Future outlook for process intensification in oil refining and base chemical industries

For the near future it is likely that hybrid combinations of Dividing-Wall Column distillation (DWC) and Reactive Distillation (RD), membrane and RD, and membrane and distillation will be implemented on a commercial scale in refineries and base chemicals production, as these will further reduce investment and energy cost. Hybrids is a large topic in academic research. The advantages can be quantified by modelling as the theory is available. Implementation will soon happen when technology providers develop these technologies by modelling and pilot plant validation.