Chinese scientists at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have developed a new membrane-based “molecular refining” method that could dramatically reduce the energy needed for certain oil-separation processes. The technology separates hydrocarbon molecules without relying as heavily on energy-intensive distillation. Researchers estimate energy savings of up to 90% for the targeted separation step. If successfully scaled, it could lower refining costs and emissions across fuels, chemicals and plastics production.
Personal Remarks
China is reinventing oil refining. Europe is probably setting up a working group to decide what color the recycling bin should be.
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