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Huels Butene-1 Separation Process

Raffinate-2 is derived from steam cracker crude C4S by the removal or conversion of butadiene and isobutylene. This Raffinate-2 feedstock can be sent through a Huels Butene-1 Separation process unit to produce high purity butene-1. Butene-1 is most widely used as a co-monomer for polyethylene production (LLDPE and HDPE), and also for polybutene-1 production.

The separation of the different C4 components by fractionation is fairly difficult. A two-column approach is used in the Huels Butene-1 Separation process. The first column removes normal butane and butene-2 in the bottom and sends the butene-1 and light ends overhead. The butene-1 is then taken as the bottoms product in the next column. These columns are rather large, containing approximately 200 trays.

Traditionally, in a large plant each column had to be built with two shells because of their height. Today, thanks to UOP’s MD trays, the columns can fit into one shell, providing you with a significant cost savings. UOP has a proven track record of success in designing and operating these columns.

To find complementary products and services, click on the following links:
Huels SHP-CB Process
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