Abstract: A polymeric fiber for use in gas separation is formed from a spin dope which includes solvent and non-solvent materials. The fiber is passed through a quench bath, and then a leach bath, in which the solvent and non-solvent are removed. The quench bath and the leach bath include sets of rollers which transport the fiber through the system. Each set of rollers in the leach bath operates at a speed which is greater than or equal to the speed of the rollers which are immediately upstream. Thus, the fiber is stretched, in different amounts, at the same time that the solvent and non-solvent are being removed, and while the fiber is still wet. The resulting fiber has been found to exhibit superior flux and selectivity properties.

Abstract: A module having polymeric gas-separation membranes is capable of operation in extreme temperature environments. In one embodiment, the module includes polymeric fiber membranes, a tubesheet for holding the membranes, and a sleeve encasing the membranes, all of which are made of materials having coefficients of thermal expansion which differ from each other by not more than about 10%. In another embodiment, the membranes, the tubesheet, and the sleeve are all made of materials having a glass transition temperature greater than a highest anticipated temperature of operation of the module. In another embodiment, the module includes a head, and a clamshell having multiple protrusions which engage corresponding grooves in the head and in at least two grooves formed in the tubesheet.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane module includes hollow polymeric fibers held within a casing, the fibers being anchored by tubesheets at the ends of the casing. A filter material, preferably made of an activated carbon fiber fabric, is integral with the module, such that all gas entering the module must pass first through the filter before reaching the fibers. The filter may have the form of a circular pad affixed to one of the tubesheets. Alternatively, the filter could be a wrap disposed around the fibers, inside the casing. In another alternative, the filter could be provided within a core tube, in cases where a feed gas is introduced through the core of the module. In another embodiment, the filter could be provided in a separate unit from the gas separation module.

Abstract: A module having polymeric gas-separation membranes is capable of operation in extreme temperature environments. In one embodiment, the module includes polymeric fiber membranes, a tubesheet for holding the membranes, and a sleeve encasing the membranes, all of which are made of materials having coefficients of thermal expansion which differ from each other by not more than about 10%. In another embodiment, the membranes, the tubesheet, and the sleeve are all made of materials having a glass transition temperature greater than a highest anticipated temperature of operation of the module. In another embodiment, the module includes a head, and a clamshell having multiple protrusions which engage corresponding grooves in the head and in at least two grooves formed in the tubesheet.

Abstract: A polymeric fiber for use in gas separation is formed from a spin dope which includes solvent and non-solvent materials. The fiber is passed through a quench bath, and then a leach bath, in which the solvent and non-solvent are removed. The quench bath and the leach bath include sets of rollers which transport the fiber through the system. Each set of rollers in the leach bath operates at a speed which is greater than or equal to the speed of the rollers which are immediately upstream. Thus, the fiber is stretched, in different amounts, at the same time that the solvent and non-solvent are being removed, and while the fiber is still wet. The resulting fiber has been found to exhibit superior flux and selectivity properties.

Abstract: Hollow fiber membrane modules are manufactured by weaving hollow fiber membranes into a web while the fibers still contain a residual amount of the organic liquids used in the extrusion of the fibers. The web once formed is then passed through a final solvent extraction stage, followed by drying and heating to fix the final form and permeation characteristics of the membranes, and finally rolling the web into a bundle which forms the interior of the module. The hollow fibers are woven as fill in the web.