A Bibliometric Survey of Paraffin/Olefin Separation Using Membranes

Abstract

Bibliometric studies allow to collect, organize and process information that can be used to guide the development of research and innovation and to provide basis for decision-making. Paraffin/olefin separations constitute an important industrial issue because cryogenic separation methods are frequently needed in industrial sites and are very expensive. As a consequence, the use of membrane separation processes has been extensively encouraged and has become an attractive alternative for commercial separation processes, as this may lead to reduction of production costs, equipment size, energy consumption and waste generation. For these reasons, a bibliometric survey of paraffin/olefin membrane separation processes is carried out in the present study in order to evaluate the maturity of the technology for this specific application. Although different studies have proposed the use of distinct alternatives for olefin/paraffin separations, the present work makes clear that consensus has yet to be reached among researchers and technicians regarding the specific membranes and operation conditions that will make these processes scalable for large-scale commercial applications.

Ionic Mobility in Ion-Exchange Membranes

“…They are used for gas separation [ 1 , 2 , 3 ], water purification [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ], purification of pharmaceutical drugs and biological fluids [ 8 ]. The number of applications of membrane technologies in the chemical and petrochemical industries [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ], modern energy [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ], and sensorics [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ] has significantly increased. Ion-exchange membranes are one of the most widespread and demanded membrane types [ 5 , 28 ].…”

Selectivity of Transport Processes in Ion-Exchange Membranes: Relationship with the Structure and Methods for Its Improvement

“…There are a number of other technologies in which ion-exchange membranes can also be used. For example, they can successfully compete with porous membranes in the processes of alkenes/alkanes separation [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Undoubtedly, ionic conductivity plays a dominant role in these applications.…”

Recent Progress in a Membrane-Based Technique for Propylene/Propane Separation

“…Generally, the mechanisms of C 3 H 6 /C 3 H 8 separation through membranes can be classified into three categories, as presented in Figure 1 b [ 13 , 41 ]. Polymeric membranes are dominated by a solution-diffusion model, where the adsorbed C 3 H 6 and C 3 H 8 molecules dissolve into the membrane materials and diffuse to the permeate side, driven by a concentration, pressure, or temperature gradient [ 42 ].…”