Novel Graphical Design Methods for Complex Membrane Configurations and Hybrid Processes

Shortcut methods for the design and synthesis of separation systems are useful, especially in the conceptual stages of a process design. However, current approaches incorporated in these techniques result in them being suitable for traditional designs only, and unable to manage novel or complex configurations. Using column profile trajectories to describe the compositional behaviour of material in both distillation and membrane sections, it will be shown how any configuration, no matter how complex, can be modelled. With this comes an overall deeper understanding of the operation of the chosen system. As an example, a Petlyuk-type arrangement will be considered – firstly incorporating membrane permeation units as the only means of separation, and then secondly linking membrane units with distillation thereby forming a hybrid. The feasibility of each design is discussed, and compositional regions of feasibility are established, where necessary. Although the nature of column profiles may appear to be complicated, this method allows one to quickly and easily understand complex configurations, thus saving time, money and potentially reducing energy consumption.