GT-BTX PluS™ extractive distillation technology

For FCC naphtha high-value upgrading

GT-BTX PluS is Sulzer’s innovative two-column extractive distillation technology that can drop in to the existing FCC naphtha configuration for superior high-quality, high-value product upgrade, including producing benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX) in its petrochemical mode, and highest-spec FCC gasoline with extremely high octane number in its gasoline mode. The two operating modes can be easily switched depending on market requirements.

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BTX & sulfur removal in one step

Recovers aromatics (BTX) and removes sulfur from gasoline in a single process

Premium products from every barrel

Produces high-value, low-sulfur gasoline and aromatics for petrochemicals

Easy, cost-saving integration

Simple to install and run, with lower operating costs and flexible setup

Main benefits

BTX and sulfur removal Simultaneously recovers BTX aromatics and removes sulfur from FCC gasoline streams

Ultra-low-sulfur, highest-octane gasoline Delivers gasoline that meets the strictest environmental regulations with the highest octane number

Enhanced profitability Maximizes value by producing valuable aromatics and/or retaining gasoline octane number and yield

Reduced operating costs Lowers energy and hydrogen consumption compared to other desulfurization processes

Flexible for the market Easily switch between gasoline mode and petrochemical mode depending on market requirements

Key characteristics

Two-column system: Efficient extractive distillation process provides a unique solution with low cost

Flexible operation: One unit with two operating modes depending on market requirement for gasoline or petrochemicals

High efficiency: Proprietary solvent and tower internals provide unmatched performance

Proven performance: Used in commercial applications with proven reliability and results

Easy integration: Easy drop-in unit to the existing FCC naphtha configuration

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Charlie Chou

Global licensing director

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GT‑DWC is a unique distillation technique called dividing wall column, that produces three or more purified products in a single tower that otherwise in conventional way is done by 2-3 columns in series.

A vertical wall splits typically the mid‑section into two functional zones so the column can pre‑fractionate the feed on one side while the other side refines the middle cut (heart‑cut) from the top and the bottom cuts. Compared with a conventional in-series distillation columns, this integrated column reduces investment by half of the equipment count, and its internal arrangement reduces remixing that lower the utility consumption as well.

When comparing with the normal column with a side draw, GT-DWC produces the heart‑cut where it is most concentrated with contamination from top & bottom products, and achieves the same (or better) product specs as by the multi-column system.
A two‑column sequence inevitably wastes duty by splitting and then remixing components between shells, causing thermal inefficiency that drives up utility consumptions for reboiling and condensing. GT‑DWC® consolidates that work inside one shell, so the separation is done once without such thermal inefficiency, with one reboiler and one condenser. That means fewer separation efficiency losses, lower internal flows, and smaller overall duty. Where applicable, GT-DWC typically provide 20-30% energy saving comparing with two-column system with the same or better product separation quality.
Yes. GT‑DWC is often a revamp enabler because it replaces two columns with one shell, freeing plot space and reducing energy consumption. It can also be applied for revamping an existing column with sidedraw to greatly improve the middle heartcut purity/quality that benefit its value and downstream units. Sulzer high-efficiency tower internals and proprietary DWC design are key to guarantee the success of the revamp. Dynamic simulation is used to validate start‑up/shutdown procedures as well as the feed variation to prove controllability within your existing utility envelope.
Sulzer supplies the full set of trays or structured packings, along with distributors, collectors, and when needed, custom wall hardware. The internals are engineered to maintain pressure balance and uniform liquid/vapor distribution on both sides of the wall—this is critical to prevent maldistribution, channeling, or cross‑leakage that can degrade efficiency. Selection (trays vs. packing) depends on capacity, turndown, fouling tendency, and pressure drop targets; our design team sizes distributors/redistributors and sealing elements to keep performance stable across the operating range.
Yes. A single shell creates a clean condenser ↔ reboiler pairing that a heat pump can bridge: the overhead releases heat while condensing; VoltaSplit™ lifts that heat to the reboiler temperature replacing a large share of steam with electricity and reusing condenser heat that would otherwise be rejected.
GT‑DWC excels when there is a meaningful middle cut (heart‑cut) to recover, and when the alternative would be a two‑column arrangement. Typical examples include aromatics heart‑cuts, naphtha splitter, reformate splitter, iso/normal-separation column, and light/medium hydrocarbon fractionations where three product slates are needed. As a rule of thumb, if your feed has a clear light, middle, and heavy region—and the middle product purity/yield matters—GT‑DWC is a strong candidate.
We pair a standard temperature/reflux control structure with additional loops to maintain vapor/liquid splits around the dividing wall. It ensures high controllability, and robust operation even facing the feed variation. Dynamic simulation is used to test disturbances (feed swings, utility changes) and to finalize startup/shutdown sequences before commissioning.