Improved downstream processing of mixtures in process industries

Specific challenge:Current operations for the separation and fractionation of solid, gas and liquid mixtures represent on average 20-70% of the total capital and operating costs for most of the current plants in the process industry. These operations are also very energy-consuming, as they account for up to 45% of all the process energy used, for example, by the chemical and raw materials refining industries. Major improvements of these processes leading to more efficient and cost effective solutions are paramount in achieving a more sustainable European industry.

In this respect, hybrid technologies combining different techniques, such as distillation, membrane permeation, adsorption, extraction, etc. have already been applied successfully to a number of industrial processes. They can provide a cost effective solution to achieve major improvements in separation and fractionation operations, leading to waste reduction, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and improved energy efficiency.

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