Novel Separation Processes using Solvents with a Critical Point of Miscibility

该方案涉及一种新的分离方法， 开发，可以增加一个有价值的和强大的工具， 工艺设计师 它涉及多阶段 逆流分离过程。 其基本思想 该方法的基础是使用溶剂对 都有一个临界点。 通过密切合作， 到临界点，并改变 系统，可以交替地创建两个区域， 溶剂形成均匀溶液，而其它溶剂在其中 分成两个不同的阶段。 这种溶剂已经用于分离，但目前 它们在远离可兼容性临界点的地方使用。 通过 质量在每个部分的临界点上运行， 在混合区中的转移以及聚结过程 是便利的。 这允许具有低强度的设计， 混合，这将是有用的分离，其中有 是由于杂质导致的乳化或起泡的倾向。 它也适用于高分子量的分离 具有低扩散率并因此具有高质量的化合物 转移阻力 这允许一些新颖的设计选项 并将允许目前不允许的分离， 现有溶剂分离在经济上可行 方法. 基本概念已得到证明，一个小专栏已 已经成功运作。 为了应用这些 以有效的方式，更好地了解 需要科学的原则。 这个目标 建议是为了提供理解，以及提供一个 为未来的设计提供更好的科学基础。

This proposal deals with a novel separation process recently developed that could add a valuable and powerful tool to the process designer. It is concerned with multistage countercurrent separation processes. The basic idea underlying the approach is based on using pairs of solvents that have a critical point of miscibility. By operating close to the critical point and changing the temperature of the system, one can alternatively create regions where the two solvents form homogeneous solution and others in which they separate into two distinct phases. Such solvents are already used in separations, but at present they are used far from the critical point of miscibility. By operating across the critical point in each section, the mass transfer in the mixing zone as well as the coalescence process is facilitated. This allows design with low intensity of mixing, and this will be useful for separations in which there is a tendency to emulsification or foaming due to impurities. It is also suitable for separation of high molecular weight compound which have low diffusivities and therefore high mass transfer resistance. This allows some novel design options and will allow separations which are at present not economically feasible with existing solvent separation methods. The basic concept has been demonstrated and a small column has been successfully operated. However, in order to apply these processes in an efficient way, a better understanding of the scientific principles involved is required. The goal of this proposal is to provide understanding, as well as to provide a better scientific base for future design.