The pilot-scale pervaporation plant using tubular-type module with nano pore zeolite membrane

Nano pore NaA zeolite membranes composed of a continuous intergrowth of NaA zeolite crystals had been synthesized hydrothermally on the surface of a porous tubular support (14 mm outer diameter, 25 cm length). The membrane was highly selective for permeating water preferentially with the high permeation flux in pervaporation (PV). Thus, the pilot- scale PV plant which produces 5 l/h of solvent (Ethanol) at less than 0.2 wt.% of water from 90 wt.% solvent at 75 °C has been put into pilot operation. The pilot plant is equipped with 1 module that consists of 14 pieces of NaA zeolite membrane tubes. The successful fabrication of the pilot plant and the high level of PV properties of the module are discussed.