(214c) Developing Intensified Separation Processes for the Industry

Distillation is a powerful separation and purification method. Combined with other technologies such as heat pump, pervaporation or melt crystallization, improvements can be obtained in heat conservation and capital expenditure. Further properties such as product color can be optimized. These innovative solutions feature advantages but bear however higher risks. For the engineer in charge of the design process intensification is of interest when fully understood and proven. The mitigation of the uncertainty can be achieved with careful simulation, validation in pilot testing and experience. Recent examples from the industry will be presented. The use of heat pump for the concentration of hydrogen peroxide diminishes its large energy demand. Azeotropes such as ethanol with water can be crossed thanks to the use of membranes in pervaporation steps. And the quality of lactide can be greatly improved by combining distillation and melt crystallization.