Abstract:
Reformate, consisting of chiefly benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX) is
prefractionated and fed to the extractor, where it is contacted against a
falling stream of sulfolane solvent. Undissolved hydrocarbons pass out as
the raffinate phase.
The extract or rich solvent phase is stripped to recover the BTX as top
product. The bottoms are recycled to the extractor. Further processing of
the BTX mixture would yield benzene toluene and xylenes.