Detailed modeling of stationary and transient mass transfer across pervaporation membranes

Abstract:
The slow dynamic behavior of mass transfer in pervaporation has been reported by different authors. However, until now only little experimental data and no model capable to describe this phenomenon has been available. In this article a new detailed model for mass transfer in pervaporation, based on the dual-sorption theory, Maxwell-Stefan diffusion, and the UNIQUAC model is proposed, which is capable to properly describe mass transfer at steady state and during transients. Model parameters for two different PVA/PAN membranes for ethanol/water separation are given. The model shows good agreement with both steady state and dynamic experimental data.

Keywords:
Pervaporation, dynamics, modeling, swelling, dual-sorption, Maxwell-Stefan diffusion, sorption equilibrium.

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