Scalable synthesis and modular properties of tubular silicalite-1 membranes for industrial butane isomer separation

•50-cm-long tubular silicalite-1 membranes were reproducibly prepared for the first time.•The membranes displayed high separation performance for butane isomer separation.•Membrane module properties were investigated using the industrial butane mixtures.•Isobutane recovery was as high as 93 % for a pilot-scale one-stage membrane system.