Computer-Aided Model-Based Design and Analysis of Hybrid Membrane Reaction-Separation Systems

Abstract

Hybrid processes involve combinations of at least two unit operations, which may be same or different and offer opportunities for improvements in terms of process performance, flexibility, and better utilization of resources. In many hybrid processes, one of the operations is membrane based. In this chapter, two computer-aided model-based frameworks are presented - one deals with the design issues related to the single membrane-unit while the other deals with the integration issues. The two frameworks have several models, methods, and tools that are common and provide computer-aided environments through which the available collection of databases, models, methods, and tools can be employed for synthesis, design, and analysis of single membrane-based operations and/or hybrid process schemes. The synthesis, design methods for the single membrane-based operation and hybrid process schemes are based on the define and match reverse (design) approach where a set of design targets are first established followed by identification of feasible designs matching these targets. Application of the framework is illustrated through two case studies involving a reaction-separation hybrid system (where a membrane-based operation has been combined with a reactor and evaluated in different ways). Also, a conceptual case study highlighting the work flow and data flow during the design of a general membrane-based operation is presented.