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 rel atively high cost of the membrane units, and the lack of long time industri al experience are the main obstacles. Great efforts are being undertaken to improve the membrane properties and to optimize the membrane process. Addi tional 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 dehyd ration processes is investigated. Favorable implementation regions arch def ined. Advantages and limitations of this modification are discussed. (C) 20 02 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.