GT-BTX®

Technology LicensingCapturing Aromatic Value from Process Streams

Engineered to Innovate®

GT-BTX®Technology Licensing

Engineered to Innovate

GT-BTX®: Aromatics Recovery Using Extractive DistillationGT-BTX® is an aromatics recovery technology that uses extractive distillation to remove benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) from re� nery, petrochemical or coke oven aromatics streams such as catalytic reformate, pyrolysis gasoline or coke oven light oil (COLO). With lower capital and operating costs, simplicity of operation, a wider range of feedstock and solvent performance, extractive distillation is superior to conventional liquid-liquid extraction processes. Flexibility of design allows use for grassroots aromatics recovery units, debottlenecking, or expansion of conventional extraction systems.

GTC’s GT-BTX process is a result of extensive testing of extractive distillation solvents and blends. Our experience indicates that certain combinations of solvent components enhance extraction performance. Co-solvents also provide an additional parameter for the optimization of unit performance (e.g., stability, mass transfer e� ciency). � e GT-BTX process utilizes the Techtiv-100 extractive distillation solvent which provides optimum extractive distillation performance.

GT-BTX process has no special feed preparation requirements and is capable of handling a wide-range (BTX) feedstock while producing very high aromatics purities (99.99 wt.% plus) at high recoveries (99.9 % plus).

Process Overview� e � ow scheme of the GT-BTX process consists of two columns: an extractive distillation column (EDC) and a solvent recovery column (SRC).

Since the basic separation in the GT-BTX process is achieved by distillation, the operation of the unit is very simple and intuitive. Control of the main process parameters are achieved in a manner similar to that of a regular distillation column.

Hydrocarbon feed is preheated with hot circulating solvent and fed at a mid-point into the EDC. Lean solvent is fed at an upper point and selectively extracts the aromatics into

the tower bottoms in a vapor/liquid distillation operation. � e non-aromatics hydrocarbons exit from the top of the column. A portion of the overhead stream is returned to the top of the column as re� ux, which washes back any entrained solvent.

Rich solvent from the bottom of the EDC is routed to the SRC, where the aromatics are stripped overhead. � e SRC is operated under a vacuum to reduce the boiling point at the bottom of the column.

Lean solvent from the bottom of the SRC is passed through a heat exchanger before returning to the EDC. A small portion of the lean circulating solvent is processed in a solvent regeneration step to remove heavy decomposition products.

� e SRC overhead mixed aromatics product is routed to the puri� cation section, where it is fractionated to produce chemical-grade benzene, toluene and xylenes.

Advantages� e bene� ts of extractive distillation, particularly those highlighted by GT-BTX technology, may be summarized as follows:

• Simple two-column ED system which requires 30-40 percent lower capital cost than conventional liquid-liquid extraction systems

• Carbon steel construction throughout

• Smaller plot requirement than other systems

• Lower solvent inventory that further reduces investment requirement

• Solvent blend exhibits highest selectivity among all others in commercial use. Solvent properties allow wide boiling range materials (C5- C9) to be fed into unit, with varying aromatics content

• A short time is required to stabilize unit (few hours vs. few days with liquid-liquid extraction systems)

• Lowest speci� c energy consumption (20-30 percent less than others)

GTC Technology 900 Threadneedle St., Suite 800 Houston, Texas 77079 Main +1-281-597-4800 Toll Free +1-877-693-4222inquiry@gtctech.com | www.gtctech.com

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• Very low solvent consumption and circulation rates

• Higher product purity and aromatic recovery

• Insigni� cant fouling compared to liquid-liquid contactors

• � e benzene product from GT-BTX is nitrogen free. Unlike some competing solvents, GTC’s solvent is free of basic nitrogen containing components, which permanently poison the catalyst in many benzene consuming units

Economic Analysis

Engineered to InnovateTo learn more about GTC Technology’s leading-edge technology solutions and the many ways we can help improve your operations and pro� tability, call us today at +1-281-597-4800, e-mail us at inquiry@gtctech.com or visit our Web site at http://www.gtctech.com.

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Ra�nate Aromatics

Lean Solvent

HydrocarbonFeed

Aromatics-rich Solvent

GT-BTX®

An aromatic-rich stream is fed to the Extractive Distillation Column (EDC) in the GT-BTX unit. Non-aromatics are separated and leave the top of

the EDC as ra� nate. Aromatics are extracted in rich solvent and sent to the Solvent Recovery Column (SRC). Lean solvent from the SRC bottom

is recirculated back to the EDC. Extract from the SRC overhead is sent to the fractionation section to produce high-purity benzene, toluene and

xylenes.

Basis 12,000 BPSD reformate or pygas

Erected Cost $15MM (ISBL, 2009 U.S. Gulf Coast Basis)

GTC Technology 900 Threadneedle St., Suite 800 Houston, Texas 77079 Main +1-281-597-4800 Toll Free +1-877-693-4222inquiry@gtctech.com | www.gtctech.com

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+1-281-597-4800 inquiry@gtctech.comwww.gtctech.com

GTC Technology is a global licensor of process technologies and mass transfer solutions with the mission of creating value for our clients. Re� ning, petrochemical and chemical companies around the world rely on GTC’s advanced processes to optimize production capacity and e� ciency. With insightful industry expertise, research capabilities and innovative thinking, GTC solves complex processing problems and has earned a reputation of excellence in designing and delivering high-quality, strategic solutions for clients worldwide. We’re engineered to innovate.

Engineered to Innovate®