Full process simulation and critical parameter optimization were performed on sulfolane extractive distillation (ED)

based on sulfolane/arene phase equilibrium data and NRTL-RK thermodynamic method. With consideration of multiple variables and their interactions

a coordinative optimization strategy was further proposed from iterative optimization of local coupling parameters. In order to improve modeling accuracy

missing parameters in NRTL-RK database were augmented through literature data regression and Aspen Plus property estimation. At given separation specifications

energy consumption and separation efficiency were simulated through adjusting critical operating parameters. The results show that when extractive distillation column (EDC) and solvent recovery column (SRC) were operated at pressure of 0.17 MPa and 0.05 MPa

respectively

the optimum EDC operating conditions were lean solvent temperature at 100℃ and feed location of saturated crude vapor at 50th stage whereas the optimum SRC operating conditions were reflux ratio at 0.33

feed location at 6th stage

and stripping water load at 2853 kg·h-1. After optimization

energy saving is significant with minimum heat consumption reduced from 1.158 GJ·t-1 to 0.802 GJ·t-1.