SEPARATION OF PYRIDINE WATER SOLUTIONS USING PERVAPORATION

Studies were performed on the separation of pyridine/water solutions u sing pervaporation. Organic permeation experiments were performed usin g a 'silicalite'-filled silicone composite membrane. Effects of feed c oncentration, feed temperature, and permeate side pressure were examin ed. Benchmark conditions of 5.0 wt% pyridine, 50 degrees C, and 2 torr were chosen. At the benchmark conditions, an organic selectivity of 3 4 and a permeate flux of 0.428 kg/m(2) . h was achieved. An increase i n feed concentration caused an increase in both the permeate concentra tion and flux, but caused a decrease in the selectivity. Also, permeat e compositions far exceeded standard vapor-liquid equilibrium. Tempera ture had an Arrhenius-type relationship with regard to flux, but had n o effect on the selectivity. Increasing the permeate pressure caused a steady decrease in permeate flux and also decreased the permeate comp osition and selectivity.