2 replies to this topic

[eta_!]

Hello to you all,

I want to use a molecular sieve in unisim for an assignment to separate ethanol from water. Ive used a distillation column but this cant separate further than ~93 % EtOH on mass basis due to the azeotrope. I want to obtain 99,9% pure EtOH. Is that possible with a sieve? I have no experience in that type of unit.

Kind regards,

Willem

[ankur2061]

Willem,

The more effective method of separating ethanol-water mixture is to use membrane separation using a membrane method known as pervaporation, which is particularly useful when trying to separate azeotropic mixtures.

For explanation of "pervaporation" refer the link below:

http://en.wikipedia....i/Pervaporation

Molecular sieves can also be used but the process is energy intensive as per the link provided below:

http://www.ethanolpr...ne-integration/

Another link provided is a research paper on membrane pervaporation:

http://desline.com/articoli/7256.pdf

A link for discussion on molecular sieve for ethanol dehydration can be found at:

http://www.usbcd.com...0414/11161.html


As far as modeling of molecular sieve is considered it can be done by providing it as a splitter in HYSYS as advised in the link provided below:

http://www.cheresour...eve-simulation/

Due to my lack of familiarity with UNISIM, I am not in a position whether molecular sieve can be modeled in UNISIM.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Ankur.

[eta_!]

Dear Ankur,

Thank you very much for your answer and usefull links! This pervaporation method I had not considered.

Kind Regards,

Willem