GT-BTX™: Unlocking Exceptional Aromatics Recovery in Refineries

Introduction

Modern refineries and petrochemical plants demand advanced, cost-effective ways to maximize the value of every process stream. Sulzer’s GT-BTX™ technology redefines aromatics extraction through innovative extractive distillation with top-performing Techtiv solvent, enabling operators to efficiently recover benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX) from reformate, pyrolysis gasoline (pygas), or coke oven light oil (COLO) while cutting costs and improving sustainability.

Transformative Aromatics Extraction

GT-BTX™ utilizes a state-of-the-art process, sending aromatic-rich feed to the Extractive Distillation Column (EDC), where non-aromatics are separated as raffinate. The BTX-rich fraction is selectively extracted by Sulzer’s proprietary Techtiv™ solvent and routed to the Solvent Recovery Column (SRC). High-purity BTX products are then fractionated downstream, making GT-BTX™ a market-leading solution for aromatics recovery.

Key Features:

• High Extraction Efficiency: Achieve outstanding purity (99.9+ wt%) and recovery rates (>99.9%), generating maximum value from every feedstock.

• Versatility: Handles a wide spectrum of BTX-containing sources (reformate, pygas, COLO) with no special pretreatment required.

• Advanced Solvent Technology: Techtiv™ solvent outperforms any other solvent in the market, delivering superior operating performance, nitrogen-free benzene and lower environmental impact.

• Proven Performance: Reliable operation, quick return on investment, and seamless integration with new or existing units.

  
  

Benefits of Adopting GT-BTX™

• Reduced Capital & Operating Costs: A compact two-column system combining with the proprietary leading-performance Techtiv solvent requires 30–40% less capital and less energy than traditional liquid-liquid extraction units.

• Enhanced Plant Flexibility: Suitable for grassroots designs, revamps, or debottlenecking—ready to boost both new and existing units.

• Environmental Responsibility: Lower specific energy consumption (20–30% less than alternatives), minimal solvent usage, and reduced emissions.

• Superior Product Quality: High-purity benzene, toluene, and xylenes that meet or exceed international petrochemical and refining industry standards.

  
  

Real-World Impact

Refineries worldwide are adopting GT-BTX™ to:

• Increase profitability through superior aromatics recovery

• Meet strict regulatory requirements for product purity

• Minimize environmental footprint with advanced technology

• Streamline operations and maintenance with user-friendly design

  
  

Conclusion

With GT-BTX™, Sulzer empowers refiners and petrochemical plants to unlock the highest value from their process streams. By combining industry-leading recovery with robust cost savings and outstanding sustainability, GT-BTX™ sets a new benchmark for aromatics extraction.