METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR STEAM ADDITION TO A REBOILER COUPLED TO AN EXTRACTIVE DISTILLATION COLUMN FOR IMPROVED EXTRACTIVE DISTILLATION

Methods and apparatuses for extractive distillation using internal addition of steam to an extractive distillation column from a reboiler are described herein. The apparatuses include an extractive distillation column a reboiler (for example a kettle reboiler) coupled to the extractive distillation column and a steam input line. The steam input line is coupled to an internal steam sparger device of the reboiler. Methods utilizing the apparatuses to perform extractive distillation of a hydrocarbon feed stream are also described herein