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Solvent extraction process involving membrane separation of extract phase and/or intermediate zone phase with pseudo extract/pseudo raffinate recycle, preferably employing interfacially polymerized membranes

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6061776

A method is described for the selective solvent extraction of aromatic hydrocarbons from mixtures of same with non-aromatic hydrocarbons in a hydrocarbon feed stream comprising contacting said hydrocarbon feed stream with a selective aromatics extraction solvent in a solvent extraction zone to produce an aromatics rich extract phase and an aromatics lean raffinate phase passing a side stream comprising a mixed raffinate solution/extract solution which is taken from an intermediate zone of the solvent extraction zone and fed to a membrane separation unit whereby said mixed feed is separated into a solvent-raffinate rich permeate and an extract rich retentate and passing the extract rich retentate to a settling zone where it spontaneously separates into an oil rich pseudo raffinate upper phase which is recovered and into a solvent rich pseudo extract bottoms phase which is recycled to the solvent extraction zone at a point below that at which the side stream was withdrawn.

Assignee:
Exxon Research and Engineering Co., Florham Park, NJ (United States)
Patent Number(s):
A; US 5234597
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-732011
OSTI ID:
6061776
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English