MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF MEMBRANE MODULE FOR SOLVENT RECOVERY FROM SOYBEAN OIL MISCELLA

Abstract

A mathematical model was developed to predict the performance of solvent recovery process in the extraction of vegetable oils. The model is oriented to mathematical programming and to be used in the optimization of a biorefinery superstructure. Experimental data published were recompiled for the PVDF-10SI membrane. For the case study, the mathematical model gives much more conservative design results than if the design was made only with punctual experimental data. To concentrate miscella from 25% wt to 38% wt of oil, the required membrane area is 275.22 m2 for the mathematical model, while the design through punctual experimental data gives a membrane area of 224.23 m2. Besides, the mathematical model allows evaluating the separation performance of each of the intervening compounds through their permeabilities. This is an important contribution, since the results obtained using punctual experimental data are not accurate enough for membrane process design in the oils desolventizing.