Extraction of aromatics from petroleum naphtha reformate by solvent: UNIFAC modelling and optimization of solvent consumption

The phase equilibria for the extraction of aromatics from a petroleum naphtha reformate using a mixed solvent of 1-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone (CHP) and ethylene carbonate (EC) are investigated and modelled using the UNIFAC group contribution method. The extraction runs have been carried out at various temperatures and solvent compositions. Experimental results are compared favourably with those predicted from the UNIFAC method. The solvent power, processing index, solvent selectivity and capacity for aromatic extraction from reformate are predicted successfully.

► Phase equilibria of mixtures for the extraction of aromatics are investigated.
► A mixed solvent of 1-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone and ethylene carbonate are treated.
► The systems are modelled using the UNIFAC group contribution method.