Influence of operating parameters on selectivity in a separation process by liquid membrane permeation for the system styrene-ethylbenzene

An experimental comparative analysis of various factors involved in the separation of styrene-ethylbenzene mixtures by liquid membrane permeation was performed. The choice of the proper surfactant and the influence of the ratio surfactant/solvent/feed and of the operating parameters were investigated. An attempt is made to interpret the experimentally determined characteristics of the system on the basis of a diffusive model adapted to this kind of separation.