Apparatus and processes are disclosed for economical separation of fluid
mixtures utilizing perm-selective membranes. Broadly, apparatus of the invention
comprises a plurality of membrane modules comprising a solid perm-selective membrane
and equipment for controlling enthalpy of selected fluids within the apparatus.
Advantageously, the membrane modules are disposed in a first product group, a second
product group, and at least one intermediate group. Apparatus of the invention
is particularly useful for simultaneous recovery of a very pure permeate product,
and/or a desired non-permeate stream, from fluid mixtures of two or more compounds
which when subjected to appropriately altered conditions of temperature and/or
pressure exhibit a bubble point.