Hybrid Pervaporation-absorption for the Dehydration of Organics

A novel configuration of pervaporation and vapor permeation processes is introduced. In the suggested process the driving force for permeation is enabled by the absorption of the permeate vapors using a suitable solvent with a low vapor pressure. Thus, the refrigeration needed for condensing the permeate under vacuum can be overcome and cost savings can be achieved. Moreover, very low vacuum pressures can be reached without any permeate freezing limitations. Technical realization of this process can be achieved for organic dehydration processes by integrating the membranes into commercial scale absorption refrigerators or heat pumps with little modification. Preliminary simulations and feasibility investigations for organic dehydration with the suggested process are presented and discussed.