Apparatus For Selective Diffusion Of Gases (e.g., Semipermeable Membrane, Etc.) Patents (Class 96/4)
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Patent number: 8673057Abstract: DDR nanocrystals of uniform size and structure were synthesized using hydrothermal secondary growth and then used to make DDR zeolite membranes and for any other use where uniform, small DDR zeolite crystals are beneficial.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Zhengzhi Zhou, Sankar Nair
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Patent number: 8673067Abstract: Provided herein are immobilized liquid membranes for gas separation, methods of preparing such membranes and uses thereof. In one example, the immobilized membrane includes a porous metallic host matrix and an immobilized liquid fluid (such as a silicone oil) that is immobilized within one or more pores included within the porous metallic host matrix. The immobilized liquid membrane is capable of selective permeation of one type of molecule (such as oxygen) over another type of molecule (such as water). In some examples, the selective membrane is incorporated into a device to supply oxygen from ambient air to the device for electrochemical reactions, and at the same time, to block water penetration and electrolyte loss from the device.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Wei Liu, Nathan L. Canfield, Jian Zhang, Xiaohong Shari Li, Jiguang Zhang
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Publication number: 20140060324Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane including a reaction product of an epoxy-functional organopolysiloxane and an amino-functional curing agent, wherein the organopolysiloxane has an average of at least two silicon-bonded epoxy-substituted organic groups per molecule and the curing agent has an average of at least two nitrogen-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule. The invention further relates to a method of separating gas components in a feed gas mixture by use of the membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Dow Corning CorporationInventors: Dongchan Ahn, Christopher Wong, James S. Hrabal
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Publication number: 20140065021Abstract: Hydrogen generation assemblies, hydrogen purification devices, and their components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the devices may include a permeate frame with a membrane support structure having first and second membrane support plates that are free from perforations and that include a plurality of microgrooves configured to provide flow channels for at least part of the permeate stream. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a return conduit fluidly connecting a buffer tank and a reformate conduit, a return valve assembly configured to manage flow in the return conduit, and a control assembly configured to operate a fuel processing assembly between run and standby modes based, at least in part, on detected pressure in the buffer tank and configured to direct the return valve assembly to allow product hydrogen stream to flow from the buffer tank to the reformate conduit when the fuel processing assembly is in the standby mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventor: David J. Edlund
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Patent number: 8663364Abstract: Disclosed are methods of obtaining carbon dioxide from a CO2-containing gas mixture. The methods combine the benefits of gas membrane separation with cryogenic temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Étude et l'Éxploitation des Procédés Georges ClaudeInventors: David J. Hasse, Sudhir S. Kulkarni, Edgar S. Sanders, Jr., Jean-Pierre Tranier, Paul Terrien
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Publication number: 20140053726Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank flammability reduction method includes feeding pressurized air into an air separation module containing a carbon membrane, the air feed exhibiting a normal pressure of no more than 55 psig and the carbon membrane containing at least 95 weight percent carbon. The method includes producing nitrogen-enriched air from the air separation module as a result of removing oxygen from the air feed. An aircraft fuel tank flammability reduction system includes a source for pressurized air, an air separation module configured to receive air feed from the pressurized air source, and a carbon membrane containing at least 95 weight percent carbon. The carbon membrane is configured to permeate oxygen from the air feed through the carbon membrane at a temperature of at least 120° C. (248° F.) and to produce nitrogen-enriched air from the air separation module as a result of removing oxygen from the air feed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Inventors: Barbara J. Evosevich, Ivana Jojic
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Patent number: 8657920Abstract: An apparatus and method purify hydrogen from a mixed fluid containing gaseous hydrogen, gaseous oxygen, and liquid water. The apparatus has a mixed fluid channel through which the mixed fluid flows; a first gas channel through which a mixed gas containing gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen flows; a second gas channel through which gaseous hydrogen or oxygen flows; a gas-liquid separating membrane forming a wall between the mixed fluid channel and the first gas channel, separating the mixed gas from the mixed fluid of the mixed fluid channel, and providing the separated mixed gas to the first gas channel; and a hydrogen or oxygen separating membrane forming a wall between the first gas channel and the second gas channel, separating gaseous hydrogen or oxygen from the mixed gas of the first gas channel, and providing the separated gaseous hydrogen or oxygen to the second gas channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Haruyuki Nakanishi, Norihiko Nakamura, Hidekazu Arikawa, Hirofumi Fujiwara, Hidehito Kubo, Keiji Toh, Akiko Kumano, Shohei Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20140047981Abstract: A ventilation unit (1) includes: a ventilation member (2) configured to be attached to an opening (11) of a housing (10), the ventilation member (2) including a water-proof gas-permeable membrane (4) for covering the opening (11); a sealing member (6) configured to seal a gap between the housing (10) and the ventilation member (2); and a washer (7) configured to be pressed against the housing (10) by the ventilation member (2) around the sealing member (6). The washer (7) blocks a clearance formed outside the sealing member (6) and between a peripheral portion of the ventilation member (2) and the housing (10) when the ventilation member (2) is attached to the opening (11) of the housing (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATIONInventors: Kou Uemura, Youzou Yano, Atsushi Daimon
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Patent number: 8652239Abstract: A method of making a membrane permeable to hydrogen gas (H2?) is disclosed. The membrane is made by forming a palladium layer, depositing a layer of copper on the palladium layer, and galvanically displacing a portion of the copper with palladium. The membrane has improved resistance to poisoning by H2S compared to a palladium membrane. The membrane also has increased permeance of hydrogen gas compared to palladium-copper alloys. The membrane can be annealed at a lower temperature for a shorter amount of time.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic InstituteInventors: Yi Hua Ma, Natalie Pomerantz
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Publication number: 20140041520Abstract: A ventilation unit (1A) includes: a ventilation member (2) configured to be attached to an opening (11) of a housing (10), the ventilation member (2) including a water-proof gas-permeable membrane (4) for covering the opening (11); a sealing member (6) configured to seal a gap between the housing (10) and the ventilation member (2); and an annular partition wall member (7A) defining an inner space in which the ventilation member (2) is fitted. The partition wall member (7A) is configured to keep in contact with the housing (10), and blocks a clearance formed outside the sealing member (6) and between a peripheral portion of the ventilation member (2) and the housing (10) when the ventilation member (2) is attached to the opening (11) of the housing (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2012Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATIONInventors: Atsushi Daimon, Kou Uemura, Youzou Yano
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Patent number: 8647410Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for exchanging gas in an oxygenator device, and methods for preparing and using such oxygenator devices. The systems and methods can be used to transfer oxygen to blood to assist lung function in a patient.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey T. Borenstein, Joseph L. Charest, James Ching-Ming Hsiao, Tatiana Kniazeva
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Publication number: 20140033924Abstract: The invention relates to a heat and/or moisture exchange element, such as a heat and/or moisture exchange plate for plate heat and/or moisture exchangers, a storage mass layer for rotation heat and/or moisture exchangers and the like, wherein a greater and more precisely adjustable efficiency in transferring thermal energy and/or moisture is enabled without noticeable increase to the technical design complexity for production. According to the invention, the heat and/or moisture exchange element is designed from a structure penetrated by a plurality of hollow points and designed to be selectively permeable to water and water vapor and/or capable of storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventor: Kai Klingenburg
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Patent number: 8641806Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient across a water selective permeable membrane in a dehumidification unit. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification unit is extracted by the dehumidification unit without substantial condensation into a low pressure water vapor chamber operating at a partial pressure of water vapor lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the relatively humid atmospheric air. For example, water vapor is extracted through a water permeable membrane of the dehumidification unit into the low pressure water vapor chamber. As such, the air exiting the dehumidification unit is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification unit. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently condensed and removed from the system at ambient conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: David E. Claridge, Charles H. Culp
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Patent number: 8641807Abstract: Hollow fiber membranes, such as those used in air separation modules, are generally made from solution spinning. Typically, solvent is present in the bore of the fiber for the spinning process. This solvent, in addition to the solvent already present in the polymer casting solution, may cause voids in the fiber material. By adding a polycarboxylic acid to the polymer casting material, these voids may be reduced or eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Adam Glen Thomas
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Patent number: 8636827Abstract: A method of operating a mixed ionic-electronic conducting ceramic membrane having an oxidizing side and a reducing side, said method comprising a start-up phase and a production phase, for producing a gas stream, characterized in that the start-up phase comprises a step of introducing, on the oxidizing side and the reducing side of the membrane respectively, first and second gas mixtures not capable of chemically degrading the membrane; and a step of establishing a stream of oxygen through the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: L'Air Liquide Société Anonyme Pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Nicolas Richet, Cédric Delbos, Gilles Lebain
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Patent number: 8636826Abstract: The present application is directed to a hydrophobic membrane assembly (28) used within a gas-generating apparatus. Hydrogen is separated from the reaction solution by passing through a hydrophobic membrane assembly (28) having a hydrophobic lattice like member (36) disposed within a hydrogen output composite (32) further enhancing the ability of the hydrogen output composite's ability to separate out hydrogen gas and prolonging its useful life.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Andrew J. Curello, Michael Curello, Constance R. Stepan
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Patent number: 8636828Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2012Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: DCNS SAInventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
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Publication number: 20140020557Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for generating nitrogen are provided. In one example, a method comprises the steps of contacting at least a portion of a flue gas stream with a CO2/N2 separation membrane at conditions effective to form a N2-rich retentate stream and a CO2-rich permeate stream. Liquid hydrocarbons are covered with the N2-rich retentate stream to form a blanket of nitrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: UOP LLCInventors: Lubo Zhou, Chunqing Liu, Mark E. Schott, David W. Greer
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Patent number: 8628601Abstract: A process for the recovery of carbon dioxide from a gas mixture that includes pretreating a gas mixture comprising carbon dioxide, water vapor, and one or more light gases in a pretreating system to form a cooled gas mixture, fractionating the cooled gas mixture to recover a bottoms fraction comprising carbon dioxide and an overheads fraction comprising carbon dioxide and the light gases, passing the overheads fraction over a membrane selective to carbon dioxide to separate a carbon dioxide permeate from a residue gas comprising the light gases, recycling the carbon dioxide permeate to the pretreating system, and recovering at least a portion of the bottoms fraction as a purified carbon dioxide product stream is described.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.Inventors: Loren E Gearhart, Sanjiv N Patel, David R Koch
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Patent number: 8623124Abstract: A composition includes a first polymer having monomers each containing an imidazole group, and a second polymer, the first and second polymers being a polymer blend. The first polymer, the second polymer, or both may be cross-linked. The carbonized composition, polymeric and carbon membranes (either in the form of a flat sheet or a hollow fiber) made from the composition are also described. The polymeric and carbon membranes can be used to separate and purify gases or liquids.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: National University of SingaporeInventors: Seyed Saeid Hosseini, Tai-Shung Chung
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Patent number: 8622321Abstract: Device (100) for preserving and serving, from a bottle, by-the-glass liquid that can be affected by oxygen such as wine, by pumping pressurized inert gas in a bottle (40?). The device comprises a coupling portion (10) adapted to couple with a pressurized gas supply, a central body (20), and a fastening portion (30) to the bottle (40?), in particular, to a bottle neck (40). The central body (20) provides an inlet duct (21) of the pressurized gas, associated with an inlet valve (24), and a delivery duct (22) of the liquid, associated with a delivery valve (25), which draws the liquid from the bottle (40?) and brings it to a delivery mouth (23). In particular at least one among the inlet valve (24) and the delivery valve (25) is a pilot valve, which is piloted by the pressure of the inert gas. Furthermore, a pilot channel (26), (29) is provided communicating with a pilot port (27), (28) present in the coupling portion (10) and communicating with the pilot valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Winefit S.R.L.Inventor: Jacques Valere Vandaele
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Patent number: 8623784Abstract: Nanocomposite adsorbent materials and methods for their preparation and use are described. As an example, a polyaniline-graphite nanoplatelet nanocomposite may be used to adsorb carbon dioxide.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Indian Institute of Technology MadrasInventors: Sundara Ramaprabhu, Ashish Kumar Mishra
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Patent number: 8623121Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen separation membrane based on nanoporous, composite metal carbide or metal sulfide coated membranes capable of high flux and permselectivity for hydrogen without platinum group metals. The present invention is capable of being operated over a broad temperature range, including at elevated temperatures, while maintaining hydrogen selectivity.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Colorado School of MinesInventors: J. Douglas Way, Colin A. Wolden
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Patent number: 8617297Abstract: A CO2-facilitated transport membrane of excellent carbon dioxide permeability and CO2/H2 selectivity, which can be applied to a CO2 permeable membrane reactor, is stably provided. The CO2-facilitated transport membrane is formed such that a gel layer 1 obtained by adding cesium carbonate to a polyvinyl alcohol-polyacrylic acid copolymer gel membrane is supported by a hydrophilic porous membrane 2. More preferably, a gel layer supported by a hydrophilic porous membrane 2 is coated with hydrophilic porous membranes 3 and 4.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2013Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Renaissance Energy Research CorporationInventors: Osamu Okada, Masaaki Teramoto, Reza Yegani, Hideto Matsuyama, Keiko Shimada, Kaori Morimoto
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Patent number: 8617296Abstract: A filling pistol for the filling under pressure of an object essentially with nitrogen. The filling pistol has a housing with an inlet opening connectable to an air source, such as an air compressor, to supply air to the pistol. A separation device is incorporated downstream of and connected to the inlet opening to obtain essentially nitrogen-rich gas. An outlet opening is connected to the separation device and is connectable to the object to supply nitrogen-rich air from the filling pistol to the object. The separation device is provided between the air inlet and the nitrogen outlet of an exchangeable separation cartridge. An operating element sets the filling pistol to an operating condition to fill the object with nitrogen-rich air.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Parker Hannifin Mfg. Etten-Leur NLInventors: Barry Dallinga, Johannes Henricus Antonius Marie Kamp
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Patent number: 8617292Abstract: Disclosed are methods of obtaining carbon dioxide from a CO2-containing gas mixture. The methods combine the benefits of gas membrane separation with cryogenic temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges ClaudeInventors: David J. Hasse, Sudhir S. Kulkarni, Edgar S. Sanders, Jr., Jean-Pierre Tranier, Paul Terrien
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Patent number: 8608836Abstract: A gas purifier assembly for providing first (50) and second (38) purified gas streams having an integral heater (54). The assembly can have two separate chambers for gaseous fluid flow for the purpose of purifying a gas stream of hydrogen (34), for example, and a separate distinct stream of gas such as compressed air (46). A centrally located heater heats the first chamber to effect purification of the first gas. Waste heat from the first chamber is transferred to the second chamber via conduction to effect purification of the second gas stream.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventors: Karen Girard, John J. Ronan, George Zugravu
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Patent number: 8608828Abstract: The use of solutions of organic polymers for production of carbon membranes suitable for gas separation, and a process for producing carbon membranes suitable for gas separation, comprising the steps of a) coating a porous substrate with solutions of organic polymers, b) drying the polyester coating on the porous substrate by removing the solvent, and c) pyrolyzing the polyester coating on the porous substrate to form the carbon membrane suitable for gas separation, it being possible to conduct any of steps a) to c) or the sequence of steps a) to c) more than once.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: BASF SEInventors: Hartwig Voss, Joerg Therre, Nadine Kaltenborn, Hannes Richter, Ingolf Voigt
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Patent number: 8608837Abstract: The use of solutions of ethylenically unsaturated polyesters for production of carbon membranes suitable for gas separation, and a process for producing carbon membranes suitable for gas separation, comprising the steps of a) coating a porous substrate with a solution of ethylenically unsaturated polyester, b) drying the polyester coating on the porous substrate by removing the solvent, and c) pyrolyzing the polyester coating on the porous substrate to form the carbon membrane suitable for gas separation, it being possible to conduct any of steps a) to c) or the sequence of steps a) to c) more than once.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: BASF SEInventors: Hartwig Voss, Joerg Therre, Nadine Kaltenborn, Susanne Kaemnitz
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Patent number: 8608829Abstract: The disclosure provides an H2 separation membrane comprised of an alloy having the composition Cu(100-x-y)PdxMy, where x is from about 35 to about 50 atomic percent and where y is from greater than 0 to about 20 atomic percent, and where M consists of magnesium, yttrium, aluminum, titanium, lanthanum, or combinations thereof. The M elements act as strong stabilizers for the B2 phase of the alloy, and extend the critical temperature of the alloy for a given hydrogen concentration and pressure. Due to the phase stabilization and the greater temperature range over which a B2 phase can be maintained, the alloy is well suited for service as a H2 separation membrane, particularly when applicable conditions are established or cycled above about 600° C. over the course of expected operations. In certain embodiments, the B2 phase comprises at least 60 estimated volume percent of the alloy at a steady-state temperature of 400° C. The B2 phase stability is experimentally validated through HT-XRD.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: U.S. Department of EnergyInventors: Ömer N. Do{hacek over (g)}an, Michael C. Gao, Rongxiang Hu Young, De Nyago Tafen
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Patent number: 8603218Abstract: A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2013Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: DPoint Technologies Inc.Inventors: Greg Montie, James Franklin Dean, Curtis Mullen, Robert Hill
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Patent number: 8602223Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-porous membrane comprising a porous membrane carrier made of a first polymeric material (A) and comprising a second polymeric material (B) intimately divided throughout the porous membrane carrier, wherein the porous membrane carrier comprises a plurality of interconnected polymeric fibers, fibrils, filaments and/or lamellae having a thickness of less than 1 ?m, the porous membrane carrier has an interconnected open porous structure formed by the plurality of interconnected polymeric fibers, fibrils, filaments and/or lamellae and a porosity of at least 50%; and the polymeric material (B) comprises a thermoplastic polycondensation polymer and is present in an amount of at most 30 wt. %, relative to the total weight of (A) and (B).Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.Inventors: Jun Qiu, Rudy Rulkens, Johannes L. M. OP Den Kamp, Jens C Thies
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Patent number: 8603219Abstract: A gas separation unit 102, 200, 300 for permeating a gas out from a pressurized feed mixture includes an input manifold 104, 204, an exhaust manifold, 106, 206 and a permeate assembly 108, 208, 303. The permeate assembly supports one or more permselective foils 130, 132, 218, 232, 318 over a hollow cavity 134, 272, 306 supported by a microscreen element 142, 144, 228, 230, 326. The microscreen element includes non-porous perimeter walls 190, 192, 278 supported on a frame surface and a porous central area 194, 280 supported over the hollow cavity. A porous spacer 138, 140, 174, 234 disposed inside the hollow cavity structurally supports the entire microscreen surface spanning the hollow cavity while also providing a void volume for receiving fluid passing through the porous central area and for conveying the fluid through the hollow cavity.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Protonex Technology CorporationInventors: David Edlund, Paul Osenar, Nathan Palumbo, Ronald Rezac, Matthew P. Steinbroner
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Publication number: 20130319230Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a carbon-dioxide (“CO2”) sequestration system comprising a CO2 source, a process-water source, a membrane module, and a sequestration duct. The membrane module comprises a first section, a second section, and a membrane. The first section can be configured to receive gaseous CO2 at a first pressure from the CO2 source. The second section can be configured to receive process-water at a second pressure from the process-water source, wherein the first pressure is greater than the second pressure. The membrane can be positioned between the first section and the second section and can comprise a plurality of apertures configured such that the gaseous CO2 passes through the plurality of apertures and dissolves into the process-water to form a process-water-CO2-soluution. The sequestration duct can be in fluid communication with the second section and configured to transport the process-water-CO2 solution to a sequestration site.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: SOUTHERN COMPANYInventor: Dhansukhbhai V. Patel
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Publication number: 20130319231Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the removal of acid gases from gas streams. The system comprises an integrated membrane-based and liquid solvent-based system for the capture of acid gases. The invention also relates to methods of acid gas capture from gas streams.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2011Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTEInventors: Aqil Jamal, Raghubir P. Gupta, Lora Toy, Luke Coleman
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Patent number: 8597383Abstract: A catalytic membrane reactor assembly for producing a hydrogen stream from a feed stream having liquid hydrocarbons, steam, and an oxygen source through the use of an autothermal reforming reaction, a water-gas-shift reaction, and a hydrogen permeable membrane.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, The University of QueenslandInventors: Thang V. Pham, Sai P. Katikaneni, Jorge N. Beltramini, Moses O. Adebajo, Joao Carlos Diniz Da Costa, Gao Qing Lu
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Publication number: 20130313193Abstract: The growth of continuous MOF membranes on porous polymeric supports is reported, wherein a dip-coating procedure is used to deposit a layer of seed MOF nanocrystals on the surfaces of porous polymers, preferably in the form of hollow fibers, and polycrystalline MOF membranes are subsequently grown at temperatures as low as 65° C. from precursor solutions. The present work opens the road to inexpensive and scalable fabrication of MOF membranes for large-scale separation applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Sankar Nair, Andrew Brown, Christopher W. Jones
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Publication number: 20130312604Abstract: The invention relates to a novel film, membrane or powder media made from fluoropolymers, especially PVDF-based and ETFE-based polymers, which are suitable for separating gases, especially carbon dioxide, from a gas mixture. The novel film has good selectivity, high permeance, good mechanical properties, and exhibits a high resistance to oxidant and acid attack. The separation film is especially useful in harsh and corrosive environments.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Arkema Inc.Inventors: Ramin Amin-Sanayei, Caiping Lin, Cedric Airaud, John Schmidhauser, Scott R. Gaboury
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Publication number: 20130312610Abstract: A device for trapping flammable gases such as hydrogen comprises active means (3) inside a casing (1) which is closed except for openings which are plugged by filters (2) that normally allow only the gases that are to be trapped to pass through them. The trapping maintains a reduced pressure inside the casing, which continually draws in the gases produced outside. The trap can operate without any maintenance and for long periods of time, even in a completely enclosed environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: TN INTERNATIONALInventors: Valentin Rohr, Elisa Leoni, Jocelyn Prigent, Michel LaTroche
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Patent number: 8591633Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system treats a mixed gas containing at least hydrogen and monosilane discharged from a semiconductor fabrication equipment. The exhaust gas treatment system includes a pump unit which emits the mixed gas discharged from the semiconductor fabrication equipment, a compressor which compresses the mixed gas emitted by the pump unit and sends the mixed gas to a rear stage, a gas accommodation unit which collects and accommodates the compressed mixed gas, a flow rate control unit which controls a flow rate of the mixed gas supplied from the gas accommodation unit, and a membrane separation unit which causes the hydrogen to selectively permeate therethrough and separates the monosilane and the hydrogen from the mixed gas. Accordingly, the exhaust gas treatment system may be stably operated in a state where a change in pressure of the mixed gas discharged from the semiconductor fabrication equipment is alleviated.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: JX Nippon Oil & Energy CorporationInventors: Tai Ohuchi, Takashi Okabe, Tsuyoshi Asano
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Patent number: 8591628Abstract: A method and apparatus for humidifying residential and commercial buildings in which a flue gas generated by a residential or commercial furnace is provided to one side of a porous liquid water transport membrane and habitable space air is provided to an opposite side of the porous liquid water transport membrane in an amount sufficient to provide a habitable space air to flue gas volume flow rate ratio of at least 8.3:1. At least a portion of the water vapor in the flue gas is condensed, providing condensed liquid water which is passed through the porous liquid water transport membrane to the habitable space air side of the porous liquid water transport membrane. On the habitable space air side of the membrane, the condensed liquid water is evaporated into the habitable space air, producing humidified habitable space air which is provided to the rooms of the residential and commercial buildings. Beneficially, no supplemental water source is required for the humidification process.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventors: Dexin Wang, William E. Liss, Richard A. Knight
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Patent number: 8591739Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation physics allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The filtered fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant particulate matter retained on the exterior of the filter media may be removed by the instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a concentrator for further treatment.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Tervita, LLCInventors: Raymond Ford Johnson, Markley Dean Johnson, Rodney Grage
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Publication number: 20130305921Abstract: The invention concerns carbon molecular sieve membranes (“CMS membranes”), and more particularly the use of such membranes in gas separation. In particular, the present disclosure concerns an advantageous method for producing CMS membranes with desired selectivity and permeability properties. By controlling and selecting the oxygen concentration in the pyrolysis atmosphere used to produce CMS membranes, membrane selectivity and permeability can be adjusted. Additionally, oxygen concentration can be used in conjunction with pyrolysis temperature to further produce tuned or optimized CMS membranes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventors: Mayumi Kiyono, Paul Jason Williams, William John Koros
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Patent number: 8585807Abstract: A process for forming a palladium or palladium alloy membrane on a ceramic surface by forming a pre-colloid mixture comprising a powder palladium source, carrier fluid, dispersant and a pore former and a binder. Ultrasonically agitating the precolloid mixture and applying to a substrate with an ultrasonic nozzle and heat curing the coating form a palladium-based membrane.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLCInventors: Tae H. Lee, Chan Young Park, Yunxiang Lu, Stephen E. Dorris, Uthamalingham Balachandran
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Patent number: 8585806Abstract: A method of forming a gas separation membrane including: depositing a first hydrophilic polymer solution; depositing on top of the first hydrophilic polymer solution a second, different hydrophilic polymer solution, thereby forming a two-layer polymer solution; forming the two-layer polymer solution into one of a forward osmosis membrane and a pressure retarded osmosis membrane by bringing the second, different hydrophilic polymer solution into contact with water to form the dense layer; coating one of the forward osmosis membrane and the pressure retarded osmosis membrane with a thin layer of a third, different, hydrophilic polymer more pH tolerant than the first and second hydrophilic polymer solutions to form a dense rejection layer thereon; and exposing one of the coated forward osmosis membrane and the coated pressure retarded osmosis membrane to a high pH solution. A gas separation membrane formed from the foregoing process.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Hydration Systems, LLCInventor: John R. Herron
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Publication number: 20130298765Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2012Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: UOP LLCInventors: Christopher B. McILroy, John R. Harness, Nagaraju Palla, Ronald K. Subris, Stephen J. Van Dyke
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Patent number: 8580015Abstract: A feed gas drying system is described for a PSA or VPSA oxygen concentrator. A membrane dryer is inserted into the feed gas path to the concentrator absorbent beds, such that the moisture in the feed gas is directed to a part of the dryer exposed to the concentrator exhaust, thus achieving efficient operation of the membrane dryer with no loss of concentrator feed gas.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Imogen, Inc.Inventors: Brenton Taylor, Peter Hansen
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Patent number: 8574342Abstract: Method and apparatus for a membrane separation system, including process and installation for the separation of air by permeation, using two strategically placed heaters for the production of high purity nitrogen, uniquely designed multi-staged pre-filtration system and a novel method of controlling the nitrogen flow and purity. The system comprises in series an air compressor (1), an air cooler (2) cooled by air or liquid, moisture separator (3), mist removing filter (4), primary heat source (5), coalescing filter (8), carbon tower (9), particle filter (10), secondary heat source (11), membrane separator(s) (14), and control valve (19). The system is to provide and maintain superheated air to the membrane separator(s) using strategically located heaters to eliminate condensation of moisture in the carbon tower or membrane separator(s) eliminating the need for a separate compressed air dryer, or the need for insulation of pipes, vessels and the membrane separator(s).Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Inventor: Charles M. Flowe
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Patent number: 8574344Abstract: The present invention relates to template-free clathrasils whose framework comprises essentially SiO2, wherein the crystals of the clathrasils have the platelet-like morphology of a sheet silicate. The present invention further relates to a process for preparing these template-free clathrasils and also to their use as absorbent, as seed crystals for the synthesis of clathrasil membranes of the same zeolite type and in the form of dense layers which function as gas separation membranes having a molecular sieving action.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: BASF SEInventors: Hartwig Voβ, Jörg Therre, Hermann Gies, Bernd Marler
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Publication number: 20130284022Abstract: A composition for forming a carbon dioxide separation membrane, which includes a water-absorbing polymer, a carbon dioxide carrier, and a polysaccharide, is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Daisuke HIRAKI, Yusuke MOCHIZUKI, Kazuki YAMAZAKI