22/07/2026
New MEASURED publication advances membrane-based dehydration for more efficient esterification processes
The MEASURED project is pleased to announce a new scientific publication showcasing advances in membrane technologies for industrial process intensification:
“Experimental Design–Guided Optimization of Pervaporative Dehydration of an Esterification Mixture“
The study investigates the use of a pilot-scale HybSi membrane (BTESE on Al₂O₃) for the selective removal of water from a complex esterification mixture. Efficient dehydration is a key challenge in many industrial chemical processes, as even small amounts of residual water can affect product quality, reaction efficiency, and overall process performance.
Using a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach, the researchers systematically evaluated how the composition of the reaction mixture influences membrane performance. The analysis demonstrated that the initial water concentration is the primary factor governing both permeation flux and dehydration efficiency, while interactions between the acid, alcohol, and ester components also play an important role.
By combining predictive modelling with multi-response optimization, the team identified operating conditions that achieved high water removal efficiency (86%) while reducing the final water content to approximately 0.2 wt.%, meeting typical industrial requirements. Experimental validation confirmed the accuracy of the proposed model and its potential as a decision-support tool for process optimization.
These findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between feed composition and membrane performance, further demonstrating the potential of BTESE-based membranes for the efficient dehydration of low-water-content esterification systems. The work contributes to the broader objectives of the MEASURED project, supporting the development of advanced membrane technologies capable of improving the sustainability and efficiency of industrial separation processes.
Congratulations to the authors from Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Centrale Méditerranée, and IMBE for this important scientific contribution.
Authors: Fatimatou Toure Lo, Magalie Claeys-Bruno, Philippe Moulin and Emilie Carretier.
