Reactive separation processes

Abstract

This chapter explains the concept, types and key advantages of reactive separations in comparison to the conventional approach based on unit operations. Reactive separations are integrated operations combining reaction and separation into a single unit that allows the simultaneous production and removal of products. This improves productivity and selectivity, reduces the energy use, eliminates the need for solvents and leads to high-efficiency systems with green engineering attributes. In general, some of these benefits are realized by using reaction to improve separation while others are realized by using separation to improve reactions—the maximum effect being achieved when both aspects are important.