How are BTX aromatics extracted and separated?

BTX (benzene, toluene, xylenes) extraction from reformate or pyrolysis gasoline: Extraction - uses polar solvents (sulfolane, NMP, tetraethylene glycol) to separate aromatics from non-aromatics based on solubility difference. Extract contains aromatics, raffinate contains non-aromatics. Separation - extractive distillation or liquid-liquid extraction. BTX fractionation - series of columns: benzene column (benzene overhead), toluene column (toluene overhead), xylene column (mixed xylenes to isomers unit). Xylene isomers separation: para-xylene by adsorption (Parex process) or crystallization, ortho-xylene by distillation, meta-xylene by isomerization. Para-xylene most valuable (PTA for PET). Toluene can be converted to benzene or xylenes by disproportionation/transalkylation.