This booklet is designed to bridge the gap between handbooks and technical literature and aims at graduate students or experienced readers. Commercial flow sheeting simulation software is increasingly available and is used in the early steps of process design in industry. As to this, more sophisticated and precise models based on activities instead of concentrations should be used. After an introductory chapter there is in Chapter 2 an intensive discussion of reactive phase equilibria of ionic and non-ionic solutes based on chemical potentials. Chapter 3 introduces to multicomponent diffusion and mass transfer. However, the main focus is on the reactive mass transfer on rigid and mobile surfaces where the interfacial reaction, molecular diffusion and adsorption layers are decisive. The respective extraction of zinc with a cation exchanger and of acetic acid with an anion exchanger is discussed as case studies. Since adsorption layers and surfactants have a major impact on liquid-liquid extraction efficiency, the final chapter reviews several tech niques which make use of polymeric species in an extractive process. A short review is also given on extraction apparatus and the hydrodynamics (hydraulic design, droplet populance balances) of columns. Much of the booklet is based on the PhD works of C. Czapla (2000), G. Modes (2000), H. Klocker (1996), T. Kronberger (1995), M. Marters (2000), M. Roos (2000), M. Traving (2000) and B. Wachter (1996) who I wish to thank for their fruitful contributions.

This book summarizes the available information in six known areas of reactive separation: reaction/distillation, reaction/extraction, reaction/absorption, reaction/adsorption, reaction/membrane, and reaction/crystallization.

Separation and purification processes play a critical role in biorefineries and their optimal selection, design and operation to maximise product yields and improve overall process efficiency. Separations and purifications are necessary for upstream processes as well as in maximising and improving product recovery in downstream processes. These processes account for a significant fraction of the total capital and operating costs and also are highly energy intensive. Consequently, a better understanding of separation and purification processes, current and possible alternative and novel advanced methods is essential for achieving the overall techno-economic feasibility and commercial success of sustainable biorefineries. This book presents a comprehensive overview focused specifically on the present state, future challenges and opportunities for separation and purification methods and technologies in biorefineries. Topics covered include: Equilibrium Separations: Distillation, liquid-liquid extraction and supercritical fluid extraction. Affinity-Based Separations: Adsorption, ion exchange, and simulated moving bed technologies. Membrane Based Separations: Microfiltration, ultrafiltration and diafiltration, nanofiltration, membrane pervaporation, and membrane distillation. Solid-liquid Separations: Conventional filtration and solid-liquid extraction. Hybrid/Integrated Reaction-Separation Systems: Membrane bioreactors, extractive fermentation, reactive distillation and reactive absorption. For each of these processes, the fundamental principles and design aspects are presented, followed by a detailed discussion and specific examples of applications in biorefineries. Each chapter also considers the market needs, industrial challenges, future opportunities, and economic importance of the separation and purification methods. The book concludes with a series of detailed case studies including cellulosic bioethanol production, extraction of algae oil from microalgae, and production of biopolymers. Separation and Purification Technologies in Biorefineries is an essential resource for scientists and engineers, as well as researchers and academics working in the broader conventional and emerging bio-based products industry, including biomaterials, biochemicals, biofuels and bioenergy.

The exergy method makes it possible to detect and quantify the possibilities of improving thermal and chemical processes and systems. The introduction of the concept thermo-ecological cost (cumulative consumption of non-renewable natural exergy resources) generated large application possibilities of exergy in ecology. This book contains a short presentation on the basic principles of exergy analysis and discusses new achievements in the field over the last 15 years. One of the most important issues considered by the distinguished author is the economy of non-renewable natural exergy. Previously discussed only in scientific journals, other important new problems highlighted include: calculation of the chemical exergy of all the stable chemical elements, global natural and anthropogenic exergy losses, practical guidelines for improvement of the thermodynamic imperfection of thermal processes and systems, development of the determination methods of partial exergy losses in thermal systems, evaluation of the natural mineral capital of the Earth, and the application of exergy for the determination of a pro-ecological tax.A basic knowledge of thermodynamics is assumed, and the book is therefore most appropriate for graduate students and engineers working in the field of energy and ecological management.

Process intensification aims for increasing efficiency and sustainability of (bio-)chemical production processes. This book presents strategies for improving fluid separation such as reactive distillation, reactive absorption and membrane assisted separations. The authors discuss computer simulation, model development, methodological approaches for synthesis and the design and scale-up of final industrial processes.

Covering the latest technologies in process engineering, this handbook and ready reference features high pressure processing, alternative solvents and processes, extraction technologies and biotransformations -- describing greener, more efficient and sustainable techniques. The result is an expert account of engineering details from lab-scale experiments to large-scale industrial design. The major focus is on the engineering aspects of extraction with organic and supercritical solvents, ionic liquids or surfactant solutions, and is supplemented by aspects of both up- and downstream processing, biotransformation, as well as a survey of typical products in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. This is rounded off by market developments, economic considerations and regulations requirements in the field Authored by experts from leading industrial and academic institutions, this is essential reading for the hands-on scientist and office manager alike.