Method of separating a mixture by decantation and permeation through a membrane.

摘要

A method for separating a mixture into a first fraction and a second fraction is disclosed. The method comprises passing the mixture (12) into a decantation zone (30) where the solution is separated into a first fraction relatively rich in a first compound and a second fraction relatively deficient in the first compound. One of the separated fractions subsequently is passed (via 32) to a membrane separation zone (40) for further purification. The subject invention is of particular utility in petroleum processing, where the solution passed to the decantation zone may be a petroleum processing fraction, such as fiitrate from a dewaxing zone or an extract or raffinate from an extraction separation zone.