Economic electrochemical membrane reactors

At various places throughout the first five chapters in the book we have, when it appeared relevant to the discussion, referenced studies which addressed issues pertaining to the economic/technical feasibility of membrane reactor processes. In this chapter we specifically focus our attention on these issues. In the discussion in this chapter we have, by necessity, drawn our information from published studies and reports. Several proprietary studies reportedly exist, carried out by a number of industrial companies, particularly during the last decade, which have evaluated the potential of membrane reactors for application in large-scale catalytic processes. By all accounts the conclusions reached in these proprietary reports mirror those found in the published literature. In the discussion which follows, we will first discuss catalytic and electrochemical reactors. We will then conclude with a discussion on membrane bioreactors. 

Product Recovery. Comparison of the electrochemical cell to a chemical reactor shows the electrochemical cell to have two general features that impact product recovery. CeU product is usuaUy Uquid, can be aqueous, and is likely to contain electrolyte. In addition, there is a second product from the counter electrode, even if this is only a gas. Electrolyte conservation and purity are usual requirements. Because product separation from the starting material may be difficult, use of reaction to completion is desirable ceUs would be mn batch or plug flow. The water balance over the whole flow sheet needs to be considered, especiaUy for divided ceUs where membranes transport a number of moles of water per Earaday. At the inception of a proposed electroorganic process, the product recovery and refining should be included in the evaluation to determine tme viabUity. Thus early ceU work needs to be carried out with the preferred electrolyte/solvent and conversion. The economic aspects of product recovery strategies have been discussed (89). Some process flow sheets are also available (61). 

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