Technology
Distillation–membrane separation integrated technology is a process that tightly integrates distillation-based separation with molecular-sieve membrane dehydration, enabling the dehydration and recovery of organic solvents. There are two main configurations of this integrated technology: 1) A distillation unit is placed upstream of the molecular-sieve membrane system, allowing the solvent vapor from the top of the distillation column to enter the membrane separation system directly in the gas phase, thereby coupling distillation and membrane separation, shortening the process flow, and substantially reducing the energy consumption associated with the secondary evaporation step in the molecular-sieve membrane unit. 2) A distillation unit is installed downstream of the molecular-sieve membrane system; the solvent vapor exiting the membrane after dehydration is fed directly—without condensation—in the gas phase into a subsequent refining distillation column, achieving coupled operation between membrane separation and distillation and significantly lowering the energy demand of the refining distillation process.
In addition, Jiutian High-Tech operates pilot- and scale‑up‑level experimental facilities employing an integrated distillation–membrane separation technology. The company has conducted experiments on the separation and dehydration of specific solvent systems, generating foundational data, and, based on these findings, independently developed process‑simulation software for molecular sieve membrane processes. Furthermore, it has designed and engineered a process control system and associated equipment tailored to this integrated distillation–membrane separation technology.
Technical Advantages:
1) By recovering waste heat from solvent vapors, process energy consumption can be significantly reduced, achieving energy savings of more than 40% compared with conventional distillation and adsorption processes.
2) The high-temperature, high-pressure vapor at the top of the distillation column can be directly fed into the molecular sieve membrane separation system, significantly enhancing the efficiency of membrane separation.
3) It is suitable for the dehydration of organic solvents with varying water contents, as well as for solvent products with stringent water‑content requirements, thereby broadening the application scope of membrane‑based dehydration technology.
4) Optimization of the automated control system and equipment for the coupling–separation process has enhanced process stability, enabled miniaturization of the coupling unit, and reduced both capital and operating costs.
Technical appraisal:
On December 16, 2017, the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation convened an expert panel chaired by Academicians Gao Congjie and Shu Xingtian to evaluate the “Distillation–Molecular Sieve Membrane Coupled Separation Technology for Solvent Recovery from Complex Systems.” The panel concluded that “this technology is of great significance for advancing technological upgrades in relevant industrial processes and achieving energy conservation and emission reduction in traditional industries; its technical level has reached the international advanced standard.”

Technology Application:
At present, the distillation–membrane separation integrated technology has been deployed in hundreds of industrial-scale units across Shandong, Liaoning, Zhejiang, and other regions, delivering significant energy savings and reduced consumption while generating substantial economic and social benefits for customers.