Fuel production using membrane reactors: a review
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REVIEW
Fuel production using membrane reactors: a review Sanaa Hafeez1 · S. M. Al‑Salem2 · George Manos3 · Achilleas Constantinou1,3,4 Received: 13 May 2020 / Accepted: 1 June 2020 © The Author(s) 2020
Abstract Population growth has led to higher consumption of fossil fuel, and subsequently to a major increase of greenhouse gases emissions to the atmosphere, thus inducing global warming. Fossil fuel supplies are depleting, and the price of these fuels is increasing. Moreover, there are concerns about related emissions of toxic pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and aromatic hydrocarbons. Here, we review alternative fuel technologies. We focus on how membrane reactors improve the existing production processes of renewable fuels. Advantages and environmental benefits of membrane reactors are compared to the conventional techniques. Membrane reactors have been applied successfully to improve biodiesel, hydrogen and Fischer– Tropsch synthesis. Membranes help the conversion of products, whilst shifting the equilibrium of the reaction and reducing undesired by-products. Membrane reactors also overcome immiscibility issues that hinder conventional reactor processes. Overall, membrane reactors reduce cost and energy needed for the treatment of wastewater from fuel production. Keywords Membrane reactors · Hydrocarbons · Fischer–Tropsch · Fuel · Energy
Introduction The increasing demand for fossil fuels has led to a significant increase in greenhouse gases in the environment, resulting in concerns regarding future energy supply (Akhundi et al. 2019; Hafeez et al. 2020). Fossil fuels are the slowest growing source of energy, and their supplies are diminishing regularly (Barreto 2018). The price of fossil fuel resources is also rising due to their heightened demand. The increasing emissions of carbon dioxide ( CO2), sulphur dioxide ( SO2), hydrocarbons and volatile hydrocarbons from the burning of fossil fuels lead to significant amount of air pollution and global warming (Hafeez et al. 2020). In recent years * Achilleas Constantinou [email protected] 1
Division of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London SE1 0AA, UK
2
Environment & Life Sciences Research Centre, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box: 24885, 13109 Safat, Kuwait
3
Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WCIE 7JE, UK
4
Department of Chemical Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, 57 Corner of Athinon and Anexartisias, 3036 Limassol, Cyprus
there has been an interest in developing processes for clean alternative fuels for a more sustainable and greener environment. Renewable fuels such as biofuels, hydrogen ( H2), and the products from the Fischer–Tropsch process are now offered on a commercial scale to prevent the aforementioned problems. Biodiesel has attracted much attention as an alternative, renewable and clean fuel. It is commonly derived from animal fat, vegetable oils and waste greases. Commonly used biomass for energy producti
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