Simulation studies of n-heptane/toluene separation by extractive distillation using sulfolane, phenol, and NMP

Abstract

Abstract Simulation studies of n-heptane/toluene system were performed using Aspen Plus. The comparative study of different entrainers: N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP), Phenol, and Sulfolane for separation of this system was done. Sensitivity analysis was carried out to optimize flowsheets. The criteria to determine the appropriate solvent for the said system included, the total cost calculated by the Aspen Process Economic Analyzer, amount of the solvent consumed, cost of the solvent, and purity obtained during the separation process. For the given system, sulfolane was found to be the appropriate solvent.