Membrane-cryogenic Distillation Hybrid Processes for Cost-effective Argon Production from Air

This work develops novel hybrid membrane-cryogenic distillation processes, wherein a membrane unit is integrated with a cryogenic distillation column for energy-efficient argon production from air. The potential of commercially available polymeric membranes is considered. The performance of hybrid flowsheets is analysed using rigorous simulation software integrated with a user-defined model of the membrane. Conventional cryogenic distillation and novel hybrid membrane-cryogenic distillation technologies are compared in terms of energy required per mole of argon produced. Results show that energy savings - around 3 % of equivalent power demand - can be obtained when the membrane is placed in parallel to the distillation column, and that the membrane is best placed close to the bottom of the distillation column.