On the integration of jet ejectors into hybrid dehydration processes

Hybrid processes of distillation and membrane separation are considered as promising alternatives to azeotropic and extractive distillation. However, the membrane process, which is basically pervaporation. or vapor permeation, is still a niche operation with a limited number of applications. The relatively high cost of the membrane units, and the lack of long time industrial experience are the main obstacles. Great efforts are being undertaken to improve the membrane properties and to optimize the membrane process. Additional savings in the effective cost of the membrane unit could be achieved by its proper integration into the overall process. In this work, the use of steam jet ejectors as a process integration alternative for hybrid dehydration processes is investigated. Favorable implementation regions arch defined. Advantages and limitations of this modification are discussed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.