Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the recovery of aromatic extraction solvent from the raffinate phase of aromatic extraction processes. The raffinate phase is washed with water that is obtained in part by condensing a portion of the steam generated for stripping aromatics from the extract phase. The remaining portion of the raffinate wash water is provided by steam from a steam generation zone. The processes are especially useful when the feed contains relatively large amounts of non-aromatics and therefore produces a large raffinate stream. Disclosed solvents include sulfolane-type solvents, polyalkylene glycols, glycol ethers and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An improved process for the extraction of aromatics from a mixed feed provides additional flexibility of operation which is especially useful when the feed contains relatively large amounts of nonaromatics and therefore produces a large raffinate stream. Water for washing the non-aromatic raffinate is obtained in part by condensing a portion of the steam generated for stripping aromatics from the extract.

Abstract: A process for the solvent extraction of aromatic hydrocarbons from a mixture thereof with non-aromatic hydrocarbons, and for the recovery of a non-aromatic fraction substantially free of aromatic hydrocarbons, is disclosed. Said mixture is treated with an aromatic-selective solvent in a first extraction zone to provide an aromatic-rich solvent stream and a non-aromatic raffinate stream. The rich solvent stream is treated in a first solvent recovery zone to provide a high purity aromatic stream and a lean solvent stream. One portion of the lean solvent stream is recycled to the first extraction zone, and residual aromatic hydrocarbons are stripped from the remaining portion. This aromatics-free solvent is then utilized to extract residual aromatics from a fraction of the non-aromatic raffinate to provide a high purity paraffin stream.