Abstract: Ethylbenzene can be separated from a C8 aromatics mixture containing ethylbenzene and a close boiling compound by extractive distillation using an extractive agent comprising a mixture of a chlorinated aromatic compound and another compound selected from furandione derivatives and organic nitriles.

Abstract: Process for the distillative separation of ethylbenzene from a mixture comprising ethylbenzene and at least one other C8 aromatic compound, comprising distilling said mixture in a distillation column in the presence of an extractive solvent, characterized in that the distillation column is operated at a sub-atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for simultaneous production of benzene lean gasoline and recovery of high purity aromatics from narrow boiling light cracked gasoline fractions. The present invention provides a vacuum based two stage extractive distillation process, with pure NMP, for production of benzene lean gasoline (benzene content less than 0.4 Weight %) by recovery of high purity aromatics (purity more than 99 Weight %) from cracked gasoline fractions (boiling in the range of 40-90° C.) comprising benzene in the range of 10-30 weight % and close-boiling non-aromatic hydrocarbons like paraffins, iso-paraffins, olefins, di-olefins (including conjugated di-olefins), and naphthenes in the range of 70-90 weight % along with impurities containing but not limited to oxygenates, metals, chlorides, sulphur compounds, nitrogen compounds and organic peroxides.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for separating heavy hydrocarbons from a solvent stream are disclosed. The heavy hydrocarbons and solvent can be recovered and processed further.

Abstract: A method and system for handling viscous liquid crude hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method involves (a) solvent deasphalting at least a portion of an asphaltene-containing liquid crude hydrocarbon feedstock to form an asphaltene fraction and a deasphalted oil (DAO) fraction essentially free of asphaltenes; (b) adjusting the density of the asphaltene fraction to substantially the same density of a carrier for the asphaltene fraction; (c) forming coated asphaltene particles from the asphaltene fraction of step (b); (d) slurrying the coated asphaltene particles with the carrier; and (e) transporting the slurry to a treatment facility or a transportation carrier.

Abstract: A system and process for the preparation of high quality gasoline through recombination of catalytic hydrocarbon includes fractionator and extractor. The upper part of the fractionator is equipped with light petrol pipeline, the lower part of the fractionator is equipped with heavy petrol pipeline, the middle part of the fractionator is equipped with medium petrol pipeline. The medium petrol pipeline is connected with a medium petrol extractor, the upper part of the medium petrol extractor is connected with the medium petrol raffinate oil hydrogenation unit through the pipeline, the lower part of the medium petrol extractor is connected with the medium petrol aromatic hydrocarbon hydrogenation unit through the pipeline.

Abstract: Systems and processes for improving quality and yield of one or more distillate products generated in a distillation column are disclosed. The system comprises a feed inlet distributor that reduces the amount of liquid entrained in vapor rising from the feed zone of the distillation column, a wash zone collection apparatus having an improved design for collecting slop wax falling from a liquid/vapor contacting structure provided in the wash zone, a recirculation subsystem for recirculating at least a portion of the collected slop wax to the top of the wash zone for distribution as wash oil, and a control subsystem. The feed inlet distributor ensures a horizontal fluid flow path free of transverse surfaces thereby minimizing atomization of liquid droplets entrained in vapor in the feed stream.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for production of benzene lean gasoline by recovery of high purity benzene from a narrow boiling benzene concentrated unprocessed cracked gasoline fraction. The process involves subjecting the feed material to an extractive distillation (ED) operation using an aromatic selective solvent in combination with a co-solvent.

Abstract: A method for cross connecting the lean solvent supply lines between the liquid liquid extraction (LLE) and the extractive distillation (ED) processes thereby using the LLE column as the outlet for removing accumulated heavy hydrocarbons (HCs) and polymeric materials from the solvent loop of both processes to maintain their solvent performance. The unique capabilities of the LLE column in rejecting heavy HCs from the solvent into a raffinate product stream that leaves the system enable the removal of the accumulated heavy HCs and polymeric materials from the closed solvent loop of the ED process when their lean solvent loop are cross connected. Cross connection requires minimum equipment change. In the revamped system, the solvent recovery column (SRC) in LLE process supplies lean solvent for the extractive distillation column while the SRC of the ED process supplies lean solvent for LLE column.

Abstract: Solvent regeneration to recover a polar hydrocarbon (HC) selective solvent substantially free of hydrocarbons (HCs) and other impurities from a solvent-rich stream containing selective solvent, heavy HCs, and polymeric materials (PMs) generated from reactions among thermally decomposed or oxidized solvent, heavy HCs, and additives is provided. A combination of displacement agent and associated co-displacement agent squeezes out the heavy HCs and PMs from the extractive solvent within a solvent clean-up zone. Simultaneously, a filter equipped with a magnetic field is positioned in a lean solvent circulation line to remove paramagnetic contaminants. The presence of the co-displacement agent significantly enhances the capability of the displacement agent in removing the heavy HCs and PMs from the extractive solvent.

Abstract: Embodiments of extraction unit and an analysis method are provided. In one embodiment, the analysis method includes the steps of providing a feed stream and a species-selective solvent to the distillation column, drawing a vapor sample from the distillation column, condensing the vapor sample, and analyzing at least a portion of the condensed vapor sample.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for minimizing a solvent in a raffinate stream of an extractive distillation column. The process can include providing sufficient separation in the extractive distillation column between a reflux stream having an effective amount of water and a stream having an effective amount of solvent. Usually, the reflux stream has no more than about 2,000 ppm, by weight, solvent based on the weight of the reflux stream.

Abstract: Process for the production of a hydrocarbon fraction with a high octane number and a low sulfur content from a hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising at least the following stages: 1) a hydrodesulfurization stage of the hydrocarbon feedstock, and 2) at least one stage for extracting aromatic compounds on all or part of the effluent that is obtained from the hydrodesulfurization stage, whereby said extraction leads to a paraffin-enriched raffinate and an aromatic compound-enriched extract sent to a gasoline pool to improve its octane number, wherein a portion of the paraffinic raffinate can be used in a mixture with the aromatic extract; another portion can be used as a petrochemistry base either for producing aromatic compounds or for producing olefins.

Abstract: An improved solvent regeneration system for extractive distillation and liquid-liquid extraction processes capable of effectively removing heavy hydrocarbons and polymeric materials that otherwise develop in a closed solvent loop. The improved process employs a light hydrocarbon displacement agent, which is at least partially soluble in the solvent to squeeze the heavy hydrocarbons and polymeric materials out of the solvent, with virtually no additional energy requirement. It has been demonstrated that the light non-aromatic hydrocarbons in the raffinate stream generated from the extractive distillation or the liquid-liquid extractive process for aromatic hydrocarbons recovery can displace not only the heavy non-aromatic hydrocarbons but also the heavy aromatic hydrocarbons from the extractive solvent, especially when the aromatic hydrocarbons in the solvent are in the C10+ molecular weight range.

Abstract: An improved solvent regeneration system for extractive distillation and liquid-liquid extraction processes capable of effectively removing heavy hydrocarbons and polymeric materials that otherwise develop in a closed solvent loop. The improved process employs a light hydrocarbon displacement agent, which is at least partially soluble in the solvent to squeeze the heavy hydrocarbons and polymeric materials out of the solvent, with virtually no additional energy requirement. It has been demonstrated that the light non-aromatic hydrocarbons in the raffinate stream generated from the extractive distillation or the liquid-liquid extractive process for aromatic hydrocarbons recovery can displace not only the heavy non-aromatic hydrocarbons but also the heavy aromatic hydrocarbons from the extractive solvent, especially when the aromatic hydrocarbons in the solvent are in the C10+ molecular weight range.

Abstract: Method and device for manufacturing at least one low olefin from an oxygenate-containing first reaction mixture (11) through conversion by a catalyst (20) to an olefin and paraffin-containing second reaction mixture (21) where the second reaction mixture (21) is flowed through a separation system (300), in which one at least one low olefin-containing first product stream (31) and at least one paraffin-enriched fraction (321) is extracted and where the remaining product stream (322) is at least partially recirculated to the catalyst (20).

Abstract: An energy efficient, high throughput process for aromatics recovery can be readily implemented by revamping existing sulfolane solvent extraction facilities, or constructing new ones, so as to incorporate unique process operations involving liquid-liquid extraction and extractive distillation. Current industrial sulfolane solvent based liquid-liquid extraction processes employ a liquid-liquid extraction column, an extractive stripping column, a solvent recovery column, a raffinate wash column, and a solvent regenerator. The improved process for aromatic hydrocarbon recovery from a mixture of aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons requires transformation of the extractive stripping column into a modified extractive distillation column. The revamping incorporates the unique advantages of liquid-liquid extraction and extractive distillation into one process to significantly reduce energy consumption and increase process throughput.

Abstract: Extractive distillation processes whereby water-soluble extractive distillation (ED) solvents are regenerated and recovered employ improved operations of the extractive distillation column (EDC) so that polar hydrocarbons are recovered and purified from mixtures containing polar and less polar hydrocarbons and measurable amounts of hydrocarbons that are heavier than intended feedstock and/or polymers that are generated in the ED process. The improved process can effectively remove and recover the heavy hydrocarbons and/or remove polymer contaminants from the solvent in a closed solvent circulating loop through mild operating conditions with no additional process energy being expended. With the improved process, the overhead reflux of the EDC may be eliminated to further reduce energy consumption and to enhance the loading and performance within the upper portion of the EDC, especially when two liquid phases exists therein.

Abstract: A process for catalytic hydrocarbon recombination is disclosed, in which catalytic hydrocarbons are fractionated at fractionators to fractionate a gasoline fraction and a diesel fuel fraction, an intermediate fraction is drawn; the intermediate fraction or the mixture of the intermediate fraction and the gasoline fraction are treated for aromatic hydrocarbon extraction to get aromatic hydrocarbon fraction and non-aromatic hydrocarbon fraction; the aromatic hydrocarbon fraction are fractionated, and the high octane number gasoline fraction obtained are blended with gasoline fraction to increase the octane number of the gasoline; the non-aromatic hydrocarbon fraction are fractionated, and the diesel fuel fraction obtained are blended with the diesel fuel fraction to increase the diesel fuel output and the cetane number of the diesel fuel.

Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus for removing a contaminant from an aromatic selective solvent. A feed stream comprising an aromatic hydrocarbon and a non-aromatic hydrocarbon is contacted with the aromatic selective solvent in an extractive distillation zone to produce a raffinate stream comprising the non-aromatic hydrocarbon, and a rich solvent stream comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon and the solvent. The rich solvent stream is separated in a second distillation zone to produce an extract stream comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon, and a lean solvent stream comprising the contaminant and the aromatic selective solvent. At least a portion of the lean solvent stream is washed with a non-aromatic hydrocarbon to produce a clean solvent stream, at least a portion of which is passed to at least one of the extractive distillation zone and the second distillation zone.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for minimizing a solvent in a raffinate stream of an extractive distillation column. The process can include providing sufficient separation in the extractive distillation column between a reflux stream having an effective amount of water and a stream having an effective amount of solvent. Usually, the reflux stream has no more than about 2,000 ppm, by weight, solvent based on the weight of the reflux stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing 1-butenic fractions having less than 2000 ppm of isobutene in relation to 1-butene from technical mixtures of C4 hydrocarbons I which contain at least 1-butene and 2000 ppmw to 8% by mass of isobutene based on the 1-butene, with or without n-butane, isobutane and/or 2-butenes.

Abstract: A highly effective liquid-liquid extraction process to remove nitrogen compounds and especially basic nitrogen compounds from aromatic light petroleum oils with excellent recovery employs de-ionized water, which can be acidified, as the extractive solvent. The product is an aromatic hydrocarbon with ultra-low amounts of nitrogen poisons that can deactivate acidic catalysts. The extracted oils are suitable feedstock for the subsequent catalytic processes that are promoted with the high performance solid catalysts, which are extremely sensitive to nitrogen poison.

Abstract: A process for recovering polar hydrocarbons from non-polar hydrocarbons, such as aromatics from non-aromatics, naphthenes from paraffins and isoparaffins, or olefins from paraffins and isoparaffins, in feed mixtures containing at least a measurable amount of heavier hydrocarbons. This improved extractive distillation (ED) process recovers aromatic hydrocarbons including benzene, toluene, and xylenes from the C6-C8 petroleum streams containing a measurable amount of C9+ hydrocarbons. The ED process also recovers benzene and toluene from the C6-C7 petroleum streams containing a measurable amount of C8+ hydrocarbons. The ED solvent utilized to recover and purify the aromatic hydrocarbons from the petroleum stream with a heavier than intended feedstock of hydrocarbons is also regenerated and recovered.

Abstract: A method of deresinating a crude oil comprises contacting the crude oil with a carbon dioxide containing fluid, the crude oil having an initial API gravity and comprising an oil phase, resins, and asphaltenes, and wherein the carbon dioxide containing fluid enters the oil phase of the crude oil in a manner such that the resins and asphaltenes precipitate out of the crude oil such that the final API gravity of the crude oil is higher than the initial API gravity of the crude oil.

Abstract: Process for removing oxygen-containing organic compounds from mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds, in which a liquid phase (1) containing hydrocarbons and oxygenates is charged to a first column (3), a light fraction is separated as top product (5) by distillation, and that a heavier C4+ fraction is removed from the bottom, the light fraction (5) and a gaseous mixture of hydrocarbons and oxygenates (2) is charged to a second column (7), and separated into a light and a heavy hydrocarbon fraction distillation, and an additional solvent (6) is supplied to the upper part of the second column (7), which dissolves the oxygenates and, the solvent and oxygenates being discharged as bottom product (9) and a hydrocarbon product (8), which is free from oxygenates leaves the top of the column (7). The solvent optionally is wholly or partly regenerated and recirculated to the extractive distillation column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process, including removal of resins, for the treatment of a hydrocarbon charge, at least 80% of the compounds of which have a boiling point which is above or equal to 340° C., in which process: the charge is sent to a fractionation stage during which the recovery takes place of at least one heavy fraction and at least one light fraction, at least some of the heavy fraction is sent to an extraction stage during which resins contained in said heavy fraction are extracted, and a purified fraction is recovered, a mixture is made which comprises at least part of the purified fraction which was obtained in the extraction stage and at least one light fraction which was obtained in the fractionation stage, and the mixture thus obtained is sent to a cracking stage.

Abstract: A solvent deasphalting of crude oil or petroleum heavy fractions and residues is carried out in the presence of a solid adsorbent, such as clay, silica, alumina and activated carbon, which adsorbs the contaminants and permits the solvent and oil fraction to be removed as a separate stream from which the solvent is recovered for recycling; the adsorbent with contaminants and the asphalt bottoms is mixed with aromatic and/or polar solvents to desorb the contaminants and washed as necessary, e.g., with benzene, toluene, xylenes and tetrahydrofuran, to clean adsorbant which is recovered and recycled; the solvent-asphalt mixture is sent to a fractionator for recovery and recycling of the aromatic or polar solvent. The bottoms from the fractionator include the concentrated PNA and contaminants and are further processes as appropriate.

Abstract: A continuous process for isolating butenes from a C4 fraction comprising butanes, butenes and other C3-C5-hydrocarbons by extractive distillation using a selective solvent (LM), comprising a first process stage I in a scrubbing zone (E) and a second process stage II in a degassing zone (A), wherein the liquid or a substream of the liquid is taken off from the degassing zone (A) at a theoretical plate located one or more theoretical plates below the feed point for the bottom stream (LM/C4H8) from the scrubbing zone (E), heated and/or vaporized by indirect heat exchange with the hot bottom stream (LM) from the degassing zone (A) and returned to the degassing zone (A) at the same theoretical plate or above this, with the theoretical plate from which the liquid or substream of liquid is taken off being selected so that the total energy requirement in the process stages I and II is minimized, is proposed.

Abstract: It has now been disclosed that by directing the effluent from an oligomerization reactor to a water wash column to remove alcohol modifier from the hydrocarbon stream before sending it to a fractionation column offers flexibility in providing a bottoms product of a desired vapor pressure without increasing the concentration of alcohol modifier in the overhead stream beyond alcohol concentration limits.

Abstract: A process for the producing edible protein-containing meal for human and animal consumption and high quality food grade oils from oil seed using iodotrifluoromathane as the solvent is shown. The meal has a significantly improved level of dietary available (absorbable) protein. The process involves the preparation of protein isolates by a procedure which is conducted at room temperature, thus decreases protein degradation and denaturing which is caused by elevated temperatures. The process also provides for extraction of substantially all oils and fats, which interfere with the formation of the protein micelle, from the protein meal providing a cleaner, purer product with high levels of absorbable protein. Such protein isolates can then be used as such or added to formulated foods in order to increase the total protein content of that food. The protein produced and the oils recovered have compositions which are also unique and unobtainable by prior processing methods.

Abstract: This application relates to a composite solvent for separating aromatics by extractive distillation, comprising a main solvent, a solutizer and a modifier. Said solutizer is selected from any one or mixtures of any two of C8–C11 aromatics having different number of carbon atoms, the content of which is 3–39 wt %, and the number of carbon atoms of the lowest aromatic in the solutizer should be greater than that of the highest aromatic in the aromatics to be separated. When the solutizer is selected from any one of C8–C11 aromatics, the composite solvent contains 0.01–10.0 wt % of the modifier; when the solutizer is selected from mixtures of any two of C8–C11 aromatics having different number of carbon atoms, the composite solvent contains 0–10.0 wt % of the modifier. Said main solvent and modifier are independently selected from sulfolane derivatives, N-formyl morpholine, and N-methyl pyrrolidone, provided that the acidity and basicity of the modifier are opposite to those of the main solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of extracting and concentrating oils from materials in which the oils are already dispersed. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with the extraction of fixed oils or mineral oils from materials using a process of solvent extraction which is performed under elevated pressure and temperature. The solvent medium may be HFC 134a alone, or HFC 134a in combination with a suitable co-solvent which can be determined in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A method of refining a petroleum product to remove aromatics and to separate paraffinic oils and waxes is provided. The method involves the utilization of phase equilibria wherein crystallized or solidified waxes, normally present in the petroleum product, are used to remove oils from a liquid solvent phase containing dissolved aromatics present in the unrefined petroleum product. The wax containing the oils is separated from the aromatic-containing solvent and is further processed to separate the waxes and oils. For petroleum products containing little, if any, wax, additional wax may be added and recycled back for further use in removing oils from the petroleum product. The method has particular application in preparing lubricating oils having a high viscosity index, where the presence of aromatics and wax can be detrimental.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for separating olefins and paraffins from oxygenates in a liquid hydrocarbon stream containing a high proportion of olefins, paraffins and oxygenates (mainly alcohols). Typically, the hydrocarbon stream is obtained from a Fischer-Tropsch process. The organic counter-solvent has a boiling point which is less than the boiling point of the most volatile alcohol in the hydrocarbon stream. A raffinate from the liquid-liquid extractor is passed to a distillation column. A bottoms product from the distillation column comprises olefins and paraffins, and the overhead product comprising solvents is recycled. An extract from the liquid-liquid extractor is sent to a stripping column, where a bottoms product containing pure alcohol is obtained. The overhead product containing counter-solvent is recycled.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of removing dimethyl ether from an olefin stream. Dimethyl ether is removed from the olefin stream by first separating the olefin stream into a first stream comprising dimethyl ether and lighter boiling point compounds, and a second stream comprising C4+ olefin and higher boiling point hydrocarbons. The dimethyl ether is then separated from the first stream using extractive distillation.

Abstract: Indene is produced from an indene-containing coal tar distillate by adding a glycol to the indene-containing coal tar distillate and then conducting azeotropic distillation to obtain an indene fraction while eliminating benzonitrile from the indene-containing coal tar distillate.

Abstract: A process for separating olefins from sulfur-containing hydrocarbons contained in a hydrocarbon feedstock is disclosed and includes contacting the hydrocarbon feedstock with N-hydroxyethyl pyrollidone in a contacting zone, removing at least one olefin overhead from the contacting zone, and removing at least a portion of the sulfur-containing hydrocarbons off the bottom of the contacting zone along with the N-hydroxyethyl pyrollidone.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of removing acetaldehyde, CO2 and/or water from an ethylene and/or propylene containing stream. In this invention, acetaldehyde and C4+ olefins are substantially removed from the ethylene and/or propylene containing stream. The stream is then acid gas treated. The ethylene and/or propylene streams which are separated and recovered according to this invention can be further processed, for example, to make polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

Abstract: An improved process for the recovery of aromatic compounds from a mixture containing aromatic and non-aromatic compounds and method for retrofitting existing equipment for the same is provided. The improved process comprises the steps of recovering aromatic compounds via parallel operation of a hybrid extractive distillation/liquid-liquid extractor operation and variations thereof. Methods of quickly and economically retrofitting existing recovery process equipment for use with the improved aromatics recovery process are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a process for deacidifying a fluid hydrocarbon stream which comprises carbon dioxide (CO2) and/or other acid gases as impurities, the fluid stream is brought into intimate contact with an absorption liquid in an absorption or extraction zone (12), the substantially purified fluid stream and the absorption liquid which is loaded with CO2 and/or other acid gases are separated from one another, and the absorption liquid is subsequently regenerated and then again fed to the absorption extraction zone (12). To regenerate the absorption liquid, the loaded absorption liquid is first expanded in a first low-pressure expansion stage (22) to a pressure of from 1 to 2 bar (absolute). The partially regenerated absorption liquid is then heated in a heat exchanger (20) and then, in a second low-pressure expansion stage (29), again expanded to a pressure of from 1 to 2 bar (absolute).

Abstract: The process disclosed separates light olefins from heavy oligomers in a distillation column with an intermediary having a boiling point between the light olefin and the heavy oligomer in the column feed. The invention contemplates separating C4 hydrocarbons from C8 hydrocarbons in an effluent from an oligomerization reactor. The effluent includes or is supplemented with an intermediary that can include C5 hydrocarbon, C6 hydrocarbon or mixtures of both. Consequently, the bottoms reboiler temperature can be lower.

Abstract: An improved process for the recovery of aromatic compounds from a mixture containing aromatic and non-aromatic compounds and method for retrofitting existing equipment for the same is provided. The improved process comprises the steps of recovering aromatic compounds via parallel operation of a hybrid extractive distillation/liquid-liquid extractor operation and variations thereof. Methods of quickly and economically retrofitting existing recovery process equipment for use with the improved aromatic recovery process are also disclosed.

Abstract: This application relates to a composite solvent for separating aromatics by extractive distillation, comprising a main solvent, a solutizer and a modifier. Said solutizer is selected from any one or mixtures of any two of C8-C11 aromatics having different number of carbon atoms, the content of which is 3-39 wt %, and the number of carbon atoms of the lowest aromatic in the solutizer should be greater than that of the highest aromatic in the aromatics to be separated. When the solutizer is selected from any one of C8-C11 aromatics, the composite solvent contains 0.01-10.0 wt % of the modifier; when the solutizer is selected from mixtures of any two of C8-C11 aromatics having different number of carbon atoms, the composite solvent contains 0-10.0 wt % of the modifier. Said main solvent and modifier are independently selected from sulfolane derivatives, N-formyl morpholine, and N-methyl pyrrolidone, provided that the acidity and basicity of the modifier are opposite to those of the main solvent.

Abstract: Processes for converting C1 to C3 alkanes into high purity C6 to C24 normal alpha olefins and internal combustion engine grade fuels and/or lubricating oils comprising a sequence of fractionation and thermal cracking and/or hydrocracking operations. The C6 to C24 normal alpha olefin fractions generally have a purity of at least about 90 wt. %.

Abstract: Processes for producing a purified conjugated diene comprise feeding a petroleum fraction containing the conjugated diene to an extractive distillation column, feeding an extraction solvent to the extractive distillation column, and extractive-distilling the conjugated diene from the petroleum fraction containing the conjugated diene in the extractive distillation column. The extraction solvent comprises an amide compound, and a heterocyclic aldehyde, aromatic nitro compound or aromatic aldehyde is contained in the extraction solvent within a range of 0.01 to 10 wt. % based on the weight of the extractive solvent. An oxygen concentration in a gas phase of a distillate discharged from the top of the extraction distillation column is controlled to 10 ppm or lower.

Abstract: An improved process for the recovery of aromatic compounds from a mixture containing aromatic and non-aromatic compounds and method for retrofitting existing equipment for the same is provided. The improved process comprises the steps of recovering aromatic compounds via parallel operation of a hybrid extractive distillation/liquid-liquid extractor operation and variations thereof. Methods of quickly and economically retrofitting existing recovery process equipment for use with the improved aromatics recovery process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and a device for separating ethane and ethylene from a hydrocarbon steam-cracking effluent is described. Effluent (1) is absorbed in an absorption column (7) by a cooled solvent (9). At the bottom of the column, liquid phase (12) that contains the solvent and the C2+ hydrocarbons is recovered and hydrogenated (15). The hydrogenation effluent that contains the solvent is introduced into a first distillation column (70) where the solvent is regenerated. The solvent is cooled and recycled at the top of absorption column (7). The C2+ hydrocarbons are collected at the top, and a condensed liquid phase is distilled in a second distillation column (77) to recover a C2 fraction that consists of ethane and ethylene.

Abstract: A method for separating sulfur species from hydrocarbon streams, particularly cracked naphtha streams, using extractive distillation. The method effectively separates sulfur species from cracked naphtha streams without substantially lowering the olefin content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a facility for the production of ultra-pure aromatics with 6 to 8 carbon atoms from a hydrocarbon mixture which consists of at least one aromatic compound, an olefinic compound, a paraffinic compound or a mixture thereof and which contains impurities consisting of water-soluble organic and/or inorganic substances. An extremely high degree of purity of the product obtained by said process can be achieved with regard to impurities in the form of organic or inorganic compounds of the elements sulphur, nitrogen, oxygen and chlorine.