Comparison of pervaporation models with simulation of hybrid separation processes

The industrial application of pervaporation as a membrane separation technology is increasing caused by the numerous advantages of this method. However, to complete engineering design, like in the cases of distillation, azeotropic distillation and absorption, reliable and adequate modelling of the process in flowsheeting environment is indispensable. A proper model is especially needed if the more complicated but more economical and environmentally sound hybrid separation methods are designed or investigated.In this study two pervaporation models, the solution-diffusion model of Rautenbach [1] and its developed form [2], are compared and evaluated with computer simulation on the dehydration processes of isobutanol-water and ethanol-water mixtures. Simulations of a hybrid separation method containing pervaporation for the separation of these mixtures are performed, thus proving the importance of using a proper pervaporation model regarding the discrepancies caused by the application of a false model.