Reactive Separation Processes

Reactive separation processes are unique in that they combine the normally disjuct unit operations of reaction and separation into a single, simultaneous operation. The advantages of such technology are principally in energy and capital cost reductions, as well as in increased reation efficiency. Additionally, reactive separaion is sometimes the only method by which to effect a separation when conventional means such as distillation or extraction are not applicable. As one knows, absorbtion and reaction have been practiced commercially for decades. However R & D activities relating to other areas of reactive separation concepts are not fully explored until the late 1970s and 1980s. During this period, commercial applications of reactive distillation processes for methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and methly acetate manufacture were introduced. Currently, many other applications using catalytic distillation are commercialised. In the oxygenated fuel market, for example this technology is available for the reaction of simple alcohols with light tertiary olefins. This book is intended for anyone with a scientific background and an interest in the field of reactive separations. The simple and clear descriptions combined with illustrated examples will help those inexperienced with the subject matter to easily comprehend the technical information. The book should therefore serve as a useful reference for chemical engineers and chemists as-well-as business managers familiar with reations and separations. This book is the first to document and summarise the available inf ormation on all six known areas of reactive separation: reaction/adsorption, reaction/membrane, and reaction/crytallisation. Its structure places emphasis primarily on applications, but fundamental principles and technical considerations in industry are also recognised for each technology. The individual reactive separation processes are illustrated using numerous documented research and development studies which describe their respective applications. This book will offer guidance in problem solving and serve to generate further inventive and novel ideas for industrial application.