Novel Platform for Hybrid Distillation of Inorganic Acids

78749S Distillation is a very valuable chemical engineering unit operation, but it is both energy and capital intensive. This is especially true when components either form azeotropes or have small relative volatility differences. A hybrid, robust membrane process could eliminate azeotropes and process pinch points. Therefore, this project will develop chemically and thermally stable high flux membranes for use in a hybrid process, which will have application to many distillation problems. Phase I will evaluate HNO3 drying, which is a difficult distillation process as well as a DOE target system. The membrane's ability to complete the difficult distillation separation in an energy and cost effective manner will be demonstrated, as well as the capability for producing the membranes in a cost-effective manner. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Distillation is the largest and most capital and energy intensive unit operation in the chemical industry. The new membranes should be able to reduce energy and capital costs associated with azeotropic distillation and other difficult distillation separations.