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Abstract

A process for separating an aromatic from a mixture containing also nonaroma includes distilling off the nonaromatics from the top of the extractive distillation column as a top product, drawing the aromatic and selective solvent from the extractive distillation column and subsequently separating the selective solvent from the aromatic in a separator column. The extractive distillation column is provided with a separate top product distillation column for recovery of a selective solvent residue from the separated nonaromatics. The entry hydrocarbon mixture is heated prior to admission to the extractive distillation column by an indirect heat exchange with selective solvent drawn from the separator column and heated to a temperature of from 130.degree. to 150.degree. C. The heated entry hydrocarbon mixture is depressurized to form a liquid phase and a vapor phase and these phases are separately fed into the extractive distillation column, the vapor phase entry point being below the liquid phase entry point. The distillation conditions in the top product distillation column are adjusted so that a sump product is obtained with a solvent content of 1.5 to 2.5% by weight. The sump product of the top product distillation column is fed back into the extractive distillation column to provide a reflux to the top of the extractive distillation column.

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