UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, has entered into an agreement with Vaperma, Inc. to jointly offer technology to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in biofuel ethanol dehydration. The two companies will offer Vaperma’s Siftek™ polymer membrane technology, which is designed to lower energy consumption for reduced operational costs and emissions in the energy-intensive ethanol production process.
Vaperma’s patented polymer membrane technology allows the separation of water vapor from other vapor compounds in a gas mixture. Energy savings are realized because the technology replaces multiple units traditionally used in the production process to achieve the same outcome. “As fuel demand and concern over climate change continue to rise, biofuels production must be profitable and sustainable, with a reduced energy footprint to make a true impact,” said Amar Anumakonda, manager of business development for UOP Renewable Energy and Chemicals. “The Vaperma solution helps to maintain the viability of ethanol and butanol from first-generation feedstock sources as well as second-generation cellulosic sources, such as corn stalks, switchgrass or other plant wastes that do not compete with the food supply.”
