Prospectus

Return to Table of Contents Volunteer to help write Position Paper

OR-17 Demonstrate Synergistic Use of Membranes and Distillation to Optimize Energy Efficient Recovery of Process Solvents (cont…) The proposed research is to demonstrate the value and robustness of using membranes to concentrate two major lactams (DMAC and NMP) from water, and provide the membership with insight into the energy savings that would be provided from a hybrid approach to their recovery. For completeness, the distillation part (driving to high solvent purity) could also be demonstrated, or we could rely on process simulation for that part of the analysis if our member companies were comfortable with that. Proposed Internals and Test System: Test lactam (recommend both DMAC and NMP) at initial 5 wt% concentration in water. Test use of membranes to concentrate to 10%, 20%, or higher organic, depending on what we find is feasible. Optionally distill starting feed and concentrated feed to achieve commercial solvent purities, and compare energy usage. Distillation will likely need to be under vacuum. Research Facility Location : Identify test facility that can do this, since FRI is not likely to be able to do so. FRI researchers would be present to ensure independence of analysis. May need a separate test facility (two test phases) if the membrane test location does not have distillation capability. Estimated Unit Time: None Non-Standard Costs: To be defined Background and Discussion: See discussion of present situation.

PROSPECTUS

Page | 63