Separations of multicomponent mixtures via thermal parametric pumping

Dilute solution separations were predicted from existing binary equations by assuming the existence of pseudo binary systems, each system consisting of one solute and the common solvent. Two systems, toluene-aniline-n-heptane and toluene-acetophenone-n-heptane with a silica gel adsorbent were used to experimentally demonstrate the separation. Experimental results were in good agreement with the mathematical predictions. The dilute solution (pseudo binary) theory was used to develop design equations for pilot plant and commercial systems. The parametric pumping assembly has the configuration of a multi-tube heat exchanger due to the necessity of instantaneous temperature changes between the hot and cold half-cycles. In addition to the main assembly, the requirements for auxiliary tanks, pumps, and instrumentation are outlined along with a process description for the operation of the entire system.