Cost analysis for the removal of volatile organic compounds from air using hybrid systems: membrane separation/condensation versus membrane separation/combustion

Air contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is associated with a number of industrial processes. The purification of these air streams based on conventional techniques, such as combustion, condensation or adsorption is usually uneconomical. Environmental considerations require, however, that this problem should be dealt with as efficiently as possible. Therefore, the use of hybrid systems is analysed that include membrane separation and condensation or, alternatively, membrane separation followed by combustion.