Process intensification by integration of distillation and vapor permeation or pervaporation - An academic and industrial perspective

Since membrane separations, such as vapor permeation (VP) or pervaporation (PV), are not limited by vapor-liquid equilibrium, their coupling with distillation can exert a synergistic effect, overcome the thermodynamic limits of distillation, and improve energy efficiency, especially suitable for separation azeotropic mixtures that otherwise requires special processes. Therefore, there is an increasing number studies, it great significance to comprehensively explore process integration VP PV. This review first introduces mechanism model materials, then summarizes academic research in terms hybrid configurations PV following aspects: close-boiling mixtures, promoting reactions selectively removing product, savings, providing guidelines subsequent application future research. Finally, this gives typical industrial cases membrane-coupled processes highlights some deficiencies current area.