Comparison of solvent?based affinity separation processes using <scp>C</scp> yrene and <scp>S</scp> ulfolane for aromatic/aliphatic separations

BACKGROUND Vapor–liquid and liquid–liquid equilibria of unsaturated saturated hydrocarbons with the bio-based solvent dihydrolevoglucosenone, trademarked as Cyrene, have been reported recently, aiming at utilization in extraction (LLX) extractive distillation (ED). In this work, for a model system comprised methylcyclohexane (MCH) toluene (TOL), both LLX-based ED-based processes were compared over wide range compositions based on simulations AspenPlus V10. An economic evaluation total annual costs was performed, using Cyrene equivalent industrial benchmark Sulfolane. RESULTS absence literature data Sulfolane–MCH–TOL, additional extractions done to facilitate parameter estimation simulation. The Cyrene-based ED process found be more efficient than Sulfolane-based process, primarily lower (<50 mol%) TOL feed concentration, but also higher concentrations. For LLX purposes it that economically least attractive, due larger miscibility region hydrocarbon mixture. CONCLUSIONS overall conclusion specific binary mixture is Sulfolane most concentration <30 mol%, while >30 mol% economic. This analysis showed an appropriate alternative entrainer separate aromatics aliphatics. © 2021 Authors. Journal Chemical Technology Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd behalf Society Industry (SCI).