Industrial Plant / Vapour Permeation Units
EFFICIENT VAPOUR DEHYDRATION
If your process already produces solvents in the vapour phase, vapour permeation is the ideal solution. Our systems remove water directly from the vapour stream.
When is vapour permeation the right choice?
The choice of process primarily depends on the physical state of your feed. While pervaporation treats liquid feeds, vapour permeation is the preferred solution when the feed is already in the vapour phase – for example, at the top of a distillation column. Working closely with you, we assess your separation setup to integrate the vapour permeation unit seamlessly into your existing plant.
Simple design, reliable performance
By eliminating the need for re-evaporation and condensation, our systems significantly reduce energy consumption. Our units make use of the existing process pressure to drive the membrane separation process efficiently. The result is a process technically simpler, easier to maintain, and ideally suited for continuous operation in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Seamless integration into your separation process
We specifically design our vapour permeation units for coupling with distillation or rectification plants. Working closely with you, we identify the optimum configuration to dehydrate the vapour stream directly after the top of the column.
- Modular and scalable: Our units are configurable for virtually any throughput. From compact systems for small process streams to large industrial installations, we scale the membrane area precisely to your capacity requirements.
- Flexible design: We offer both standardised modules and fully customised skid-mounted units designed to match your specific process pressure and temperature requirements.
- Robust technology: As the process stream remains vapour, the risk of membrane fouling is reduced, extending maintenance intervals.
Designed for demanding applications
Our vapour permeation plants are based on the same robust membrane technology that has proven in industrial use for more than a decade. Before implementation, we validate the chemical compatibility for your specific mixtures. Whether processing alcohols such as ethanol and IPA or challenging solvents such as acetonitrile and THF – our systems remove water content while delivering consistent long-term performance.
Typical applications for vapour permeation
Our vapour permeation systems are ideally suited for:
- Solvent vapours from distillation processes
- Azeotropic mixtures already in the vapour phase
- Process streams where condensation and re-evaporation would be unnecessarily energy-intensive
Frequently asked questions
Is feed superheating required for vapour permeation?
No. Superheating the feed is not required, as the membranes are compatible with any liquid phase that may form inside the membrane module.
How much pressure drop occurs across the system?
Our systems are designed with optimised flow paths to minimise the pressure drop, making efficient use of the available process pressure within the distillation column.
Does DeltaMem provide the complete automated system?
Yes. We deliver turnkey systems including automation and control or prepare the interfaces for integration with your existing process control system – whichever best suits your requirements.
How do DeltaMem systems respond to changes in vapour composition?
Our vapour permeation plants are designed for stable operation under changing process conditions. By continuously monitoring process data, the control system automatically adjusts operating parameters to accommodate changes in vapour composition. This ensures consistent product purity, even when conditions at the top of the distillation column fluctuate.