Which process does the Sulfolane Unit enhance?

The Sulfolane Unit is specifically designed to enhance the recovery of high purity benzene and toluene. This unit utilizes sulfolane, a solvent that selectively dissolves aromatics while rejecting non-aromatic compounds, making it particularly efficient for separating benzene and toluene from other less desirable components in a mixture. The process is highly effective because sulfolane's unique chemical properties enable it to solvate aromatic compounds well, leading to a high yield and purity of benzene and toluene after extraction.

Other processes in a refinery, such as desulfurization, conversion of heavy hydrocarbons, and the separation of aqueous streams, involve different technologies and methods. For example, desulfurization is focused on removing sulfur from fuel components to meet environmental regulations, and while it is a critical process, it does not directly relate to the capabilities of the Sulfolane Unit. Similarly, the conversion of heavy hydrocarbons typically involves processes like cracking rather than extraction, and separation of aqueous streams usually employs distillation or filtration, distinct from the solvent extraction used in the Sulfolane Unit. Hence, the enhancement of benzene and toluene recovery is the primary focus of this unit.