SPLIT-SHELL RAFFINATE COLUMNS AND METHODS FOR USE IN CONTINUOUS ADSORPTIVE SEPARATION PROCESSES

摘要

A split-shell column includes a raffinate column portion for separating a raffinate material from a desorbent material and a desorbent rerun column portion for separating heavy contaminants from the desorbent material. A feed to the desorbent rerun column portion is provided from the desorbent material in the raffinate column. The desorbent rerun column portion occupies a portion of a lower end of the split-shell column and is thermally separated from the raffinate column portion.