Continuous Separation of Solids, Liquids and Gases Using Membranes

This project will evaluate existing membranes of different types (polymeric, ceramic, selective etc) within new lab-scale devices to realise the continuous separation of reaction components. Importantly, the methods used will be scalable and the lab-data will be used to support this. The overall aim is to explore and understand options and designs for multi-phase continuous flow work-up and to integrate these with continuous reactions, specifically to support new auto-optimisation methodology. The objectives are to develop methodology for: (i) the (semi-)continuous separation of solids from slurries to allow analysis and enable process auto-optimisation, (ii) the swapping of reaction solvent for another to facilitate work-up or reaction telescoping. For the separation of desired solids this could involve in-line filters and switching systems to redissolve and analyse for example purity and concentration (quantity), micro-centrifugal or flotation systems. Solvent switching might be achieved by high surface-area to volume methods such as microbubble enhanced distillation or thin film vaporisation combined with gas selective membranes to recover-recycle and avoid VOCs. The project addresses important manufacturing issues of separations and automation aiming to improve pharma production efficiency and minimise waste to improve sustainability. The research addresses the Manufacturing the Future and Digital Economy Themes and supports Responsible Innovation.