Tools for the Design of Hybrid Distillation–Pervaporation Columns in a Single Unit: Hybrid Rectifying–Pervaporation Section

Abstract

Distillation–pervaporation in a single unit is a novel concept where the pervaporation membrane is located inside the distillation column as a packing bed. In this work, a simplified model, based on phase equilibrium and membrane selectivity, is derived for a DPSU column. The model provides the separation trajectories inside the column, where distillation and pervaporation mechanisms simultaneously occur. A Serafimov’s topological classification (1.0–2), specifically acetone–isopropanol–water, is evaluated. The results show that a feasible separation is achieved with product compositions separated by a distillation boundary. The stationary points are modified as compared to conventional distillation overcoming the distillation boundaries. General aspects of a DPSU column are identified to provide fundamentals in the DPSU column design.