Industries /Fine chemicals
Fine chemicals: separation instead of disposal
When thermal separation reaches its limits, DeltaMem provides a smart alternative. Our hybrid solutions combine pervaporation with traditional distillation, enable efficient solvent recovery solvents while reducing energy consumption.
Energy efficiency as a market imperative
In the production of fine chemicals – from high-performance fibres to cosmetics – reducing energy demand has become is a key requirement. Many of these processes benefit from the recovery and reuse of solvents such as isopropanol (IPA), ethanol (EtOH), THF, methyl acetate, or trimethyl borate. Others, including esterification, require the removal of reaction water. Our systems are designed to address these separation challenges in a sustainably and space-efficient manner.
Furthermore, we specifically adapt the design of our separation processes to allow for the integration of heat pumps. In this way, we lower the primary energy demand and permanently reduce your operating costs.
Process intensification through hybrid systems
DeltaMem delivers compact and sustainable solvent recovery systems by combining distillation with membrane technology (process intensification).
Dehydration
We selectively remove water or methanol from solvents enables their direct reuse.
Azeotropes
Our membranes separate mixtures where conventional distillation reaches its physical limits.
Reaction water
We specifically remove water produced as a by-product during esterification helps optimise the process efficiency.
Safety
Our systems are engineered to comply with the ATEX and PED (Pressure Equipment Directive) requirements, as demanded in the fine chemical industry.
Safety through validated laboratory testing
Before designing and implementing a plant, we validate the specific separation process in our laboratory. As the fine chemicals industry often involves complex mixtures, testing membrane stability is essential. Our test programme combines evaporation, distillation and pervaporation under realistic operating conditions to verify chemical resistance and the required separation performance. This validation forms the basis for a reliable plant design and minimises technical risk.
From the field: results with hybrid technology results
Our hybrid systems are successfully deployed in industrial applications, addressing complex separation challenges and enhancing process efficiency. The following examples from the fibre and biopolymer industries demonstrate how we improve sustainability and recover valuable resources from previously unused process streams.
IPA regeneration in fibre production
A fibre manufacturer uses IPA for drying its products. A DeltaMem hybrid plant has been successfully regenerating this IPA for more than five years. By reliably remove water and other contaminants, customers are able to recycle the IPA in a long-term closed loop. This makes fibre production more sustainable and reduces the costs of purchasing fresh solvent.
Economical separation at 70% water content
In biopolymer production, a mixture with approximately 70% water is generated which, due to azeotrope formation, could not be separated using conventional distillation and was previously disposed of. DeltaMem developed a continuous process that reduces the water content to below 10%. Subsequent rectification recovers the high-value solvents.
Frequently asked questions
Which certifications does DeltaMem provide for the fine chemical industry?
We design and deliver plants according to ATEX and PED (Pressure Equipment Directive) requirements, ensuring safe operation in explosive atmospheres and under pressure.
How does DeltaMem ensure membrane stability?
Before constructing any plant, we validate the separation performance and chemical resistance of the membranes in our laboratory. This is achieved by combing evaporation, distillation and pervaporation under realistic conditions.
Why is a hybrid plant superior to conventional distillation?
A hybrid plant represents a form of process intensification. It is often more compact and sustainable than a purely distillation-based solution, particularly when handling complex mixtures. We apply each technology where it performs most efficiently.
Does DeltaMem integrate heat pumps into the design?
Yes. We tailor our the process design to enable the integration of heat pumps, further increasing overall energy efficiency.