Prediction of New Distillation-Membrane Separation Integrated Process with Potential in Industrial Application

Abstract

In this paper, a new integrated distillation-membrane separation process solution strategy based on genetic programming (GP) was established for azeotrope separation. Then, a price evaluation method based on the theory of unit membrane area was proposed. This method makes the membranes, which are still in the experimental stage, have no actual industrial cost, as a reference can also be used in this experimental study. For different characteristics and separation requirements of various azeotropic systems, the solution strategy can be matched with difference pervaporation membranes, and the optimal distillation-membrane separation integrated process can be solved quickly and accurately. Taking methanol-toluene as an example, the separation operation was optimized by using the algorithm. The effects of different feed flows and compositions on the modification of the chitosan membrane were discussed. These results provide a reliable basis for the prospects for development and modification direction of membrane materials which are still in the experimental research stage.

Optimization Design and Evaluation of the Industrial Distillation‐Membrane Separation Process

“…This paper refers to the membrane separation model established by Han et al [18] to replace the previous working fluid membrane model [19].…”

“…Based on previous studies, this paper proposes an integrated distillation separation strategy [15][16][17] based on a genetic programming (GP) algorithm, applying it to the downstream separation and optimization process of MMA refining and ABE fermentation. The downstream separation of MMA refining and ABE fermentation is designed and optimized, considering the total annual cost (TAC) as the economic index and the harmful exhaust gas emission as the environmental impact index.…”

Comparison among various configurations of hybrid distillation–membrane setups for the energy efficiency improvement of bioethanol distillery: a simulation study

“…However, there are some general rules of thumb which can be used to estimate the cost associated with the membrane module. It is generally accepted that ceramic membranes are 5 to 10 times more expensive than polymeric membranes 37‐40 . The cost of a composite membrane containing both ceramic and polymeric fragments would depend on the percentage of each fragment.…”

“…By considering these limitations, the capital investment for the membrane module is estimated using the general price range which is $50 to $120 per square meter for polymeric membranes and $500 to $1200 per square meter for ceramic membranes. To get better estimates, $120 and $1200 are used for polymeric and ceramic membranes, respectively, which represent the highest values typically found in the literature 37‐40 . The cost of composite membranes containing both inorganic and organic fragments is calculated by taking the weight average of unit prices of both fragment types.…”