Separation of Isomeric Xylenes: Experimental and Modeling

In this research, mass transport in pervaporation (PV) process of isomeric xylenes (P_xylene and O_xylene) was investigated by means of the resistances-in-series model. In order to obtain necessary data for the analysis, some experimental studies on separation of the xylene mixtures using a poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) membrane were performed. Influence of operating conditions such as P_xylene concentration in the feed and permeate pressure on the membrane performance and also the transport resistances in different layers of membrane was examined. The mathematical model was found to be very accurate and could be employed for prediction of PV of isomeric xylenes.

Keywords:

Pervaporation , Resistances-in-series model , Isomeric xylenes ,