Distillation is an effective separation technique for separating components based on their different boiling points from miscible liquids. The smaller dimensions of microdistillation devices increase the interface area, which affects separation efficiency and quality by increasing surface forces and reducing gravity forces.
Before designing a new device, it is necessary to review the existing prototypes for continuous distillation/separation in microsystems. In doing so, we can exploit the benefits and optimize the drawbacks of each individual device, as well as study the influence of individual variables, such as dimensions, layout, material selection, etc., on separation performance and the resulting process intensification. When designing continuous microdistillation devices, it is important to control the flow regime of the inlet feedstock, since steady-state conditions must be established in both channels (for the liquid and vapor phases). In addition, the selection of a suitable micro-contactor and control of several critical process parameters, such as interface area and retention times, are also crucial. Finally, in diploma thesis the currently established designs of micro-structured distillation device will be examined and guidelines for the design of new prototypes will be provided.
|
