Membrane technologies for crude oil separation could cut refining energy use by up to 90%

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"Three teams have developed membranes that can efficiently separate hydrocarbons in crude oil. These materials are scalable, can work under industrial conditions and help reduce the energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions compared with conventional methods. ‘Membrane-based hydrocarbon fractionation is [now] moving from a promising idea toward a more practical technology,’ ..."

Membrane technologies for crude oil separation could cut refining energy use by up to 90% | Chemistry World (behind paywall) "Separating crude oil into useful fractions take 1% of the world’s energy. These researchers have a plan to tackle this"