Abstract: A device for separating a gas, such as air, into components, includes a plurality of modules, each module having one or more polymeric membranes capable of gas separation. A set of valves, pipes, and manifolds together arrange the modules in one of two possible configurations. In a first configuration, the modules are arranged in parallel. In a second configuration, the modules are divided into two groups which are arranged in series. The device can be switched from parallel to series, or from series to parallel, simply by changing the positions of a small number of valves, typically three valves. The device can therefore produce gas either of higher purity, or moderate purity, depending on the settings of the valves. The device also includes improved structures for connecting the modules to inlet and outlet manifolds, and also includes devices for temporarily isolating one or more modules from the system.

Abstract: A cartridge for non-cryogenically separating a gas into components includes a plurality of hollow polymeric fibers, the fibers being anchored by a pair of tubesheets, each tubesheet being adjacent to a head, the tubesheet and head being joined by a clamshell retainer. The cartridge does not have a core tube. The fibers are enclosed within a sleeve, the sleeve being sufficiently thin so as to be a non-structural element. The cartridge may be inserted within a larger pressure vessel. The cartridge of the present invention can accommodate more fibers than comparable cartridges of the prior art, and therefore has greater throughput.

Abstract: A cartridge for non-cryogenically separating a gas into components includes a plurality of hollow polymeric fibers, the fibers being anchored by a pair of tubesheets, each tubesheet being adjacent to a head, the tubesheet and head being joined by a clamshell retainer. The cartridge does not have a core tube. The fibers are enclosed within a sleeve, the sleeve being sufficiently thin so as to be a non-structural element. The cartridge may be inserted within a larger pressure vessel. The cartridge of the present invention can accommodate more fibers than comparable cartridges of the prior art, and therefore has greater throughput.

Abstract: A gas separation module includes hollow polymeric fibers held between a pair of tubesheets. The tubesheets are mounted to a core tube, and the distance between the tubesheets is maintained constant. The core tube is formed in telescoping sections, such that the fibers are attached to the tubesheets when the core tube is in its extended position, and the core tube is then collapsed, forming slack in the fibers. The core tube includes two distinct channels, connected to receive permeate and retentate gas streams, and to carry these streams to outlet ports while keeping the streams separate. Because the tubesheets are affixed to the core tube, the tubesheets do not move under the influence of gas pressure in the module. The slack in the fibers compensates for shrinkage of the fibers, prolonging the life of the module.

Abstract: A two-stage gas-separation membrane system includes two identical membrane modules held within a single casing. A feed gas is directed into the first module, so as to produce permeate and retentate streams. One of the latter streams then becomes the feed gas for the second module, and reaches the second module through a core tube located within the module. The product of the second module is the product gas for the system. The gas streams entering the two modules flow in mutually opposite directions. This arrangement makes it feasible to provide a two-stage system while using only the number of ports that would be needed for a single stage.

Abstract: A device for separating a gas, such as air, into components, includes a plurality of modules, each module having one or more polymeric membranes capable of gas separation. A set of valves, pipes, and manifolds together arrange the modules in one of two possible configurations. In a first configuration, the modules are arranged in parallel. In a second configuration, the modules are divided into two groups which are arranged in series. The device can be switched from parallel to series, or from series to parallel, simply by changing the positions of a small number of valves, typically three valves. The device can therefore produce gas either of higher purity, or moderate purity, depending on the settings of the valves. The device also includes improved structures for connecting the modules to inlet and outlet manifolds, and also includes devices for temporarily isolating one or more modules from the system.

Abstract: A gas separation module includes hollow polymeric fibers held between a pair of tubesheets. The tubesheets are mounted to a core tube, and the distance between the tubesheets is maintained constant. The core tube is formed in telescoping sections, such that the fibers are attached to the tubesheets when the core tube is in its extended position, and the core tube is then collapsed, forming slack in the fibers. The core tube includes two distinct channels, connected to receive permeate and retentate gas streams, and to carry these streams to outlet ports while keeping the streams separate. Because the tubesheets are affixed to the core tube, the tubesheets do not move under the influence of gas pressure in the module. The slack in the fibers compensates for shrinkage of the fibers, prolonging the life of the module.

Abstract: A two-stage gas-separation membrane system includes two identical membrane modules held within a single casing. A feed gas is directed into the first module, so as to produce permeate and retentate streams. One of the latter streams then becomes the feed gas for the second module, and reaches the second module through a core tube located within the module. The product of the second module is the product gas for the system. The gas streams entering the two modules flow in mutually opposite directions. This arrangement makes it feasible to provide a two-stage system while using only the number of ports that would be needed for a single stage.