Simulation of Aromatic Compounds Extraction from Lube Cut in Rotating Disc Contactor

In this investigation, the liquid-liquid extraction process of aromatics from SAE 30 lube oil by furfural using the calculated physical properties (density, specific gravity, and refractive index) of pseudo-component (paraffinic, naphthenic, and aromatic) and the NRTL parameters has been studied. The extraction temperature (328, 338, and 348 °K) and the solvent to feed volume ratios (1, 4, and 7) were examined in order to determine their optimum values. The modeling results demonstrated that by increasing the solvent to feed ratio and the extraction temperature, the weight percentage of furfural and the yield of raffinate phase decrease. The accuracy of the model was checked by simulating single-stage extractions using ASPEN HYSYS. Good agreement was found between predicted and experimental values of yield, furfural content, composition, and physical properties for raffinates and extracts. The maximum errors between calculated values and industrial values of pseudo-component contents are less than 2%.