Maximizing Propylene Separation from Propane by Extractive Distillation with Aqueous <i>N</i>‐Methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone as Separating Agent

Abstract

Abstract The separation of polymer‐grade propylene from a propylene‐propane mixture was performed by an extractive distillation (ED) process in the steady state, and was developed on the Aspen Plus V9 simulator, by using an extractive column and a recovery column. To increase the volatility and relative selectivity of propylene, aqueous N ‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) was used as extracting agent. By using an ED process and aqueous NMP, compared with the high‐pressure binary distillation process, a reduction in energy consumption was obtained, with a saving of 52 % in total annual cost.