1. Backgrounds

Benzene is used to make plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs and pesticides[1].
Toluene is used in oil refining, manufacturing of paints, lacquers, explosives (i.e., TNT) and glues[2].
Biphenyl is used in organic syntheses, heat transfer fluids, dye carriers, food preservatives[3].

[1] https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp#:~:text=It ranks in the top,detergents%2C drugs%2C and pesticides.

[2] https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/chemical/toluene.htm#:~:text=Toluene is found naturally in,glues%2C inks and stain removers.

[3] https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/biphenyl.pdf

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2. Objective

Distillation column BTB has been designed to remove toluene and biphenyl impurities from a predominantly benzene stream. The benzene is the overhead product with the biphenyl in the bottoms. The toluene product is a vapor side draw (stream 3) from the column.

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