GT-BTX™ - Sustainable Aromatics Recovery for a Greener Refining Future

Introduction

Sustainability is now a key performance measure for refiners and petrochemical producers worldwide. Sulzer’s GT-BTX™ technology responds to this challenge by delivering industry-leading aromatics recovery with a focus on minimized environmental impact, energy efficiency, and future-ready compliance. By integrating advanced extractive distillation and proprietary solvent technology, GT-BTX™ not only enhances product yields and profitability but also allows operators to fulfill their environmental and social responsibility commitments.

How GT-BTX™ Advances Sustainability

• Energy Efficiency

  GT-BTX™ has specific energy consumption that’s 20–30% lower than traditional aromatics extraction systems, directly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operational expenses. This efficiency results from its streamlined two-column design and optimized heat integration, and more importantly the top-performing Techtiv solvent, which minimize steam and utility requirements.

• Reduced Solvent and Emissions Profile

  The proprietary Techtiv™ solvent system features exceptionally low circulation and degradation rates, slashing solvent makeup needs, emissions, and waste generation. Techtiv solvent is also non-toxic and eco-friendly, and meet the latest REACH requirement.

• Lower Carbon and Resource Footprint

  With a compact plant footprint, less construction steel, and a simplified process flow, GT-BTX™ ensures low capital intensity and minimal environmental disturbance—from fabrication to decommissioning.

• Producing Cleaner Products

  The process delivers ultra-high purity BTX aromatics (99.9+ wt%), including nitrogen-free benzene. This is critical for downstream applications such as chemical production and catalysts where even trace impurities can have significant negative impacts.

  
  

Real-World Sustainability Impact

• Global Adoption for Cleaner Operations

  Refineries at global scale have adopted GT-BTX™ to enable sustainable production strategies that maximize resource recovery and minimize regulatory risk.

• Supports Flexible, Low-Emission Production

  GT-BTX™ can be rapidly switched or repurposed to suit either cleaner gasoline production or greater petrochemical output, safeguarding plant agility in a low-carbon future.

  
  

Comparison Table: Sustainability Benefits of GT-BTX™

Sustainability Feature	GT-BTX™ Performance
Energy Consumption	20–30% lower vs. conventional extraction units
Solvent Usage	Extremely low consumption, low circulation, non-nitrogen, environmentally friendly
Greenhouse Gas Emissions	Lower utility and energy needs reduce direct CO₂ output
Product Purity	99.9+ wt% aromatics (BTX), nitrogen-free benzene
Plant Footprint	Compact, reduces construction materials and land use
Waste Generation	Minimal, due to low solvent degradation and no waste gas, no waste liquid

Why Choose GT-BTX™ for Sustainability?

• Maximize profits and environmental compliance simultaneously

• Demonstrated real-world reliability and environmental performance globally

• Boost long-term competitiveness under tightening emissions and purity standards

  
  

Conclusion

With GT-BTX™, refineries and petrochemical plants can confidently pursue ambitious sustainability goals without sacrificing profitability or product quality. The technology’s proven environmental track record, energy efficiency, and adaptability make it a cornerstone for the next generation of responsible, high-performance aroma­tics recovery units.