Abstract: A system for processing a feed includes a membrane system configured to receive the feed and produce a concentrate and a permeate, wherein the membrane system includes an active cooling system, a passive cooling system, or a combination thereof. Further, the system includes a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the membrane system and disposed upstream of the membrane system, such that the feed enters the heat exchanger prior to entering the membrane system, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to cool the feed and heat the concentrate by transferring heat from the feed to the concentrate.

Abstract: At least some VOCs are removed from a feed gas in an adsorption unit comprising at least three adsorbers following a pressure cycle with a phase shift, wherein the feed gas comprises at least methane, carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The VOC depleted gas is fed to at least one membrane separation to produce a carbon dioxide-enriched permeate and a methane-enriched retentate. The flow of the feed gas stream is adjusted based upon one or both of a pressure or methane concentration of the gas stream entering the membrane separation unit and/or a pressure in the adsorption unit.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing of an alkanesulfonic acid, and an alkanesulfonic acid manufactured by the process. Aspects of the process may involve manufacturing an alkanesulfonic acid by reaction of an initiator composition with an alkane and sulfur trioxide by preparing an initiator composition by reacting aqueous hydrogen peroxide with alkanesulfonic acid and/or H2SO4; and reacting the initiator composition with sulfur trioxide and alkane to form an alkanesulfonic acid, wherein an alkane with a purity of at least 98.0 mol-% is used.

Abstract: A system that is used for the treatment of a net gas stream is disclosed. The system includes a compressor to produce a compressed gas stream from a net gas stream. The compressor is connected to a pressure swing adsorption unit where the net gas stream is separated to produce a hydrogen product stream and a tail gas stream. Tail gas stream from the pressure swing adsorption unit is sent to a first membrane unit to produce a first permeate stream and a first non-permeate stream. A portion of the tail gas stream is sent to a second membrane unit to produce a second permeate stream and a second non-permeate stream.

Abstract: A canister for use in an evaporative emission control system that includes an external housing; a membrane module separating the external housing into an inlet side and an outlet side; an entrance located on the inlet side in fluid communication with a fuel tank, such that a vapor mixture flows into the inlet side; an exit located on the outlet side in fluid communication with an internal combustion engine; a first valve that reversibly connects the inlet side to atmosphere; and optionally, a second valve that reversibly connects the outlet side to atmosphere. The membrane module includes one or more structured membranes having a surface with a plurality of folds, the membrane being shaped as a flat sheet or into a cylindrical geometry. The vapor mixture flows from the entrance along the surface of the membrane, such that gaseous fuel vapor permeates through the membrane to the outlet side.

Abstract: A composite membrane for selectively pervaporating a first liquid from a mixture comprising the first liquid and a second liquid. The composite membrane includes a porous substrate comprising opposite first and second major surfaces, and a plurality of pores. A pore-filling polymer is disposed in at least some of the pores so as to form a layer having a thickness within the porous substrate. The polymer is more permeable to the first liquid than the second liquid but not soluble in the first liquid or the second liquid. The composite membrane may be asymmetric or symmetric with respect to the amount of pore-filling polymer throughout the thickness of the porous substrate.

Abstract: Organosilicon compounds in a process exhaust stream from silicone production are removed by contacting the exhaust stream with a semipermeable silicone membrane which is selectively permeable to organosilicon compounds and oxygen relative to nitrogen. The pressure on the permeate side of the membrane is preferably less than the pressure on the retentate side.

Abstract: A fuel deoxygenation system for an aircraft includes a hydrocarbon recycler configured to recycle hydrocarbon gas into fuel. The hydrocarbon recycler includes a housing that partially defines an ullage channel configured to fluidly communicate with both an ullage of an aircraft fuel tank and a vent, wherein the housing partially defines a hydrocarbon recirculation channel configured to fluidly communicate with a liquid portion of a fuel tank. The hydrocarbon recycler also includes a membrane defining a sealing wall between the ullage channel and the hydrocarbon recirculation channel such that the membrane is in fluid communication with both the ullage channel and the hydrocarbon recirculation channel, wherein the membrane is configured to be permeable to hydrocarbons such that hydrocarbons in the ullage channel can pass through the membrane to the hydrocarbon recirculation channel and oxygen in the ullage channel to passes through to be vented.

Abstract: A process for removing acetic acid from an aqueous stream containing yellow oil. According to the process, yellow oil is removed from the aqueous stream prior to the removal of acetic acid by a reverse osmosis membrane.

Abstract: A process for recovery of CO2 from a post-combustion gas includes pre-concentrating a CO2 component of the post-combustion flue gas by passing the post-combustion gas through a CO2-selective membrane module to provide a CO2-enriched permeate stream and a CO2-lean reject stream. Next, in a CO2 absorber, both the CO2-enriched permeate stream and CO2 lean reject stream, fed to separate feed locations on the CO2 absorber, are contacted with a scrubbing solvent to absorb CO2 and provide a carbon-rich scrubbing solvent. Finally, absorbed CO2 is stripped from the carbon-rich scrubbing solvent by a two-stage CO2 stripping system. The CO2-selective membrane may be a high flux, low pressure drop, low CO2 selectivity membrane. The two stage stripping system includes a primary CO2 stripping column for stripping CO2 from the carbon-rich scrubbing solvent exiting the CO2 absorber, and a secondary CO2 stripping column for stripping CO2 from a carbon-lean scrubbing solvent exiting the primary CO2 stripping column.

Abstract: A system with a non-thermal, repetitively-pulsed gliding discharge reactor for converting gaseous hydrocarbons into liquid fuels efficiently. The system optionally contains a gas separator for removing non-hydrocarbon components from the gaseous hydrocarbon feed to improve efficiency of the system. The system may optionally reclaim hydrogen gas from the product gas for storage, transportation or power generation.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to processes for fabrication of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) membranes. These ZIF membranes can be used in separating C2? hydrocarbons from C3+ hydrocarbons and propylene/propane mixtures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for conditioning natural gas containing C3+ hydrocarbons, so that it can be used as combustion fuel to run gas-powered equipment, including gas engines and turbine-driven compressors, in the gas field or the gas processing plant. The claimed process use glassy polymeric membranes that are preferentially permeable to methane over C2+ hydrocarbons to produce a partially purified methane stream. The process operates at a stage cut of at least about 5%.

Abstract: In a method for the combined production of ammonia synthesis gas and carbon dioxide from a mixture of hydrocarbons, the cooled mixture from a reverse conversion is separated in an adsorption unit by pressure modulation (or PSA) producing a hydrogen-enriched flow having a purity at least equal to 98% and a residual gas, the residual gas is processed to produce carbon dioxide and a gas containing nitrogen and methane and at least a portion of the hydrogen-enriched flow and at least a portion of the gas containing nitrogen and methane are mixed to form an ammonia synthesis gas.

Abstract: A gas separation process for treating a gas stream containing vapors of condensable components. The process includes two membrane separation steps, the second step using membranes of lower selectivity than the first step. Advantageously, the first membrane separation step may be carried out outside the pressure-ratio-limited region and the second membrane separation step may be carried out within the pressure-ratio-limited region. The second residue stream is a desired product of the process, and the process is particularly useful for applications where the target concentration of component A in this product is low, such as below 1-2 vol %.

Abstract: Cross-linked rubbery polyurethane-ether polymeric membranes are made from cross-linked rubbery polyurethane-ether polymers that are synthesized from a diisocyanate-terminated polyether and a tetrol with four hydroxyl functional groups. The hydroxyl groups on the tetrol react with the isocyanate groups on the diisocyanate-terminated polyether to form urethane bonds. The cross-linked rubbery polyurethane-ether polymeric membrane selectively permeate condensable vapors such as C3 to C35 hydrocarbons, aromatics, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide and rejects methane and ethane. The cross-linked rubbery polyurethane-ether polymeric membrane have high permeance for condensable vapors, high selectivity for condensable vapors over methane and ethane, and high resistance to liquid chemicals.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to carbon molecular sieve membranes (CMSM) and their associated fabrication processes, and more particularly to CMSM that maintain high gas selectivities without losing productivity. Methods for enriching a mixture of gases in one gas via the use of the CMS membranes, and gas enrichment devices using the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Biogas is converted to a vehicle fuel equivalent to compressed natural gas high in methane in a simple, low cost process involving steps of refrigeration, non-regenerative activated carbon purification and carbon dioxide removal using low-pressure membrane technology.

Abstract: This invention relates to self-cross-linkable and self-cross-linked aromatic polyimide polymers, their membranes and methods for making and using these polymers and membranes. The self-cross-linkable aromatic polyimide polymer described in the present invention comprises both hydroxyl functional groups and carboxylic acid functional groups. The self-cross-linked aromatic polyimide was formed via heating the self-cross-linkable aromatic polyimide polymer at ?300° C. The self-cross-linked aromatic polyimide membranes exhibit high selectivity in separation of mixtures of gases and liquids.

Abstract: A method of making a polybenzoxazole (PBO) membrane from a self-cross-linked aromatic polyimide polymer membrane is provided. These membranes are useful in the separation of gas mixtures and liquid mixtures. The PBO membrane is made by fabricating a self-cross-linkable aromatic polyimide polymer membrane comprising both hydroxyl functional groups and carboxylic acid functional groups; cross-linking the polymer to form a self-cross-linked aromatic polyimide polymer membrane by heating the membrane at 250° to 300° C. under an inert atmosphere; and thermal heating the self-cross-linked aromatic polyimide polymer membrane at a temperature from about 350° to 500° C. under an inert atmosphere to convert the self-cross-linked aromatic polyimide polymer membrane into a PBO membrane. A membrane coating step may be added by coating the selective layer surface of the PBO membrane with a thin layer of high permeability material.

Abstract: A hollow fiber carbon molecular sieve membrane, a process for preparing the hollow fiber carbon molecular sieve membrane, and a process for effecting separation of an olefin from a gaseous mixture that comprises the olefin in admixture with its corresponding paraffin and optionally one or more gaseous components selected from hydrogen, an olefin other than the olefin and a paraffin other than the corresponding paraffin. The process and membrane may also be used to effect separation of the olefin(s) from remaining feedstream components subsequent to an olefin-paraffin separation.

Abstract: A method for removal and condensation of vapors from within an enclosed space (120) is disclosed. An enclosed space (120) containing material (110) is surrounded by an insulative permeable layer (130) having a lowering temperature gradient (230) between the inner surface (220) and the outer surfaces (240). The insulative layer (130) may also be covered by an impermeable layer (140). Heating the material (110) in the enclosed space (120) causes the formation of vapors at a positive pressure within the enclosed space (120). Vapors pass through the inner surface (220) of the insulative permeable layer (130) and contact the permeable materials and are condensed by the lowering temperature within the insulative layer (130). The condensate liquid passes downwardly through the insulative layer (130) for collection.

Abstract: Methods and systems for conversion of a carbon containing fuel to CO2 and H2O. An air stream is fed to a first ion transport membrane unit obtaining a pure oxygen stream from a permeate side and an air stream with a reduced oxygen content from a retentate side. The air stream with a reduced oxygen content is fed to a second ion transport membrane unit and a gaseous first carbon containing fuel is fed to a permeate side of the second ion transport membrane. The first carbon containing fuel is reacted with oxygen transported through the second ion transport membrane forming an at least partially combusted first fuel. The at least partially combusted first fuel, at least a part of the pure oxygen stream and optionally a second carbon containing fuel is fed to a combustion chamber for combustion. An exhaust stream comprising essentially CO2 and H2O is obtained.

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a method and an apparatus for cryogen-free concentration of a hyperpolarized noble gas in a continuously flowing stream of gas. The method comprises the following steps: providing a mixture of gases containing hyperpolarized noble gas and at least one process gas; passing the prepared gas mixture as a continuously flowing stream of gas through a gas separation device with a semipermeable membrane in order to separate the gases; and concentrating the hyperpolarized noble gas in the gas separation device, in which at least part of the at least one process gas or the hyperpolarized noble gas is separated from the continuously flowing stream of gas by means of the semipermeable membrane. It also provides for the use of a continuous stream of gas with concentrated hyperpolarized noble gas for magnetic resonance spectroscopy or magnetic resonance tomography.

Abstract: A gas-separation membrane module assembly and a gas-separation process using the assembly. The assembly includes sets of manifolds, between which are mounted arrays of membrane modules, the manifolds and membrane modules forming a stack within a pressure vessel or housing. The stacked, manifolded arrangement enables many membrane elements to be fed in parallel with the gas to be treated.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to high permeability, UV cross-linkable copolyimide polymers and membranes for gas, vapor, and liquid separations, as well as methods for making and using these membranes. The invention provides a process for separating at least one gas from a mixture of gases using the high permeability copolyimide membrane or the UV cross-linked copolyimide membrane, the process comprising: (a) providing a high permeability copolyimide membrane or a UV cross-linked copolyimide membrane which is permeable to said at least one gas; (b) contacting the mixture on one side of the high permeability copolyimide membrane or the UV cross-linked copolyimide membrane to cause said at least one gas to permeate the membrane; and (c) removing from the opposite side of the membrane a permeate gas composition comprising a portion of said at least one gas which permeated said membrane.

Abstract: Carbon molecular sieve membranes having desirable selectivity for ethylene/ethane separations are prepared from a 3,3?,4,4?-benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride 5(6)-amino-1-(4?-aminophenyl)-1,3,3-trimethylindane 4,4-bismaleimidodiphenyl-methane (BTDA-DAPI) precursor solution that is then formed into films or hollow fibers which are pyrolyzed under vacuum or an inert atmosphere to form carbon molecular sieve membranes. Pyrolysis condition variables, including ramp rate, thermal soak time and temperature, are used to optimize the membrane's separation performance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a membrane separation apparatus that includes an integrated filter element and a membrane element housed within a single vessel. The vessel is configured to allow liquids to be trapped and removed from the vessel, and gases to flow to and through the membrane element. The apparatus is useful in the conditioning of fuel gas to separate methane from C2+ hydrocarbons.

Abstract: One aspect of the present teachings includes a separation membrane arranged in a hollow case. A particular component concentration chamber and a particular component dilution chamber are arranged in series in the hollow case. The particular component concentration chamber is capable of increasing concentration of the particular component by allowing permeation of the particular gas through the separation membrane. The particular component dilution chamber is capable of increasing concentration of the particular component by not allowing permeation of the particular gas through the separation membrane. The particular component concentration chamber and the particular component dilution chamber are configured such that only a gas containing the particular component and permeated through the separation membrane or only a gas containing the particular component not permeated through the separation membrane in one of the chambers disposed on an upstream side (i.e.

Abstract: A system for separating fluids of a fluid mixture including a filter element operatively arranged for enabling a first component of a fluid mixture to flow therethrough while impeding flow of at least one other fluid component of the fluid mixture. An additive is configured to improve a first affinity of the filter element for the first component relative to a second affinity of the filter element for the at least one other fluid component of the fluid mixture. A method of separating fluids is also included.

Abstract: The present invention discloses high performance cross-linked polyimide asymmetric flat sheet membranes and a process of using such membranes. The cross-linked polyimide asymmetric flat sheet membranes have shown CO2 permeance higher than 80 GPU and CO2/CH4 selectivity higher than 20 at 50° C. under 6996 kPa of a feed gas with 10% CO2 and 90% CH4 for CO2/CH4 separation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for separating components of a gas mixture using gas-separation copolymer membranes. These membranes use a selective layer made from copolymers of perfluorodioxolane monomers. The resulting membranes have superior selectivity performance for gas pairs of interest while maintaining fast gas permeance compared to membranes prepared using conventional perfluoropolymers, such as Teflon® AF, Hyflon® AD, and Cytop®.

Abstract: There are provided a process for producing a zeolite membrane which, even when large, has few defects and which has higher separation performance than conventional zeolite membranes, and a zeolite membrane obtained by the process. In the process, the structure-directing agent is removed in the atmosphere having an O2 concentration of 22.0 vol % or more. Specifically, the process includes: a particle adhesion step of allowing zeolite particles functioning as seeds to flow down the surface of the substrate by means of the weight of the slurry itself, thereby adhering to the substrate and a membrane-forming step of forming a zeolite membrane on the substrate by immersing the substrate having the zeolite particles adhering thereto in sol containing the structure-directing agent for hydrothermal synthesis, thereby forming a zeolite membrane on the substrate.

Abstract: A vapor particle separator including a temperature controlled chamber for desorbing vapors from the particulates of an exhaust gas and a separation chamber including a micro porous membrane. The micro porous membrane provides an interface between at least one particle passageway and at least one vapor passageway through the separation chamber. The particle passageway extends from an entrance to the separation chamber to a particle exit from the separation chamber. The vapor passageway extends from the micro-porous membrane to a vapor exit from the separation chamber that is separate from the particle exit from the separation chamber.

Abstract: A method for conditioning natural gas into a fuel gas suitable for use as fuel to an engine includes delivering a natural gas stream to a membrane separator. The natural gas stream has a heating value greater than or equal to about 1.15×106 Joules (about 1100 BTU). The method further includes separating the natural gas stream in the membrane separator into a residue stream and a permeate stream. The residue stream includes C2+ hydrocarbons at a concentration greater than a concentration of C2+ hydrocarbons in the natural gas stream, and the permeate stream includes methane at a concentration greater than a concentration of methane in the natural gas stream. Still further, the method includes delivering the permeate stream to an engine for use as fuel gas to the engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving separation of gas phase streams using an adsorbent, such as 8-member ring zeolite adsorbents or DDR type zeolite adsorbents. Suitable gas phase streams can include at least one hydrocarbon, such as methane or a hydrocarbon containing at least one saturated carbon-carbon bond, and at least one additional component, such as CO2 or N2. The selectivity of the adsorbent is improved by selectivating the adsorbent with one or more barrier compounds. The presence of the barrier compounds is believed to alter the relative ability of potential adsorbates to enter into and/or move within the pores of the adsorbent.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to gas separation membranes and, in particular, to high selectivity fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer-comprising polymeric blend membranes for gas separations. The polymeric blend membrane comprises a fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer and a second polymer different from the fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer. The fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymers in the current invention are copolymers comprising 10 to 99 mol % 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene-based structural units and 1 to 90 mol % vinylidene fluoride-based structural units. The second polymer different from the fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer is selected from a low cost, easily processable glassy polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a crosslinked hollow fiber membrane. The method involves spinning a one phase solution comprising a monoesterified polyimide polymer, acetone as a volatile solvent, a spinning solvent, a spinning non-solvent, and optionally an organic and/or inorganic additive, wherein the volatile solvent is present in an amount of greater than 25 wt. % to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the solution.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to gas separation membranes and, in particular, to high selectivity fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer-comprising polymeric blend membranes for gas separations. The polymeric blend membrane comprises a fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer and a second polymer different from the fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer. The fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymers in the current invention are copolymers comprising 10 to 99 mol % 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene-based structural units and 1 to 90 mol % vinylidene fluoride-based structural units. The second polymer different from the fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer is selected from a low cost, easily processable glassy polymer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to a gas separation membrane and a gas separation method in which at least one type of gas is separated and recovered from a gas mixture, using the gas separation membrane. The gas separation membrane is asymmetric and hollow and made of a polyimide material. The method of the invention provides a practical, high-performance technique for gas separation.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to carbon molecular sieve membranes (CMSM) and their associated fabrication processes, and more particularly to CMSM that maintain high gas selectivities without losing productivity. Methods for enriching a mixture of gases in one gas via the use of the CMS membranes, and gas enrichment devices using the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Carbon molecular sieve membranes having desirable selectivity for ethylene/ethane separations are prepared from a 3,3?,4,4?-benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride 5(6)-amino-1-(4?-aminophenyl)-1,3,3-trimethylindane 4,4-bismaleimidodiphenyl-methane (BTDA-DAPI) precursor solution that is then formed into films or hollow fibers which are pyrolyzed under vacuum or an inert atmosphere to form carbon molecular sieve membranes. Pyrolysis condition variables, including ramp rate, thermal soak time and temperature, are used to optimize the membrane's separation performance.

Abstract: An asymmetric gas separation membrane made of an aromatic polyimide mainly containing repeating units having an ether bond which is heated at a temperature near a softening point (Ts) of the aromatic polyimide, and a method for separating methanol from a methanol-containing mixed organic vapor by allowing methanol to selectively permeate the asymmetric gas separation membrane using the membrane.

Abstract: A gas purification process for treating a gas stream includes supplying the gas stream to at least one membrane unit to produce a permeate stream and a retentate stream. The retentate stream contains a lower concentration of at least one of water, hydrogen sulfide, or carbon dioxide as compared to the gas stream. The retentate stream is supplied to a molecular sieve unit to remove hydrogen sulfide to produce a treated gas product stream.

Abstract: An asymmetric hollow fiber gas separation membrane obtained by subjecting an asymmetric hollow fiber polyimide membrane to a heat treatment having a maximum temperature of from 350 to 450° C., wherein the asymmetric hollow fiber polyimide membrane is formed with a polyimide essentially having a repeating unit represented by a general formula (1); is excellent in a solvent resistance and a thermal stability, and as well has such a mechanical strength that a tensile elongation at break is not less than 10% as a hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: A gas separation process for treating off-gas streams from reaction processes, and reaction processes including such gas separation. The invention involves flowing the off-gas across the feed side of a membrane, flowing a sweep gas stream, usually air, across the permeate side, and passing the permeate/sweep gas mixture to the reaction. The process recovers unreacted feedstock that would otherwise be lost in the waste gases in an energy-efficient manner.

Abstract: The present invention discloses blend polymer membranes comprising thermally rearranged polymers derived from aromatic polyimides containing ortho-positioned functional groups and methods for making and using these blend polymer membranes. The blend polymer membranes described in the current invention are prepared by heat treatment of blend polymer membranes comprising aromatic polyimides containing ortho-positioned functional groups such as —OH or —SH groups. In some instances, an additional crosslinking step is performed to improve the selectivity of the membrane. These blend polymer membranes have improved flexibility, reduced cost, improved processability, and enhanced selectivity and/or permeability compared to the comparable polymer membranes that comprise a single polymer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a filled polymeric membrane includes a first step of preparing a filler suspension having a solvent for a glassy polymer and nanometer-sized particles. The nanometer-sized particles in the filler suspension are aggregated in aggregates having an average aggregate size in the range between 50 nm and smaller than 200 nm. In a following step, the glassy polymer is added to the filler suspension to obtain a polymer suspension. Next, the glassy polymer is dissolved in the polymer suspension. In a next step, the polymer suspension is cast on a substrate, followed by a step of removing the solvent. A filled polymeric membrane includes aggregates of nanometer-sized filler particles. The membrane is used in pervaporation and nanofiltration.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for forming microporous membranes. More specifically, vapor induced phase separation techniques are used for forming multizone microporous membranes having improved material throughput.

Abstract: The present invention discloses microporous UZM-5 zeolite membranes, methods for making the same, and methods of separating gases, vapors, and liquids using the same. The small-pore microporous UZM-5 zeolite membrane is prepared by two different methods, including in-situ crystallization of one or more layers of UZM-5 zeolite crystals on a porous membrane support, and a seeding method by in-situ crystallization of a continuous second layer of UZM-5 zeolite crystals on a seed layer of UZM-5 zeolite crystals supported on a porous membrane support. The membranes in the form of disks, tubes, or hollow fibers have superior thermal and chemical stability, good erosion resistance, high CO2 plasticization resistance, and significantly improved selectivity over polymer membranes for gas, vapor, and liquid separations.