Abstract: A process for the recovery of aromatic hydrocarbons and a non-aromatic raffinate stream from a hydrocarbon charge stock is disclosed. The hydrocarbon charge stock is treated with an aromatics-selective solvent to provide an aromatics-rich solvent stream and a non-aromatic raffinate stream. The aromatics-rich solvent stream is treated in a stripper column at conditions to separate substantially all of the non-aromatic hydrocarbons therefrom. The rich solvent stream is subjected to steam stripping to provide a high purity aromatics stream and an aqueous stream comprising the steam condensate and residual aromatics. This aqueous stream is treated with a minor portion of the non-aromatic raffinate to remove the residual aromatics, and the resulting aqueous stream is utilized to wash the remainder of the raffinate free of solvent. The raffinate stream is recovered substantially free of aromatics.

Abstract: A solvent extraction process for separating polar hydrocarbons from non-polar hydrocarbons. The solvent-rich extract phase is introduced into a stripping column through two separated loci; the bottoms from the stripping column, a polar hydrocarbon-containing, solvent-rich stream, is introduced into an upper portion of the solvent recovery column. Polar hydrocarbons in concentrated form are recovered as an overhead stream, a lean solvent stream, virtually free from hydrocarbons, is withdrawn as a bottoms product and recycled in part to the extraction zone, and admixed in part with that portion of the extract phase introduced into the upper of the two separated loci. An internally prepared vaporous stripping medium is introduced into the lower portion of the solvent recovery column.

Abstract: A solvent extraction process for separating polar hydrocarbons from non-polar hydrocarbons. The solvent-rich extract phase from the extraction zone is introduced into a stripping column. The stripper bottoms, being a polar hydrocarbon-containing, first solvent-rich stream, is introduced into an upper portion of a solvent recovery column. A vaporous stripping medium is introduced into a lower portion of the solvent recovery column. A second solvent-rich stream, virtually free from hydrocarbons, is withdrawn as a bottoms product and recycled to the extraction zone, while a hydrocarbon-containing, side-cut third solvent-rich phase is withdrawn, and a portion introduced into the stripping column in admixture with the extract phase. Of the total recovery column solvent-rich streams, the amount commingled with the fresh hydrocarbon feed and introduced therewith into the extraction zone, is from about 5.0% to about 25.0% of the total solvent introduced thereto.

Abstract: A solvent extraction process for separating polar hydrocarbons from non-polar hydrocarbons. The solvent-rich extract phase is introduced into a stripping column, the bottoms from which, being a polar hydrocarbon-containing, solvent-rich stream, is introduced into an upper portion of a solvent recovery column. A first vaporous stripping medium is introduced into a lower portion of the solvent recovery column. A portion of the solvent-rich stream, virtually free from hydrocarbons, withdrawn as a bottoms product, is introduced into a solvent regeneration zone, the remainder being recycled to the extraction zone. A second vaporous stripping medium is introduced into the solvent regeneration zone, recovered with regenerated solvent and introduced into the solvent recovery column as at least a portion of the first vaporous stripping medium.

Abstract: A solvent extraction process for separating polar hydrocarbons from non-polar hydrocarbons. The solvent-rich extract phase from the extraction zone is introduced into a stripping column. The stripper bottoms, being a polar hydrocarbon-containing, solvent-rich stream, is introduced into an upper portion of a solvent recovery column. A first vaporous stripping medium is introduced into a lower portion of the solvent recovery column. A first solvent-rich stream, virtually free from hydrocarbons, is withdrawn as a bottoms product and recycled to the extraction zone, while a hydrocarbon-containing, side-cut second solvent-rich phase is withdrawn and introduced into the stripping column in admixture with the extract phase. At least a portion of one of the first and second solvent-rich streams is commingled with the fresh feed for introduction therewith into said extraction zone.

Abstract: A solvent extraction process for separating polar hydrocarbons from non-polar hydrocarbons. The solvent-rich extract phase is introduced into a stripping column, the bottoms from which, a polar hydrocarbon-containing, solvent-rich stream, is introduced into an upper portion of a solvent recovery column. A vaporous stripping medium is introduced into a lower portion of the solvent recovery column. Polar hydrocarbons in concentrated form are recovered as an overhead stream, a solvent-rich stream, virtually free from hydrocarbons, is withdrawn as a bottoms product and recycled to the extraction zone, while a hydrocarbon-containing side-cut solvent-rich phase is withdrawn and introduced into the stripping column with the extract phase.