Assessment of mass transfer limitations in oligomerization of butene at high pressure on H-beta

- Rates of butane oligomerization have been measured at industrially relevant pressures and temperatures.
- Zeolites H-beta and H-ZMS-5 were investigated as catalysts.
- Low activation energy (28 kJ mol−1) indicate mass transfer limitations control reaction rates.
- Titration of external acid sites have no impact on rates and selectivity.
- Transport of oligomers out of the zeolite crystal is rate controlling.