Process for solvent extraction of hydrocarbons providing an increased yield of raffinate

A countercurrent extraction process for upgrading a hydrocarbon oil comprising:

• introducing a hydrocarbon oil in an extraction tower for upward passage therethrough, the extraction tower having a plurality of trays and downcomers;
• introducing an aromatic extraction solvent in the extraction tower for downward passage therethrough whereby the oil and solvent are counter currently contacted thereby forming an extract solution, the solvent containing about 0.1 to about 10 LV% water;
• injecting water upwardly into the extraction tower in the direction of a downcomer at point below that at which the extraction solvent is introduced, the injection being at a velocity in the range of about 0.5 to about 3 ft/sec in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 10 LV% based on the amount of extract solvent being processed.