PERVAPORATION FOR THE SEPARATION OF METHYL ETHYL KETONE FROM BINARY-PROCESS MIXTURES

The separation of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) from binary process mixtur es containing water and ethanol has been examined. These studies demon strate the capability of pervaporation membranes to effectively separa te MEK from various process streams in industry. Extensive organic per meation studies were performed using silicone composite membranes to e valuate the effect of temperature, permeate-side pressure, and feed co ncentration on flux and selectivity. Two organophilic membranes, a hig h selectivity low flux membrane and a low selectivity high flux membra ne, were compared. Dehydration of a MEK-water mixture was also effecti vely performed with a polyvinyl alcohol composite membrane. MEK was se parated only slightly from an ethanol mixture using a silicone membran e.