Patent ID: 7070694
Filing Date: 2006-07-04
Classification: B01D,C07C

Abstract:
1. A continuous process for separation of purified products from a fluid mixture by utilization of an integrated distillation and membrane separation apparatus which process comprises: providing a separation apparatus comprising Separating by fractional distillation a feedstock comprising a fluid mixture including a low-boiling point component and a high boiling point component, and thereby provide a vapor stream enriched in the low-boiling point component to the compressor; compressing the overhead vapor, and distributing portion thereof between the heat transfer surface, the reflux condenser, and the membrane device; and Separating from the stream distributed into the membrane device a permeate and non-permeate stream by selective permeation while controlling enthalpy of the distributed stream by controlling temperature thereof, and thereby maintain Membrane Efficiency Index of the non-permeate effluent stream within a range from about 0.5 to 1.5; and directing fluid from the opposite side of the heat transfer surface to the fractional distillation column.