Process for separating a volatile component from a mixture

A method of separating a volatile component (1) from a mixture (2) by using a combination of a carrier gas and a separate flow of liquid each in heat transfer contact with the mixture said method comprising:

• introducing the mixture into an evaporator (4), circulating a flow (3') of a carrier gas through the evaporator (4) to a condenser (5) and back to said evaporator (4), said carrier gas being supplied to the evaporator (4) to contact said mixture (2) within the evaporator and to receive the volatile component from the mixture and to carry the volatile component from the evaporator, the carrier gas subsequently being transferred to the condenser (5) together with the volatile component (1) of the mixture (2), precipitating a part (1") of said volatile component (1) by condensation in said condenser, and sequentially circulating a separate flow (1') of a liquid in heat transfer contact with said mixture (2) in the evaporator, then passing the liquid in heat transfer contact with an external heat sink (8) in a cooler (62) to provide a cooled liquid, then passing the cooled liquid from the cooler in heat transfer contact with said carrier gas (3) in said condenser (5), then passing the cooled liquid from the condenser (5) in heat transfer contact with an external heat source (7) in a heater (61) to provide a heated liquid, and then passing the heated liquid from the heater back to said evaporator for heat transfer contact with said mixture (2), wherein the cooled liquid is supplied to said condenser (5) by being applied to contact means (55) in said condenser (5) to provide direct contact with said carrier gas (3), such that the separation of the volatile component (1) from the mixture (2) is achieved at pressure and temperature below the boiling point of the volatile component (1) at an improved energy efficiency.