How it works

The Siftek™ membrane system replaces both the rectification column and the molecular sieve unit (MSU) in a conventional process. The membrane preferentially permeates water vapor over ethanol molecules at the outlet of the beer column (stripping stage). One design configuration consists of minimizing the size and the energy requirement of the beer column with the membrane system. In the example below, ethanol fed at 3% concentration is distilled to 25-30%. At the outlet section of the membrane system, fuel grade ethanol (more than 99% by wt.) is obtained. In this example, the heat content of the permeate is recovered as an energy source for the beer column.