A simple problem of separating ethanol from water; please help, experts
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The feed stream has a flow rate of 20 tons/h, with an ethanol mass fraction of 5% and a water mass fraction of 95%. It is required that the quality fraction of ethanol in the product be ≥99%, and the ethanol recovery rate be ≥95%. The temperature and pressure of the feed can be set arbitrarily; design a separation process accordingly. Seek guidance from experts on the approach
Azeotropic distillation, extractive distillation, pressure swing distillation
With this concentration of ethanol, traditional distillation is unprofitable; however, if the utility facilities are available and inexpensive, along with some heat integration, it might be possible.