Optimization of Light Cycle Oil (LCO) Solvent Extraction: Impact of Temperature and Solvent to Feed Ratio

Light cycle oil (LCO) can obtain the characteristics of a good diesel fuel-blending component, if first it has been upgraded. Solvent extraction is a method of choice, mostly due to the process economics. In this work the influence of temperature and solvent to feed ratio (S/F) in LCO extraction with acetonitrile was studied. Detailed composition of the extraction products was assessed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography. S/F ratio found to influence process performance more drastically compared to the temperature. Increase of S/F ratio decreases raffinate yield, while leading to a better product quality. Based on the results of this work, the extraction process can be optimized to achieve the highest possible raffinate yield with adequate properties as diesel fuel component.