Retrofitting of extractive distillation columns with high flux, low separation factor membranes: A way to reduce the energy demand?

- The first case of retrofitting of extractive distillation units by pervaporation membranes.
- A new, energy optimized, graphic-assisted iterative design of extractive distillation systems.
- Even medium-low performance membranes can produce energetically advantageous retrofittings.
- The Pervaporation Index Analysis gives an incorrect prediction of membrane performances.