Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and NGK to develop membrane dehydration systems for bioethanol and e-methanol

In Japan, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and NGK INSULATOR (NGK) said they will jointly develop two membrane dehydration systems to realize of low cost and to optimize efficiency of manufacturing processes for bioethanol and e-methanol to meet expected demand growth for clean fuels and raw materials.

In this project, MHI and NGK will begin developing two types of membrane dehydration systems, one for bioethanol and e-methanol, respectively. The membrane separation syste* developed for bioethanol will replace the conventional dehydration process, which consumes the most energy in the bioethanol manufacturing process. 

The second system will replace the dehydration process in the production of e-methanol, which utilizes hydrogen and CO2 as raw materials. By using a membrane separation system instead, the companies expect to significantly reduce energy consumption used in the manufacture of e-methanol, which is capturing attention as a next-generation clean fuel.

MHI will contribute its expertise delivering methanol plants and other chemical plants, in addition to its technologies for handling methanol and various other chemicals. NGK will contribute its knowledge of sub-nano ceramic membrane technology and unique film deposition technology developed in the fields of chemical processes and water purification.

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