COURSE OVERVIEW:

Aromatics extraction is a pivotal process in the petrochemical industry, designed to recover high-value benzene, toluene, and xylenes from hydrocarbon streams like reformate or pyrolysis gasoline. This course provides a comprehensive examination of the liquid-to-liquid extraction and extractive distillation technologies used to separate these components from non-aromatic hydrocarbons. It details the molecular interactions and solvent characteristics that make these separations possible, focusing on efficiency and high purity requirements.

The scope of this training covers the entire aromatics recovery complex, from feed preparation to the final purification of individual aromatic isomers. Participants will explore the chemical properties of common solvents such as sulfolane, N-methylpyrrolidone, and glycols, and how these choices affect the design of extraction columns and solvent recovery systems. The course emphasizes the operational logic required to maintain high recovery rates while minimizing solvent degradation and energy consumption in the reboilers.

In addition to base operations, the coverage includes advanced process control and troubleshooting for aromatics units. Topics such as solvent pH control, equipment fouling, and heat integration are addressed to provide a well-rounded understanding of unit maintenance. By analyzing the interaction between the extraction section and downstream fractionation, attendees will gain the expertise to optimize product yields and ensure that the aromatics products meet stringent international market specifications.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1.  Describe the chemical and physical principles of aromatics extraction and recovery.

2.  Evaluate different solvent types and their selectivity for benzene and toluene.

3.  Manage the feed composition and quality to protect the extraction solvent.

4.  Optimize the operation of liquid-liquid extraction columns and extractive distillation units.

5.  Control solvent recovery systems to minimize chemical losses and maintain purity.

6.  Identify the causes and solutions for solvent degradation and acidification.

7.  Regulate the aromatic and non-aromatic separation to maximize recovery efficiency.

8.  Perform mass balances across the extractor and stripper sections.

9.  Implement heat integration strategies to reduce the utility load of the unit.

10.  Diagnose fouling and corrosion issues in solvent-rich environments.

11.  Troubleshoot common upsets such as column flooding and phase entrainment.

12.  Ensure aromatics products meet nitrogen, sulfur, and color specifications.

13.  Develop safe operating procedures for solvent handling and unit turnaround.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Process Engineers, Refinery Planners, Petrochemical Unit Operators, and Technical Managers involved in aromatics production.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.