Theoretical and Experimental Investigations of Flat Sheet Membrane Module Types for High Capacity Gas Separation Applications

Abstract

Gas permeation is increasingly considered for high capacity applications. This contribution discusses the commonly employed membrane module types for flat sheet membranes and suggests a new module concept. The applications considered are the separation of CO 2 from flue gas and hydrocarbon dewpointing of natural gas. Rigorous models for predicting the operating performance of the module types are described. Pilot plant experiments were conducted to validate the model for envelope type modules. Simulation studies were carried out to predict the performances of the different module types for the two examples and assess their advantages and disadvantages.

Synergy of CO 2 removal and light hydrocarbon recovery from oil-field associated gas by dual-membrane process

“…3. The parameters are listed in Table A The plasticizing diffusivity has been thoroughly investigated (Brinkmann et al, 2013;Fang et al, 1975;Petropoulos, 1992;Scholes et al, 2013;Vrentas and Duda, 1977). Petropoulos (Petropoulos, 1992) proposed a simplified equation of plasticized-diffusivity for highly-volatile gases…”

Spacer enhanced heat and mass transfer in membrane-based enthalpy exchangers

“…The PAN support itself is placed on top of a nonwoven. An additional ultra-thin PDMS top layer protects the Polyactive layer [28,29]. …”

Pilot scale investigations of the removal of carbon dioxide from hydrocarbon gas streams using poly (ethylene oxide)–poly (butylene terephthalate) PolyActive™) thin film composite membranes

“…The experimental data for the single gas permeation experiments were described using an Arrhenius type relationship for water vapour, ethane, hydrogen, methane, oxygen and nitrogen whilst the Free Volume model [19,24] was employed for carbon dioxide and ethylene. The Free Volume Model, shown in Eq.…”

“…The membrane module types for the flat sheet membranes are either spiral wound [21] or envelope type modules [19,22]. For these modules, rigorous process simulation tools were developed and validated [19,25] in order to assess their performance and develop processes superior to their conventional counterparts.…”

“…The latter material was developed within the scope of the MemBrain alliance, funded by the Helmholtz Association in Germany [4]. These membranes exhibit an excellent carbon dioxide permeance of a about 3 Nm 3 /(m 2 h bar) at carbon dioxide/nitrogen selectivities of 60 at 20 1C [3,[18][19][20].…”