Replacing Distillation for Azeotropic Separations with Energy-Efficient Alternatives

Azeotropic separations are traditionally challenging and energy-intensive, often relying on extensive distillation which consumes large amounts of steam and cooling water. Sulzer offers advanced separation technologies designed to reduce the energy and utility demands of azeotropic separations across chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Using a combination of innovative process designs and highly efficient equipment such as the Kühni™ agitated columns, structured packing, advanced coalescers, and membrane separation, Sulzer’s solutions systematically reduce operational costs while maintaining or improving product quality.

One key advantage is the ability to break azeotropes at lower temperatures and pressures, significantly cutting steam consumption and cooling water needs compared to conventional methods. Processes such as side-stream extractive distillation, liquid-liquid extraction with OptimEXT™, and vapor permeation membranes are examples where Sulzer’s technology delivers up to 50% lower energy use.

Applications benefiting from these energy savings include:

• Isopropanol-water separations

• Acetic acid-water and toluene-methanol-water separations

• Formaldehyde-water and phenol-water recovery

  
  

Sulzer supports plant operators with detailed energy audits, pilot testing, and customized system design to maximize energy and utility savings specific to their operations.

Reduce your plant’s energy footprint with Sulzer’s innovative azeotropic separation solutions.

Contact Sulzer’s separation experts to explore energy-saving technologies tailored for your process needs.