Advances in Separation Engineering

Abstract submission deadline

31 October 2025

Manuscript submission deadline

31 December 2025

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topic focuses on a wide range of topics relevant to cutting-edge research, new technologies, and emerging growth areas in separation engineering. It strongly promotes international academic exchanges and collaborations. It is intended to bring together investigations from multiple disciplines to discuss recent advances in separation engineering. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Chromatography;
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC);
• LC-MS;
• LC-MS/MS;
• GC-MS;
• Phase equilibria;
• Transport phenomena;
• Distillation and absorption;
• Extraction;
• Crystallization;
• Membrane separation;
• Bioseparation;
• Capillary Electrochromatography (CEC);
• Capillary Electrophoresis;
• Gel Electrophoresis;
• Immunoelectrophoresis;
• Isoelectric Focusing (IEF);
• Isotachophoresis (ITP);
• Sedimentation;
• Filtration;
• Flotation;
• Coagulation and flocculation;
• Electrocoagulation;
• Electroflotation;
• Centrifugation;
• Screening;
• Gravity thickening;
• Disinfection;
• Activated carbon;
• Hydrocyclones.

Prof. Dr. Anyun Zhang
Dr. Salman Soltani
Dr. Maria Atanassova
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Clean Technologies cleantechnol	4.1	8.3	2019	33.5 Days	CHF 1600	Submit
Molecules molecules	4.2	8.6	1996	15.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Processes processes	2.8	5.5	2013	14.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Separations separations	2.5	4.5	2014	15.1 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Water water	3.0	6.0	2009	17.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Membranes membranes	3.3	7.9	2011	14.9 Days	CHF 2200	Submit

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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All Clean Technol. Molecules Processes Separations Water Membranes

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19 pages, 4650 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Simulation of a Novel Secondary Separation Cyclone

by Jingyi Chen, Yanxin Chen, Leilei Zhang, Bo Zhao and Yongsheng Li

Processes 2025, 13(6), 1874; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13061874 - 13 Jun 2025

Abstract

The low separation efficiency of conventional cyclone separators for sub-10 μm particles remains a critical challenge in Na₂S production processes. Previous optimization attempts have failed to reconcile economic feasibility with effective fine particle capture requirements. To address this industrial bottleneck, we [...] Read more.

The low separation efficiency of conventional cyclone separators for sub-10 μm particles remains a critical challenge in Na₂S production processes. Previous optimization attempts have failed to reconcile economic feasibility with effective fine particle capture requirements. To address this industrial bottleneck, we propose an innovative secondary separation cyclone design tailored for next-generation Na₂S manufacturing systems. Our methodology synergizes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with experimental validation, achieving cost-effective development while ensuring numerical model reliability. Comparative analyses reveal significant improvements: under varying gas velocities, the novel design demonstrates 5.67–9.77% and 7.03–10.14% enhancements in 1–10 μm particle collection efficiency compared to standard and volute-type cyclones, respectively. Mechanistic investigations through flow field characterization elucidate the relationship between vortex dynamics and separation performance. This work provides a structurally optimized cyclone configuration with industrial applicability, as well as a validated hybrid experimental–computational framework that could inform solutions for fine particle separation across chemical processing industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Separation Engineering)

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19 pages, 3970 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Vortex Finder Wall Thickness on Internal Flow Field and Classification Performance in a Hydrocyclone

by Zaihai Wu, Peiyang Li, Zhitao Liang, Feng Li and Huanbo Yang

Separations 2025, 12(6), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations12060149 - 3 Jun 2025

Viewed by 250

Abstract

The hydrocyclone generally exhibits limited separation efficiency and classification sharpness. As the discharge channel for fine particles, the vortex finder plays a critical role in influencing the classification performance through its structural parameters. However, the influence of vortex finder wall thickness on fly [...] Read more.

The hydrocyclone generally exhibits limited separation efficiency and classification sharpness. As the discharge channel for fine particles, the vortex finder plays a critical role in influencing the classification performance through its structural parameters. However, the influence of vortex finder wall thickness on fly ash classification within the hydrocyclone has not yet been reported. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) were employed to investigate the variations in pressure field, velocity field, and separation efficiency with respect to changes in vortex finder wall thickness. The results indicate that the radial velocity increases with vortex finder wall thickness, which facilitates the rapid formation of a particle-size stratification, thereby reducing the number of misclassified particles. The cut size initially decreases and then increases as the wall thickness of the vortex finder increases. A minimum cut size of 17.2 µm was observed when the wall thickness reached 10 mm. The classification sharpness improves progressively with increasing wall thickness. At a wall thickness of 15 mm, the steepness index reaches 0.68. Experimental results demonstrate that a thick-walled vortex finder structure can significantly enhance the classification sharpness of the hydrocyclone. Specifically, the content of −19 µm particles in the underflow decreased by 32.17% when the vortex finder wall thickness increased from 5 mm to 15 mm. Meanwhile, the proportion of −19 µm particles in the overflow increased by 12.72%. Therefore, employing a thick-walled vortex finder structure can not only enhance the cut size precision but also effectively improve the classification performance of the hydrocyclone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Separation Engineering)

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16 pages, 2258 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Adsorption and Absorption Techniques for the Separation of Gaseous C2–C5 Olefins

by Fengxiang Guo, Chao Sun, Mo Xian and Huibin Zou

Separations 2025, 12(6), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations12060144 - 1 Jun 2025

Viewed by 297

Abstract

Volatile C2–C5 olefins are important bulk chemicals in the polymer industry. Traditionally, C2–C5 olefins are produced from cracked petroleum resources using an energy-consuming and hazardous distillation method. Currently, volatile olefins can be produced from renewable biomass. To obtain polymer-grade volatile olefins from diversified [...] Read more.

Volatile C2–C5 olefins are important bulk chemicals in the polymer industry. Traditionally, C2–C5 olefins are produced from cracked petroleum resources using an energy-consuming and hazardous distillation method. Currently, volatile olefins can be produced from renewable biomass. To obtain polymer-grade volatile olefins from diversified resources, more sustainable and feasible separation techniques need to be developed. This review focuses on two updated separation techniques for C2–C5 olefins: (a) adsorption separation, which separates olefins through porous affinity, the pi complexation effect, and size-exclusion and gate-opening sieving, and (b) liquid absorption separation, which utilizes either organic solvents or ionic liquids for olefin separation. In this review, different separation techniques are compared in terms of their mechanisms and operation conditions in the separation of different types of C2–C5 olefins from variable resources, such as cracked ethylene/propylene/butylene/isoprene and bio-isoprene. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Separation Engineering)

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25 pages, 8101 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Anticancer Peptides Derived from Arca Species Using In Silico Analysis

by Jixu Wu, Xiuhua Zhang, Yuting Jin, Man Zhang, Rongmin Yu, Liyan Song, Fei Liu and Jianhua Zhu

Molecules 2025, 30(7), 1640; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30071640 - 7 Apr 2025

Viewed by 506

Abstract

This study employed an integrated in silico approach to identify and characterize anticancer peptides (ACPs) derived from Arca species. Using a comprehensive bioinformatics pipeline (BIOPEP, ToxinPred, ProtParam, ChemDraw, SwissTargetPrediction, and I-TASSER), we screened hydrolyzed bioactive peptides from Arca species, identifying seventeen novel peptide [...] Read more.

This study employed an integrated in silico approach to identify and characterize anticancer peptides (ACPs) derived from Arca species. Using a comprehensive bioinformatics pipeline (BIOPEP, ToxinPred, ProtParam, ChemDraw, SwissTargetPrediction, and I-TASSER), we screened hydrolyzed bioactive peptides from Arca species, identifying seventeen novel peptide candidates. Subsequent in vitro validation revealed three peptides (KW, WQIWYK, KGKWQIWYKSL) with significant anticancer activity, demonstrating both high biosafety and clinical potential. Our findings highlight Arca species proteins as a valuable source of therapeutic ACPs and establish bioinformatics as an efficient strategy for rapid discovery of bioactive peptides. This approach combines computational prediction with experimental validation, offering a robust framework for developing novel peptide-based therapeutics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Separation Engineering)

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13 pages, 1874 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Development and Techno-Economic Evaluation of Crystallization Techniques for GABA Purification from Fermentation Broth

by Yu Jing, Jinxu Zhang, Shengping You, Mengfan Wang, Rongxin Su and Wei Qi

Molecules 2025, 30(4), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30040897 - 14 Feb 2025

Viewed by 683

Abstract

γ-aminobutyric acid, a critical neurotransmitter, is experiencing an increasing demand in the medical and health fields. Conventional processes for γ-aminobutyric acid purification from fermentation broth encounter significant challenges, such as high ethanol usage, low yield, complex process flow, and environmental pollution. Therefore, a [...] Read more.

γ-aminobutyric acid, a critical neurotransmitter, is experiencing an increasing demand in the medical and health fields. Conventional processes for γ-aminobutyric acid purification from fermentation broth encounter significant challenges, such as high ethanol usage, low yield, complex process flow, and environmental pollution. Therefore, a purification process based on crystallization techniques was developed to address the above issues. The process was implemented in two stages: desalination and γ-aminobutyric acid treatment. Na₂SO₄ was effectively removed through a cooling crystallization technique. γ-aminobutyric acid with a purity of 98.66% and a yield of 67.32% was further obtained through a designed “antisolvent-cooling” crystallization process in a 3.2 L system. Moreover, the new process reduced ethanol usage compared to conventional processes, streamlined the purification process flow, and was more environmentally sustainable. Furthermore, we established an industrial-scale model for γ-aminobutyric acid production. Techno-economic analysis indicates that an investment in a plant with an annual capacity of 74.16 tons of γ-aminobutyric acid is projected to achieve payback in 1.98 years. In conclusion, the crystallization-based purification process is poised for industrial-scale γ-aminobutyric acid production due to its high efficiency, economic viability, energy conservation, and environmental compatibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Separation Engineering)

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19 pages, 4095 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Ecological Design Principles in Vortex Settling Basins for Sustainable Water Management

by Neda Sheikh Rezazadeh Nikou, Aonghus Mc Nabola and Alinaghi Ziaei

Water 2025, 17(4), 496; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17040496 - 10 Feb 2025

Viewed by 589

Abstract

Continuous flushing systems such as vortex settling basins (VSBs) are commonly utilized to remove sediment particles in power plants and irrigation and drainage networks. This study evaluates the performance of a typical VSB, focusing on sediment removal efficiency (${\eta }_e$), flow [...] Read more.

Continuous flushing systems such as vortex settling basins (VSBs) are commonly utilized to remove sediment particles in power plants and irrigation and drainage networks. This study evaluates the performance of a typical VSB, focusing on sediment removal efficiency (${\eta }_e$), flow efficiency (${\eta }_{flow}$), and inlet canal efficiency (${\eta }_{in}$). In the continuous operation of VSBs, sediment removal efficiency remains the appropriate metric, as opposed to trapping efficiency. The impact of hydraulic and geometric parameters was analyzed using the Taguchi design, experimental modeling, and statistical analysis through response surface methodology (RSM). The performance of the VSB was evaluated using the ANOVA test, along with the Pareto chart and the desirability function approach for multi-objective optimization. The predicted optimal values for ${\eta }_{in}$, ${\eta }_e$, and ${\eta }_{flow}$ were 94.09%, 69.40%, and 91.67%, respectively. This optimum condition for having higher efficiency in the VSB was for the case with 0.3625 mm particle diameter, 0.1 m orifice diameter, 0.1 m end sill height, 22 L/s inlet discharge, and 0.05 m outlet weir. Larger sediment particle size and inlet discharge enhanced VSB desirability, while smaller orifice size and outlet weir height are preferred for optimal performance. This paper provides a framework for the optimum design of VSBs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Separation Engineering)

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18 pages, 2967 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Modified Biochar Adsorption Combined with Alkaline Solution Absorption for Sulfur-Containing Odor Gases Removal from Domestic Waste Transfer Stations

by Wei Wei, Ningjie Wang and Xiaolei Zhang

Separations 2024, 11(12), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11120361 - 23 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1090

Abstract

Odor emission has become a major issue in waste transfer stations. Hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan (MM), and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) are the main odorous gases. They have a low odor threshold and are difficult to remove. In this study, pine bark biochar was [...] Read more.

Odor emission has become a major issue in waste transfer stations. Hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan (MM), and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) are the main odorous gases. They have a low odor threshold and are difficult to remove. In this study, pine bark biochar was produced and modified with metal ions, including Ni²⁺, Ti²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Cu²⁺. It was then used for the removal of hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl disulfide. Among all modifications, the Cu²⁺ modified biochar showed the best sorption capacity, and the maximum sorption amounts were 20.50 mg/g for H₂S, 36.50 mg/g for MM, and 57.98 mg/g for DMDS. To understand the adsorption, BET, SEM, and XPS of the original and modified biochar were performed. This illustrated that modification with Cu²⁺ increased the surface area and porosity, thus enhancing the adsorption capacity. In the alkaline absorption study, it was found that the removal of the three odor gases increased with the pH increase. Based on the results, a combined process called absorption–adsorption was established to treat the odor gas generated in a local waste transfer station. Thirty-one gas components were detected in the odor gas of the waste transfer station. The process proceeded for 30 days, and these gas components were not found in the effluent during treatment. Regarding H₂S, MM, and DMDS, they were not detected even after 90 days. This indicates the high adsorption capacity of the modified biochar toward the three odor gases. In addition, the process is simple and easy to operate. This suggests that it is suitable for treating odor in places where there is no technician, and the odor needs efficient treatment. The study provides a feasible alternative for domestic waste transfer stations to control the odor problem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Separation Engineering)

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10 pages, 4038 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

In Situ Synthesis of Hypercrosslinked Polymer as Stationary Phase for Capillary Gas Chromatography

by Yan Wu, Chaofan Song, Guanwen Huang, Kaicheng Wu, Yinghong Zhao, Ailin Ning, Wenlanqi Du and Jia Jia

Separations 2024, 11(11), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11110329 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 866

Abstract

Hypercrosslinked polymers (HCPs) constructed by the Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction of aromatic compounds have emerged as a new class of porous materials with unique merit. Herein, a HCP named HCP-TPB was coated onto a capillary column through in situ synthesis. The prepared column exhibited [...] Read more.

Hypercrosslinked polymers (HCPs) constructed by the Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction of aromatic compounds have emerged as a new class of porous materials with unique merit. Herein, a HCP named HCP-TPB was coated onto a capillary column through in situ synthesis. The prepared column exhibited a nonpolar nature, and the column efficiency for n-dodecane was 3003 plates m⁻¹. Moreover, the relative standard deviations of retention time and peak area for six replicate injections of the C3–C6 were lower than 0.1% and 1.5%, respectively. The results of this study showed that it is very promising to utilize HCPs as stationary phases for the separation of C3–C6. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Separation Engineering)

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13 pages, 1432 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Optimization of the Hot Water Extraction of the Polysaccharide-Rich Fraction from Agaricus bisporus

by Aya Samy Ewesys Khalil and Marcin Lukasiewicz

Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4783; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194783 - 9 Oct 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2048

Abstract

The optimization of extraction parameters, including the process time, temperature, and liquid-to-solid ratio, was conducted in order to obtain the polysaccharide-rich fraction from the lyophilized Agaricus bisporus fruiting body. The efficiency of extraction for polysaccharides and antioxidant activity was determined by analyzing the [...] Read more.

The optimization of extraction parameters, including the process time, temperature, and liquid-to-solid ratio, was conducted in order to obtain the polysaccharide-rich fraction from the lyophilized Agaricus bisporus fruiting body. The efficiency of extraction for polysaccharides and antioxidant activity was determined by analyzing the extracts for total carbohydrate content, the reducing sugars content, and the antioxidant activity employing DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. The results showed that all parameters, except for the extraction time, impacted differently on the extraction efficiency of polysaccharides and antioxidant activity. The highest total carbohydrate content was observed at the longest process time, highest temperature, and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 118 mL/g. To minimize the reducing sugar level, a lower temperature is required, while the highest antioxidant activity requires a moderate temperature and the lowest liquid-to-solid ratio. The optimization of antioxidant activity by means of the DPPH and H₂O₂ method failed, which shows that the specific mechanism of polysaccharides as antioxidants needs further investigation. The aqueous extraction method demonstrated to be an efficient and simple approach to recover the potentially bioactive polysaccharide fractions from Agaricus bisporus that are also active as antioxidants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Separation Engineering)

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12 pages, 2579 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Practical Osmotic Agent for High-Degree Pharmaceutical Pre-Concentration by Organic Solvent Forward Osmosis

by Ryoichi Takada, Ryosuke Takagi, Zhaohuan Mai, Atsushi Matsuoka and Hideto Matsuyama

Membranes 2024, 14(9), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes14090187 - 29 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1420

Abstract

Pre-concentration can reduce the total production costs in the pharmaceutical industry. Organic solvent forward osmosis (OSFO) is a suitable pre-concentration method because of its nonthermal nature, low capital cost, and potential for achieving high-degree concentrations. In a previous study, we first demonstrated a [...] Read more.

Pre-concentration can reduce the total production costs in the pharmaceutical industry. Organic solvent forward osmosis (OSFO) is a suitable pre-concentration method because of its nonthermal nature, low capital cost, and potential for achieving high-degree concentrations. In a previous study, we first demonstrated a high-degree OSFO concentration. Sucrose octaacetate (SoA) in MeOH was concentrated to 52 wt% using polyethylene glycol (PEG)-400 as the osmotic agent, but the concentrated solution had a concentration of 17% PEG-400 because of the reverse solute flux. This result does not meet the typical purity standards required for pharmaceutical production, indicating the need to determine a suitable osmotic agent that can be used for practical purposes. This study proposes a practical osmotic agent for OSFO pre-concentration. First, osmotic agents were screened from a practical perspective. Polypropylene glycol (PPG)-400 was selected, owing to its low toxicity, good solubility, and low viscosity. Subsequently, the OSFO concentration was demonstrated using PPG-400 as the osmotic agent. SoA in MeOH was concentrated from 9.4 wt% to 48 wt%. The final feed solution contained only 0.04 wt% PPG-400. This result is the first demonstration of successful pharmaceutical pre-concentration using OSFO that satisfies the typical purity requirement in pharmaceutical production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Separation Engineering)

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