Development of a Scale-up Tool for Pervaporation Processes

Abstract

In this study, an engineering tool for the design and optimization of pervaporation processes is developed based on physico-chemical modelling coupled with laboratory/mini-plant experiments. The model incorporates the solution-diffusion-mechanism, polarization effects (concentration and temperature), axial dispersion, pressure drop and the temperature drop in the feed channel due to vaporization of the permeating components. The permeance, being the key model parameter, was determined via dehydration experiments on a mini-plant scale for the binary mixtures ethanol/water and ethyl acetate/water. A second set of experimental data was utilized for the validation of the model for two chemical systems. The industrially relevant ternary mixture, ethanol/ethyl acetate/water, was investigated close to its azeotropic point and compared to a simulation conducted with the determined binary permeance data. Experimental and simulation data proved to agree very well for the investigated process conditions. In order to test the scalability of the developed engineering tool, large-scale data from an industrial pervaporation plant used for the dehydration of ethanol was compared to a process simulation conducted with the validated physico-chemical model. Since the membranes employed in both mini-plant and industrial scale were of the same type, the permeance data could be transferred. The comparison of the measured and simulated data proved the scalability of the derived model.

Modification of highly brittle polystyrene sulfonic acid‐co‐maleic acid crosslinked sodium alginate membrane into flexible membranes by the incorporation of dibutyl phthalate as a plasticizer for pervaporation separation

“…This effect is known to be the coupling between water and organics permeance due to swelling of the membrane. [51] Thus, it can be concluded that DBP incorporated PSSAMA/NaAlg membranes are highly selective toward water.…”

Pervaporation-Assisted Esterification Reactions by Means of Mixed Matrix Membranes

“…Most likely, the high-added value of the produced esters will encourage membrane researchers to carry out further developments in the field. Similarly, the use of PV in the production of other interesting products, such as biodiesel, can also motivate the expansion of its application, even though its implementation, design, scale-up, and optimization represent current challenges …”

“…Similarly, the use of PV in the production of other interesting products, such as biodiesel, can also motivate the expansion of its application, 102 even though its implementation, design, scale-up, and optimization represent current challenges. 113 The design strategies for the development of new nanomaterials (e.g., MOFs) will play a crucial role in the preparation of novel MMMs. For instance, the preparation of dual-purpose materials would be welcome, as these species can also function as a catalyst, making them an efficient tool for process intensification.…”

Accelerating Biologics Manufacturing by Modeling or: Is Approval under the QbD and PAT Approaches Demanded by Authorities Acceptable without a Digital-Twin?

“…Modeling is well established for smaller molecules in the chemical industry by chemical engineering personnel educated and trained in applying those methods. Availability of models and data, either by in-house data-bases or by experimentally standardized setups enable predictive process simulation in order to reduce experimental efforts in process design [47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54].…”