Solvent recovery intelligently engineered
Combining specialist expertise with advanced plant engineering capability, integrated membrane systems are developed for sustainable solvent recovery across the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, fine chemicals and bioethanol industries, delivering measurable reductions in operating and energy expenditure.
More than membranes: complete system solutions
- Holistic expertise: We do not supply merely membrane modules; complete separation systems are designed, planned and implemented, precisely aligned with each individual process, from initial analysis through to commissioning and ongoing support.
- Measurable results: Our systems have been proven to reduce customer operating costs and energy consumption.
- Research that delivers impact: Research does not end in the laboratory. New findings in separation technology are transferred directly and reliably into industrial application.
Areas of application
Pharma and life science
Maximum purity and full GMP compliance are essential. Engineered separation solutions are designed to consistently meeting product quality and validation requirement.
Bioethanol
Membrane separation technology significantly reduces energy consumption during final dehydration, directly enhancing overall plant efficiency.
Fine chemicals
Water and solvents forming an azeotrope are selectively separated, thereby increasing yield and process performance.
Solvent recovery
Solvent waste is transformed into a valuable resource. Advanced systems enable efficient recovery, helping to close the loop within a sustainable materials cycle.
Are separation processes reaching their limits?
Conventional separation processes such as distillation are often energy-intensive and require a complex set-up. The result can be high operating expenditure and considerable capital investment. In particular, when treating azeotropes or close-boiling mixtures, achieving the required purity in an economically viable manner can be challenging.
The solution: intelligent membrane technology
The core technologies — pervaporation and vapour permeation — separate mixtures at molecular level.
- Reduce energy costs by up to 50 per cent, as it is not necessary to evaporate the entire feed volume.
- Protect product by performing separation processes with low residence times.
- Simplify processes by replacing distillation columns with a single, compact membrane system.
- Increase process reliability with robust, proven equipment designed for continuous industrial use.
Our solutions
Consulting
Every application is unique. Each specific challenge is analysed carefully and feasibility is assessed in close collaboration with the user.
Research
Whether conducted in the laboratory or through pilot trials on site, testing with process streams provides a robust and reliable basis for decision-making.
Development
From individual membrane units to complete turnkey plants, reliable systems integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructure.
Service
Support continues well beyond commissioning. Maintenance assistance, spare parts supply and long-term performance optimisation ensure sustained plant efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
What distinguishes pervaporation from conventional distillation?
Distillation separates substances according to differences in boiling point, requiring the evaporation of a substantial proportion of the liquid and therefore significant energy input. Membrane technology — particularly pervaporation — selectively separates individual components at molecular level, consuming considerably less energy. When separating azeotropes, where distillation often proves ineffective, the technology demonstrates its full capability.
Is a membrane system more expensive than traditional distillation?
Capital investment may be comparable or even lower. However, total cost of ownership (TCO) remains the decisive factor. Owing to substantial energy savings and improved process efficiency, systems typically achieve rapid payback. A detailed financial assessment can be provided for the specific application.
Does DeltaMem only supply the membranes or the complete system?
The focus lies in the development and delivery of complete, ready-to-operate systems. While the membrane forms the heart of the process, it is the intelligent integration of all components that ensures success. Comprehensive support is provided throughout every stage.
For which mixtures of substances and concentrations is pervaporation suitable?
Core expertise lies in the dehydration of organic solvents and the separation of organic mixtures. The technology is particularly effective in the treatment of azeotropes and in removing water down to the low-ppm range. Further discussion of specific applications is welcomed.
Contact
Let us begin with the challenge at hand.
For a specific separation requirement and a cost-effective solution, direct discussion with the expert team is encouraged. Technical enquiries are welcomed.