Abstract

SALGADO-GORDON, Hernando-José  and  VALBUENA-MORENO, Gleidy. TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE SEPARATION OF LIGHT OLEFINS (ETHYLENE AND PROPYLENE) BY USING p-COMPLEXATION WITH SILVER SALTS. C.T.F Cienc. Tecnol. Futuro [online]. 2011, vol.4, n.3, pp.73-87. ISSN 0122-5383.

ABSTRACT Conventional processes for separation of ethylene and propylene until reaching petrochemical grade are energy intensive. Therefore, alternative separation methods, such as chemical affinity based technologies, are an interesting alternative for designing more sustainable processes. p-Complexation of the silver ion (Ag⁺) is one of these technologies. In this study, p-complexation is compared to the conventional technologies from process and economic points of view, in order to determine whether they are feasible to be implemented at industrial scale in both grass-roots and existing units. Based on the results, the most promissory techniques to be applied are the Bulk Fluid Liquid Membrane -Membranas Liquidas Fluidas (BFLM- According to terms in English)- in hollow fiber modules to separate ethylene/ ethane, and absorption with an AgNO₃ solution to separate propylene/propane. In addition, the implementation of hybrid processes, by combining conventional and chemical affinity technologies, provides a higher saving in the production cost when applied to revamp existing units to reduce required energy or increase processing capacity.

Keywords : Chemical affinity; Silver nitrate; Hybrid processes; Sustainable technologies.

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