Energy efficient membrane processes for the separation of organic liquids: Part 2: Final report, September 28, 1982--December 31, 1986

The present report demonstrates the use of membrane technology for dehydration processes concentrating on two examples: azeotropic separation of isopropanol-water, and separation of ethanol-water mixtures (starting at 84.5 wt. % ethanol where separation by distillation begins to be progressively more energy intensive). The principles of the membrane separation processes employed in such separations were discussed in Part I of the report. The advantage of the membrane processes is that they do not require the addition of a third component and separation is a continuous process. Pervaporation, perstraction, and air-sweep pervaporation were thoroughly studied for these separations. An urgent need for the identification of the appropriate membrane was realized. This study has revealed that ion-exchange membranes are suited for these separations. Results are discussed. 9 refs., 68 figs., 33 tabs.