Separation of Pyridine/Water Solutions Using Pervaporation

Studies were performed on the separation of pyridine/water solutions using pervaporation. Organic permeation experiments were performed using a ‘silicalite’-filled silicone composite membrane. Effects of feed concentration, feed temperature, and permeate side pressure were examined. Benchmark conditions of 5.0 wt% pyridine, 50°C, and 2 torr were chosen. At the benchmark conditions, an organic selectivity of 34 and a permeate flux of 0.428 kg/m²h was achieved. An increase in feed concentration caused an increase in both the permeate concentration and flux, but caused a decrease in the selectivity. Also, permeate compositions far exceeded standard vapor-liquid equilibrium. Temperature had an Arrhenius-type relationship with regard to flux, but had no effect on the selectivity. Increasing the permeate pressure caused a steady decrease in permeate flux and also decreased the permeate composition and selectivity.