HYSYS-based process simulation was accomplished for a recently reported 1-butene + isobutane alkylation concept that employs SiO2-supported Nafion catalyst in dense CO2 media to obtain stable C-8 alkylates production (solid acid/CO2 process). Semiquantitative economic and environmental impact assessments were conducted for this novel process design along with comparative assessments for a conventional sulfuric acid catalyzed alkylation process (at equivalent production capacities). The simulations are commercial scale and are based on available data and reasonable process assumptions. The total capital investment of the solid acid/CO2 process is approximately 20-30% higher than that of the sulfuric acid process. Sensitivity analysis shows that, if the olefin space velocity can be increased by a factor of 4 from the base-case value while maintaining the same C-8 alkylate productivity, the total capital investments along with the utility and chemical costs would be nearly the same for both processes. The environmental impact assessment shows that the conventional sulfuric acid process has a 3.9 times higher adverse environmental impact potential than the solid acid/CO2, process. For the sulfuric acid process, the major contributors to the environmental impact are acid rain (66%) and inhalation toxicity (32%). The main pollution comes from the SO,) emissions during sulfuric acid regeneration (53%) and acid leakage in the alkylation unit (10%). For the solid acid/CO2 process, the major contributors to the environmental impact are inhalation toxicity (83%), global warming, (10%), and acid rain (6%). For the solid acid/CO2 process, the main pollution sources are fugitive emissions. This evaluation illustrates the advantages and shortcomings of the novel process and provides rational research guidance. For example, the analyses established performance targets, such as catalyst activity and operating pressure, for the solid acid/CO2 process to be commercially viable.