Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for separating aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons by extractive distillation. A solvent is mixed with the aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons. A first separation column separates non-aromatic hydrocarbons from the solvent and the aromatic hydrocarbons. A second separation column separates the aromatic hydrocarbons and the solvent. A side draw stream from the second separation column is used to heat the feed stream to the first separation column. A bottom stream from the second separation may be used to heat the liquid in the first separation column. A stab-in reboiler may be used to transfer heat from the bottoms stream to the liquid in the first separation column.

Abstract: A solvent stripping process has been developed for separating the pyrolysis oil in an extracted phase feed stream from an organic solvent used for extraction. The process involves using a stripping solvent to strip the organic solvent from the pyrolysis oil in a stripping column. The stripping column bottom stream comprising the pyrolysis oil and part of the stripping solvent can be separated into a vapor stream comprising the stripping solvent and a liquid stream comprising the pyrolysis and a portion of the stripping solvent. The stripping column overhead stream comprising the stripping solvent and the organic solvent can be separated in a recovery column into a recovery column overhead stream comprising the stripping solvent and a recovery column bottom stream comprising the organic solvent.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a feed stream into product streams. The apparatus includes an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section. The middle section has a dividing wall separating it into two portions. A liquid barrier blocks the flow of liquid from the upper section into the middle section and allows vapor to flow from the middle section to the upper section. A vapor and liquid barrier blocks both the flow of both vapor from the lower section to the middle section and the flow of liquid from the middle section to the lower section. Vapor conduits allow vapor to flow from the lower section to each of the middle portions in varying amounts. Also processes for separating a feed stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a feed stream into product streams. The apparatus includes an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section. The middle section has a dividing wall separating it into two portions. A liquid barrier blocks the flow of liquid from the upper section into the middle section and allows vapor to flow from the middle section to the upper section. A vapor and liquid barrier blocks both the flow of both vapor from the lower section to the middle section and the flow of liquid from the middle section to the lower section. Vapor conduits allow vapor to flow from the lower section to each of the middle portions in varying amounts. Also processes for separating a feed stream.