Vapor phase adsorption process for concentration of ethanol from dilute aqueous mixtures thereof

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Described herein is a vapor phase adsorption separation process for removing and concentrating at least one organic molecular species such as ethanol present in a minor amount from a dilute aqueous mixture such as fermentation beer. Ethanol in the vapor phase is selectively adsorbed into a hydrophobic adsorbent mass consisting of a molecular sieve material such as silica-bonded F-silicalite which has a greater selectivity for ethanol than for water. The vapor phase adsorption separation process is especially useful in providing concentrated ethanol from fermentation beer to supplement the world energy and chemical needs.