR's solid acid alkylation technology (K-SAAT).

Global demand for motor fuels continues to rise while stricter environmental standards and oxygenate blend requirements for gasoline place a premium on clean burning fuels such as alkylate.

KBR's K-SAAT process is a highly adaptable technology that produces a more cost-effective, higher quality alkylate than conventional liquid acid catalysts or other solid acid catalysts, according to company officials.

The key to the K-SAAT technology is ExSact, a revolutionary solid acid catalyst engineered to overcome rapid deactivation limitations of solid-acid catalysts and provide superior alkylation performance. The K-SAATprocess is safe and environmentally benign compared with conventional liquid acid catalyst process technologies, according to KBR.

KBR says it will provide engineering support to deliver the license packages to clients. John Derbyshire, KBR's president of technology and consulting, explained that "this alliance reflects KBR's commitment to providing innovative technologies that give our customers a competitive advantage in today's markets".

"This agreement is a great opportunity for KBR to expand our refining technology portfolio," Derbyshire said. "This will give KBR the ability to provide our potential clients a safer and lower cost alternative for high-quality alkylate production."