The CST composition considered for this study is given in Table . All columns were modelled using Aspen's rigorous RadFrac blocks, with initial estimates of column specifications obtained from Aspen's DSTWU shortcut block. For each column a pressure drop of 0.0069 bar (=0.1 psi) per stage was assumed, as commonly done in the literature. Heat integration was not The process models for steps I -VI were constructed in separate Aspen Plus simulation files to ensure quick model convergence. All simulations were based on the experimental data sets summarised in Table . Data gaps were supplemented with literature data. Where appropriate, experimental reactor and separation technologies were adopted in the scaledup process models. Elsewhere, bench-scale technologies were substituted with unit operations more suitable for large throughputs. Where required, Aspen Plus simulations were supplemented with external modelling calculations in MS Excel. To simulate continuous operation of the overall process, simulations of process steps I to VI were run in sequence by manually transferring stream specifications of connecting intermediate flows. Plant-wide heat integration was not considered. The developed process flowsheet is given in Figure . A detailed description of the process models constructed for each process step is provided in SI Sections S3.2 -S3.7.