Abstract: Split-shell fractionation columns and associated processes for separating aromatic hydrocarbons are provided by using, a split-shell fractionation column includes a housing shell having a first height and a partition having a second height and disposed within the housing shell. The partition includes first and second vertically oriented baffles separated by a gap region, a seal plate connecting top ends of the baffles, a first input port formed to extend through the partition for the introduction of a gas into the gap region, and a first output port formed to extend outwardly from a bottom of the gap region and through the housing shell. The partition defines a first distillation zone and a second distillation zone within the housing shell.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for reforming of hydrocarbons including recovery of products are provided. In one example, an apparatus comprises a separation zone to receive and separate a reforming-zone effluent to form a net gas phase stream and a liquid phase hydrocarbon stream. A compressor receives and compresses the net gas phase stream to form a compressed net gas phase stream. A chiller receives and cools the liquid phase hydrocarbon stream to form a cooled liquid phase hydrocarbon stream. A first mixing device receives and mixes the compressed net gas phase stream and at least a portion of the cooled liquid phase hydrocarbon stream to extract C3/C4 hydrocarbons from the compressed net gas phase stream into the at least the portion of the cooled liquid phase hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: Split-shell fractionation columns and associated processes for separating aromatic hydrocarbons are provided herein. In an embodiment, a split-shell fractionation column includes a housing shell having a first height and a partition having a second height and disposed within the housing shell. The partition includes first and second vertically oriented baffles separated by a gap region, a seal plate connecting top ends of the baffles, a first input port formed to extend through the partition for the introduction of a gas into the gap region, and a first output port formed to extend outwardly from a bottom of the gap region and through the housing shell. The partition defines a first distillation zone and a second distillation zone within the housing shell.

Abstract: Split-shell fractionation columns and associated processes for separating aromatic hydrocarbons. A split-shell fractionation column includes a housing shell having a first height and a partition having a second height and disposed within the housing shell. The partition includes first and second vertically oriented baffles separated by a gap region, a seal plate connecting top ends of the baffles, a first input port formed to extend through the partition for the introduction of a gas into the gap region, and a first output port formed to extend outwardly from a bottom of the gap region and through the housing shell. The partition defines a first distillation zone and a second distillation zone within the housing shell.

Abstract: Split-shell fractionation columns and associated processes for separating aromatic hydrocarbons are provided herein. In an embodiment, a split-shell fractionation column includes a housing shell having a first height and a partition having a second height and disposed within the housing shell. The partition includes first and second vertically oriented baffles separated by a gap region, a seal plate connecting top ends of the baffles, a first input port formed to extend through the partition for the introduction of a gas into the gap region, and a first output port formed to extend outwardly from a bottom of the gap region and through the housing shell. The partition defines a first distillation zone and a second distillation zone within the housing shell.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating desorbent from an extract stream and a raffinate stream are provided. An exemplary method includes fractionating a first stream in a first fractionation zone into a first fractionation overhead stream and a first fractionation bottom stream. The first stream includes an extract stream including a desorbent from an adsorption zone. A second stream different from the first stream is fractionated in a second fractionation zone into a second fractionation overhead stream and a second fractionation bottom stream. The second fractionation zone is in liquid isolation from and in vapor communication with the first fractionation zone. The second stream includes a raffinate stream including the desorbent from the adsorption zone. The first and second fractionation bottom streams are separately removed from the respective fractionation zones.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating toluene from multiple hydrocarbon streams are provided. A method includes fractionating a first hydrocarbon stream, which includes benzene-depleted fractionation bottoms from benzene fractionation, in a first fractionation zone into a first fractionation overhead stream that includes toluene and a first fractionation bottoms. A second hydrocarbon stream, which includes toluene and is substantially free of compounds having a higher vapor pressure than toluene, is fractionated in a second fractionation zone into a second fractionation overhead stream including toluene and a second fractionation bottoms. The second fractionation zone is in liquid isolation from and in vapor communication with the first fractionation zone. The first fractionation bottoms are removed from the first fractionation zone, and the second fractionation bottoms are removed from the second fractionation zone separate from the first fractionation bottoms.