Abstract: The invention relates to an improved membrane pervaporation and vapor permeation system in which the vacuum is produced by a fluid passing through a Venturi-type nozzle. The fluid is chosen from solvents that have little or no affinity for the permeate molecules. It is applicable over process feed rates, and can be used for the separation of aromatic species from hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A method and system for blending components obtained from a feed stock. The method includes flowing a first stream through a membrane member, with the membrane member having a first wafer assembly comprising a first thin film polymer membrane, a first permeate zone, and heat transfer means for transferring heat from the first permeate zone to the polymer membrane. The method includes exposing the first stream to the polymer membrane and providing a heated fluid to the heat transfer means in order to heat the permeate zone and the polymer membrane as the first stream is being flown through the first wafer assembly. The method further includes removing a permeate stream from the permeate zone. The permeate stream may be conducted to at least one refinery process unit for further processing. In the preferred embodiment, the feed stock is a naphtha.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for operating a rapid cycling pressure swing adsorption (RCPSA) having a cycle time, T, to separate a feed gas into a non-adsorbed gas and tail gas. The method includes the steps of passing the feed gas having a purity of F % at high pressure into a first end of a bed which selectively adsorbs the tail gas and passes the product gas out a second end of the bed for a time, F. The product gas has a purity, P %, and a rate of recovery of R %. Then the bed is cocurrently drpressurized for a time, tCO, followed by countercurrently depressurizing the bed for a time, tCN. The bed is then purged for a time, tP, wherein desorbate (tail gas) is released at the first end of the bed at a pressure greater than 30 psig, Subsequently the bed is repressurized for a duration, tRP. R>80%, P/F?1.1 or R?90%, 0<P/F<1.1.

Abstract: An isothermal method is provided for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from a feed stream. The method includes flowing the feed stream through a first channel within a first wafer assembly that contains a rib member. Next, the feed stream is exposed to a first thin film polymer membrane. A stream permeates through the first thin film polymer membrane into a permeate zone. The permeate zone is heated via a heated fluid contained within the rib member. The permeate is produced from the first wafer assembly. The method may include having a plurality of tandem wafer assemblies arranged in series. An apparatus for separating aromatic components from a feed stream is also disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a series of tandem wafer assemblies specifically adapted for blending a transportation fuel.

Abstract: A method for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from a feed stream. The method includes flowing the feed stream through a first channel within a first wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. Next, the feed stream is exposed to a first thin film polymer membrane. A stream permeates through the first thin film polymer membrane, and the permeate is produced from the first wafer assembly. The retentate is directed via a redistribution channel (such as a tube) to a second wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. This retentate is exposed to a second thin film polymer membrane. A second permeate stream is created that permeates through the second thin film polymer membrane. The second permeate stream is conducted into the permeate zone and ultimately produced from the second wafer assembly. An apparatus for separating aromatic components from a feed stream is also disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a series of tandem wafer assemblies.

Abstract: A method for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from a feed stream. The method includes flowing the feed stream through a first channel within a first wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. Next, the feed stream is exposed to a first thin film polymer membrane. A stream permeates through the first thin film polymer membrane, and the permeate is produced from the first wafer assembly. The retentate is directed via a redistribution tube to a second wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. This retentate is exposed to a second thin film polymer membrane. A second permeate stream is created that permeates through the second thin film polymer membrane. The second permeate stream is flown into the permeate zone and ultimately produced from the second wafer assembly. An apparatus for separating aromatic components from a feed stream is also disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a series of tandem wafer assemblies.