Paper title: Energy efficiency of a hybrid membrane/condensation process for VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) recovery from air: A generic approach
B. Belaissaoui, Y. Le Moullec, E. Favre, Energy, 95 (2016) 291-302
This article provides an insightful analysis of the challenges faced by the industrial sector in managing waste air streams containing low boiling organic molecules, known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The article explores various techniques for air pollution control and highlights the importance of recovering organic solvents for recycling and reuse in industrial processes.
The authors propose a hybrid membrane/condensation process as a promising alternative to conventional methods, such as carbon adsorption or incineration. They explain the key concept of the process, which involves achieving a pre-concentration step using membrane vapor separations to enable a higher condenser temperature, thereby increasing the efficiency of VOC recovery.
One of the strengths of the article is the comprehensive evaluation of the energy efficiency of the hybrid membrane/condensation process and its comparison with a standalone condensation strategy. The authors also present a generic process selection map based on the physico-chemical properties of the VOCs, which is a valuable tool for industry practitioners.
The article is well-written and easy to understand. The use of examples from various industrial sectors, such as refrigeration and petrochemistry, makes the content relatable and relevant.
Overall, this article is an excellent resource for anyone interested in sustainable production processes and VOC recovery technologies. The authors’ insights and recommendations are practical and provide a roadmap for achieving higher energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact in the industrial sector.
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360544215016485