Separation of ethanol from ethanol-water mixture by reverse osmosis

Cellulose-acetate-grafted membranes were prepared using γ-irradiation technique. These membranes were successfully tested for alcohol separation within a concentration range of 5-20% (v/v) and pressure range of 800-1400 psig. The study indicated that permeate flux is increased with increase in pressure as is expected from such membranes. Increasing alcohol concentration reduces permeate flux considerably in the range studied. High separation of alcohol (93% maximum) was observed at higher pressure ranges. However, separation efficiency decreases with an increase in alcohol concentration in the feed. There was no effect of alcohol on the membrane performance during the period of operation