(63e) Membrane Based Separations in Petrochemical Industry: Looking Back, Looking Forward

The dual-challenge of providing affordable and reliable energy while reducing environmental impacts is especially relevant in petrochemicals manufacturing where thermal processes still account for ~45% of energy consumption. Specifically, organic liquid mixture separations are considered to be significantly more challenging than aqueous and gas separations due to the combination of high chemical, physical and often thermal constraints put on the membranes. ExxonMobil and Grace successfully commercialized the first large scale organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) technology, Max-Dewax^TM for lube oil dewaxing in 1998. Key technical features of the technology that led to its successful commercial operation are highlighted. Over the last 20+ years, homogenous catalyst recovery and solvent purification applications have also been developed and deployed.

In spite of the recent progress, organic liquid separation membranes are still considered ‘emerging’ while its cousin - gas separation membranes have enjoyed a relatively broader success in the petrochemical industry. Critical challenges in their commercialization are discussed and identified to be somewhat contrary to commonly held beliefs. We highlight key developments made by ExxonMobil and its collaborators in further progressing this emerging area of membrane science.