Patents
A process for the extraction of aromatics from aromatic-rich petroleum streams. The invention relates to an improved process for the extraction of aromatics from aromatic-rich petroleum streams. In this process, aromatics are extracted from aromatic-rich petroleum stream such as heavy naphtha, kerosene and gas oil range petroleum fractions using polar organic solvent and further re-extracting the extract phase with C6-C7 paraffinic solvent. Refinery-cut light naphtha is used as re-extraction solvent. The unique process of this invention provides feasibility to dearomatize three feedstocks of different boiling ranges using an eco-friendly solvent N-methyl-pyrrolidone in the same unit using block-out operation.