Apparatus for Removing a Contaminant from a Solvent Separation Process

An apparatus for removing a contaminant from a solvent separation process comprising:

• (a) an extractive distillation zone;
• (b) a feed conduit providing fluid communication to the extractive distillation zone;
• (c) a solvent conduit providing fluid communication to the extractive distillation zone;
• (d) a raffinate conduit providing fluid communication from the extractive distillation zone;
• (e) a rich solvent conduit providing fluid communication from the extractive distillation zone to a second distillation zone;
• (f) an extract conduit providing fluid communication from the second distillation zone;
• (g) a lean solvent conduit providing fluid communication from the second distillation zone to a lean solvent washing zone;
• (h) a washing fluid conduit providing fluid communication to the lean solvent washing zone;
• (i) a clean solvent conduit providing fluid communication from the lean solvent washing zone to at least one of the extractive distillation zone and the second distillation zone;
• (j) a by-product conduit providing fluid communication from the lean solvent washing zone to a by-product washing zone;
• (k) a second solvent conduit providing fluid communication to the by-product washing zone;
• (l) a second by-product conduit providing fluid communication from the by-product washing zone;
• and
• (m) an aqueous solvent conduit providing fluid communication from the by-product washing zone.