This theoretical study is focused on the process combination of a distillation column and a pervaporation unit located in the side stream of the column. This hybrid membrane process can be applied for the separation of azeotropic mixtures such as acetone, isopropanol and water. Water is removed from the side stream of the column by pervaporation, while pure acetone and isopropanol are obtained at the top and bottom of the column. Detailed simulation studies show the influence of decisive structural parameters like side stream rate and recycle position as well as operational parameters like reflux ratio and mass flow on concentration profiles, membrane area and product compositions.
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