FUTURE OUTLOOK FOR PROCESS INTENSIFICATION IN OIL REFINING AND BASE CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES

For the near future it is likely that hybrid combinations of Dividing-Wall Column distillation (DWC) and Reactive Distillation (RD), membrane and RD, and membrane and distillation will be implemented on a commercial scale in refineries and base chemicals production, as these will further reduce investment and energy cost. Hybrids is a large topic in academic research, as shown by the special issue of Chemical Engineering and Processing [1]. The advantages can be quantified by modelling as the theory is available [2]. Implementation will soon happen when technology providers develop these technologies by modelling and pilot plant validation. Sulzer Chemtech already offers hybrid membrane-distillation [3].