Abstract
T h e separation of close-boiling hydrocarbons by simple fractionation requires high reflux ratios and a large number of plates, and columns designed for such service a re properly called “superfractionation” units. However, in many instances, the principle of solvent or extractive distillation may be used for ready separation of key components whose relative volatility i s c lose to unity. A proper solvent for extractive distillation must have a considerably higher boiling point than either of the keys and selective affinity for one of these components. In plant operation, the solvent is introduced at the top of the tower and, by i t s selective nature, changes the relative volatility of the feed components to effect an equivalent separation with only a fraction of the trays required by straight distillation. For the hydrocarbon mixtures composed of C, hydrocarbons, furfural has proved very effective, a s evidenced in Tab le I.
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More From: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Chemical & Engineering Data Series
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