Intensification strategies

Because of its intrinsic properties that well fit the requirements of process-intensification strategy (efficiency, modularity, reduced energy consumption, etc.), membrane-separation processes have well-established applications in various industrial fields and more progresses can be anticipated for the near future [3],... 

Figure 13.1 Process intensification strategy the trend required to variables.

Membrane technology is also an ideal technology for application in the space because process intensification strategy is a more imperative request in the space than on the Earth, today. Volumetric efficiency, optimal remote control, energy, and waste saving are fundamental aspects in the space. Membranes could efficiently solve some of the problems of life in the space such as energy production and water and air purification, fulfilling these requirements. 

Drioli E., Brunetti A., Di Profio G., Barbieri G. 2012. Process intensification strategies and membrane engineering. Green Chemistry 14 1561-1572. 

Bernardo R, Drioli E. 2010. Membrane gas separation progresses for process intensification strategy in the petrochemical industry. Petroleum Chemistry 50(4) 271-282. 

Some examples on the mentioned intensification strategies are discussed in what follows. Let us first focus on intensification by overcoming heat transfer limitations. Generally, there are several strategies to increase the heat transfer rate or overcome heat transfer limitations, such as the following ... 

There are several means to increase heat transfer coefficients. In many processes in industry heat transfer coefficients are limited by the heat transfer coefficient (a) on the process fluid side. Intensification strategies therefore mainly aim to overcome this limitation. 

In earlier sections, it has become clear that a major impact on the solar heat potential is the required temperature profile of the process itself. The intensification strategy from batch processes to continuous processes is a perfect example of changing the temperature profile to more continuous gradual heating rates, which positively enhances the performance of the solar loop. 

Moreover, the possibility to apply integrated systems in which all the steps of the productive cycle are based on molecular membrane separations can be considered a valid approach for sustainable industrial growth within the process intensification strategy. The aim of this strategy is to introduce into the productive cycles new technologies characterized by low hindrance volume, advanced levels of automation capacity, modularity, remote control, and reduced energy consumption or waste production (Stankiewicz and Moulijn, 2000). 

Reaction and Process System Analysis, Miniaturization and Intensification Strategies... 

The general principle of this method consists in characterizing all the phenomena involved in the system by a common feature their own characteristic times. Thus, the phenomena can be compared on a single scale the time scale. Discussion of the couplings and final comparison of these fundamental time scales with the global dynamic performance of the system will enable one to identify the limiting phenomenon to which further intensification strategies should be applied. 

The expressions presented in Table 2.1 illustrate first clues for further intensification strategies. Indeed, the characteristic times exhibit dependencies with respect to a large variety of parameters (fluid properties, operating conditions, etc.), among which the geometric dimension R appears as a practical solution to adapt the reactor geometry to the desired effect. 

Appropriate reactor structuring therefore appears as a relevant intensification strategy by offering new dimensions for operation, microstructured reactors can be used to modify selectively the hierarchy and choose the phenomenon that should impose its efficiency on the system. For example, reducing the characteristic dimension accelerates transfer phenomena with respect to homogeneous reactions, enabling one to eliminate detrimental temperature effects. 

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