Simulation and Process Optimization of a Membrane-Based Dense Gas Extraction Using Hollow Fiber Contactors

Supercritical fluid and membrane technology coupling is a relatively new concept applicable to solvent separation and solute extraction. In these processes a hydrophobic or hydrophilic macroporous membrane is used as a two-different-nature solutions contactor. This methodology is an alternative to conventional liquid solution supercritical fluid extraction processes, which are associated with high investment costs. In the present work, a membrane-based supercritical fluid extraction module is modeled, simulated, and optimized as an independent industrial-scale operational unit. UniSim design suite R390 software from Honeywell was used as the platform for the simulation. Acetone and ethanol literature extraction results and methanol experimental extraction results (27.6% to 14.5% with a 10 wt.% aqueous solution; 7.1% to 5.9% with a 500 ppm aqueous solution) were used for validation of the model and definition of the semi-empirical equation parameters. The generated industrial-scale system optimization, whi...