Abstract: Solvent-resistant polybenzimidazole membranes, methods of making them and crosslinking them and composite membranes and hollow fiber membrane modules from them are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes are disclosed for economical separation of fluid mixtures utilizing perm-selective membranes. Broadly, apparatus of the invention comprises a plurality of membrane modules comprising a solid perm-selective membrane and equipment for controlling enthalpy of selected fluids within the apparatus. Advantageously, the membrane modules are disposed in a first product group, a second product group, and at least one intermediate group. Apparatus of the invention is particularly useful for simultaneous recovery of a very pure permeate product, and/or a desired non-permeate stream, from fluid mixtures of two or more compounds which when subjected to appropriately altered conditions of temperature and/or pressure exhibit a bubble point.

Abstract: The gas separator fixing structure of the present invention is characterized in that it is provided with a gas separator 10 having a gas separation membrane 30 formed on at least one surface of a tubular support 31 having a through hole 7 in axial direction and comprising porous ceramics, a cap-like metal member 1 and a ring-shaped metal member 4 are fixed to one and the other open end of the gas separator 10 through seal members, respectively, and seal members are gland packings 11 and 12. A gas separating device can be provided in which there hardly occurs breakage of the tubular support constituting the gas separator 10 due to the thermal stress and there hardly occurs reduction of air-tightness between the gas separator 10 and the supporter supporting the gas separator caused by load of heat cycles, and besides which can be used even under the conditions of high temperatures.

Abstract: An elongated flow-through vacuum degassing apparatus includes an elongated gas and liquid impermeable outer tube and one or more gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable elongated inner tubes extending coaxially within the outer tube. The degassing apparatus further includes a vacuum source adaptor extending from a side wall of the outer tube and co-extensively with a vacuum source coupling aperture in the outer tube so as to create a sealed axial vacuum chamber between the outer tube and the inner tubes. The apparatus also includes inlet and outlet connection structures operably coupled to respective portions of the outer tube and the inner tubes to further enable a sealed engagement between the outer tube and the inner tubes, and to provide for connection devices for operably coupling the degassing apparatus of the present invention to respective components in a chromatographic system. The degassing apparatus is sufficiently flexible so as to be readily manipulatable into desired configurations.

Abstract: An air drying system for a vehicle including a membrane air dryer is provided. The air dryer is supplied with a stream of compressed air that has a low and constant concentration of oil vapor. A coalescing filter element may be used to maintain the oil vapor concentration. The filtered material may be discharged from the coalescing filter by a pressure swing drain valve, which discharges the filtered material upon unloading of the compressor.

Abstract: A halide gas separating and collecting device for separating and collecting halide gas from mixed gas containing the halide gas, wherein at least first and second stage separating membrane modules are stacked in multiple stages. The method comprises: feeding the mixed gas to the inlet of the first stage separating membrane module, feeding the gas passed through the previous separating membrane module to the inlets of the second and subsequent stage separating membrane modules, recycling the gas unpassed through the second and subsequent stage separating membrane modules to the inlet of the first stage separating membrane module, and controlling the flow of gas unpassed through the first stage separating membrane module by a control valve connected to the unpassed gas outlet of the first stage separating membrane module, whereby the halide gas can be separated and collected as unpassed gas at a high density and a high collection rate.

Abstract: An isolation device for one or more ion transport membranes and that has a housing and one or more check valves in communication with one or more passageways extending through the housing to prevent gas flow within the housing and the ion transport membrane(s) upon breakage thereof. Where a lance tube is used with the oxygen transport membrane a second check valve can be used. The check valves, preferably contain spring loaded poppet valves which, though normally open, are capable of resetting themselves into a closed position upon breakage or other failure of the oxygen transport membrane tubes.

Abstract: A membrane-based process for separating mixtures of target gases if the gas mixture also contains C3+ hydrocarbon vapors. The process uses gas-separation membranes having a base membrane and a coating layer. The base membrane incorporates a selective layer made from a polymer selective between the light gases to be separated. The coating layer comprises a fluorinated polymer capable of protecting the base membrane from C3+ hydrocarbon vapors and liquids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a hollow fiber membrane module or a capillary membrane module as well as a device having such a module. In the method, hollow fibers or capillaries are placed, in an unsintered state, in a mold structured for receiving the hollow fibers or capillaries and are sintered once inside the mold. Subsequently or simultaneously, the fibers are potted in the mold. The method permits producing hollow fiber membrane modules or capillary membrane modules in a simple manner with little risk of breakage.

Abstract: A device for continuously humidifying and dehumidifying feed air for a manufacturing process or a ventilation and air conditioning installation includes a membrane contactor having a membrane, the feed air being passed along one side of the membrane and a hygroscopic liquid being passed along another side of the membrane. A regenerator is provided for lowering the water content of the hygroscopic liquid. A metering device is provided for adding water to increase the water content of the hygroscopic liquid. A control device is connected to the metering device and to the regenerator, the control device being configured to control the water content of the hygroscopic liquid and enable a switching between humidification and dehumidification of the feed air as a function of the water vapor partial pressure difference between the feed air and the hygroscopic liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting an air dryer to a commercial vehicle is provided. The end caps of the membrane air dryer are used to retain the membrane air dryer core and attach the membrane air dryer to the surface of the air supply reservoir. Bosses can be welded to the external surface of the air supply reservoir, which can then be used to mount the membrane air dryer by bolting the end caps to the bosses. The method and apparatus can be applied to two or three tank air supply reservoir systems. A disengagement tank may be included within the air dryer system, in place of a coalescing filter, to reduce the amount of moisture that reaches the membrane air dryer core.

Abstract: A membrane module for a device used to separate substance mixtures in a cross current method includes a number of tubular membranes which encircle, at least in sections, a common axis in an essentially helical manner and which are provided for forming an essentially disk shaped module. At least two of the tubular membranes encircle a common spiral axis in a helical manner, the membranes being preferably twisted like a cable, at least along the progression of a part of their essentially helical encircling in order to form a tubular membrane strand.

Abstract: A composite gas separation module includes a porous metal substrate; an intermediate layer that includes a powder having a Tamman temperature higher than the Tamman temperature of the porous metal substrate and wherein the intermediate layer overlies the porous metal substrate; and a dense hydrogen-selective membrane, wherein the dense hydrogen-selective membrane overlies the intermediate layer. In another embodiment, a composite gas separation module includes a porous metal substrate; an intermediate powder layer; and a dense gas-selective membrane, wherein the dense gas-selective membrane overlies the intermediate powder layer.

Abstract: Membranes comprising an aromatic ether ketone polymer (e.g. polyetherketone) in sheet or hollow fibre form are made by preparing at least a 12 wt % solution of the polymer in a solvent which is chemically inert to the polymer (e.g. concentrated sulphuric acid); forming a film of the solution in sheet or hollow form; and contacting the film with a non-solvent (e.g. more dilute sulphuric acid or acetic acid) thereby to precipitate the film.

Abstract: Spray-painting apparatus and method in which provision is made for: an inlet for the air under pressure; a heating unit for the compressed air; an air drying/separation unit including hollow-fiber membranes; adjustment of the heating of the treated air; adjustment of the pressure of the treated air; adjustment of either the dew point or the percentage of oxygen in the treated air in the case of hollow fiber membranes for nitrogen separation; and an outlet for the treated air to be used as paint carrier fluid.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane gas separation apparatus of a compact design suitable for separation and purification of gases is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer housing that consists of a detachable bowl and a head closure, and a removable hollow fiber membrane cartridge positioned therein. The cartridge contains a concentric tubular inner core member and is surrounded by a shell and at least one end closure. The cartridge is attached by its first axial end in a sealed and removable manner to a gas flow conduit positioned coaxially in the housing closure wherein the conduit is in fluid communication with a gas inlet or product gas outlet port formed in the housing head closure and by its second axial end to a waste gas exit port in the bowl. The feed gas inlet port and the product gas outlet port in the head closure are spaced in a straight line for a short overall distance providing for a linear connection with other components of a gas separation system, which is a preferred system component packaging.

Abstract: A fully perfluorinated thermoplastic hollow fiber membrane fluid-fluid contactor and a process for manufacturing the contactor is described. The contactor has a unitary end structure produced by a single step potting and bonding process. The contactor can be operated with low surface tension liquids and in harsh chemical environments.

Abstract: Porous hollow polymer fiber membranes having convoluted inside and/or outside surfaces, as well as filter devices comprising a plurality of the hollow fiber membranes, the devices preferably being arranged to direct fluid flow from the inside surface of the membranes to the outside surface, methods of making the membranes, and methods of using the filter devices, are disclosed.

Abstract: High flux porous hollow fiber membranes are produced from perfluorinated thermoplastic polymers by extruding a heated solution of the polymer having a lower critical solution temperature directly into a cooling bath to form the porous membrane by liquid-liquid phase separation. Extrusion can be conducted either vertically or horizontally.

Abstract: High flux porous hollow fiber membranes are produced from perfluorinated thermoplastic polymers by extruding heated solution of the polymer having a lower critical solution temperature directly into a cooling bath to form the porous membrane by liquid-liquid phase separation. Extrusion can be conducted either vertically or horizontally.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a membrane contactor for debubbling (or degassing) a liguid. The membrane contactor comprises a perforated core tube, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes surrounding the tubes and having an end, a tube sheet affixing the end of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to the core tube, and a shell surrounding the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the tube sheet. A lumen side is defined by an internal surface of the membranes. A shell side is defined by the perforated core tube, an external surface of said membrane, and the shell. The membrane is a single layered, skinned, polymethylpentene hollow fiber microporous membrane. The skin is on the shell side.

Abstract: An integral hollow fiber membrane gas purification apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises one or more filtration elements and a hollow fiber membrane cartridge placed coaxially in a common housing. In some embodiments, the filtration elements are omitted and the hollow fiber membrane cartridge is employed as a combined gas separation/filtration device. The apparatus of this invention is particularly useful for conditioning compressed air that includes the removal of both suspended matter and water vapor.

Abstract: A method of producing composite, hollow fibre gas separation membranes, wherein external surfaces of the porous hollow fibre tubes used in the construction of the membranes are subjected to a modification technique before the external surfaces are coated with a thin layer of selective polymer so as to increase the number of pores in the fibre surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a hollow fiber membrane module or a capillary membrane module as well as a device having such a module. In the method, hollow fibers or capillaries (3) are placed, in an unsintered state, in a mold (1) structured for receiving the hollow fibers or capillaries (3) and are sintered once inside the mold (1). Subsequently or simultaneously, the fibers are potted in the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for dehydrating gas in a system having control gas and supply gas. A first housing is fluidly connected to supply gas and a first membrane member is in the first housing flow path, with a plurality of tubes having interstitial spaces therebetween, each tube being more permeable to water vapor than to gas. Supply gas exiting the first membrane member is drier. Drier supply gas is metered to the first membrane member interstitial spaces, whereby dried supply gas sweeps water or water vapor from the first membrane member interstitial spaces to surrounding environment. A second housing similar to the first has a similar second membrane member therein and fluidly connected to control gas. Control gas exiting second membrane member is drier. Drier supply gas is also metered to second membrane member interstitial spaces, and sweeps water or water vapor from second member interstitial spaces through the second housing vent.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane gas separation apparatus of a compact design suitable for separation and purification of gases is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer housing that consists of a detachable bowl and a head closure, and a removable hollow fiber membrane cartridge positioned therein. The cartridge contains several concentric separation zones and provides for efficient countercurrent flow configuration between the feed gas on the shell side and the permeate sweep gas on the lumen side of the hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying an oxygen-enriched air includes hollow membrane units spaced apart from each other, for separating a surrounding air thereof into an oxygen-enriched air and a nitrogen-enriched air, a vacuum pump for sucking in the surrounding air via the separation membrane units to draw in and provide the oxygen-enriched air, and an oxygen-enriched air discharging unit for discharging the oxygen-enriched air. Each of the hollow separation membrane units is of generally a thin cuboidal shape, and the vacuum pump and the oxygen-enriched air discharging unit communicate with each other.

Abstract: A composition of and a method of making high performance mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes is described. The membranes have a high resistance to plasticization by use of a predetermined amount of crosslinking. The preferred polymer material for the membrane is a polyimide polymer continuous phase comprising ester crosslinks and a molecular sieve material dispersed within the polymer continuous phase. The resultant mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane exhibits a high permeance of CO2 in combination with a high CO2/CH4 selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after hollow fiber formation.

Abstract: A humidifier having a plurality of water-permeable hollow fiber membranes placed along the lengthwise direction of a housing accommodated within the housing in which gases each having a different moisture content flow inside and outside the hollow fiber membranes to carry out moisture exchange whereby the dry air having a low moisture content is humidified is disclosed. The humidifier comprises a bypass channel having a larger diameter than that of the hollow fiber membrane, in which the gas flowing outside the hollow fiber membrane, formed on an approximately central portion of the cross-lengthwise direction of the housing along the lengthwise direction of the housing, and an inlet which introduces the gas flowing outside the hollow fiber membrane into the housing and an outlet which discharges the gas flowing outside the hollow fiber membrane formed on the bypass channel.

Abstract: A gas separation module includes an adsorbent filter medium inside the case that holds the active gas separation membrane. The adsorbent filter is positioned upstream of the membrane and is operative to extract from the feed gas contaminants which adversely affect membrane separation performance and which if not removed, would cause the membrane separation performance to deteriorate. The adsorbent filter fits within vacant space in conventionally-sized hollow fiber membrane modules and thus can obviate the need to install an external adsorbent filter upstream of the module and/or to enlarge the space occupied by the module to accommodate addition of the internal adsorbent medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for continuously humidifying and dehumidifying additional air from manufacturing processes and ventilating and air conditioning systems. The inventive device is characterized by a membrane contactor (1) comprising a membrane. The additional air can be guided along one side of the membrane and a hygroscopic fluid can be guided along the other side of the membrane. A dosing device (22) is also provided in order to add water so that the water content of the hygroscopic fluid can be increased, in addition to a regenerator (7) enabling the water content of the hygroscopic fluid to be lowered. A control device connected to the dosing device (22) and the regenerator (7) controls the water content of the hygroscopic fluid in such a way that it is possible to switch between humidification and dehumidification irrespective of the partial pressure difference between the additional air and the hygroscopic fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hollow fiber membrane gas separation assembly having an integral purge control aperture or purge reflux system which is internal to the hollow fiber apparatus. The assembly is particularly useful for separating water vapor from a gas stream.

Abstract: A device and method for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen is disclosed. A first substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing hydrogen is provided and spaced from a second substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing oxygen. When steam is passed between the two membranes at disassociation temperatures the hydrogen from the disassociation of steam selectively and continuously passes through the first membrane and oxygen selectively and continuously passes through the second membrane, thereby continuously driving the disassociation of steam producing hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: An air drying system for a vehicle including an membrane air dryer is provided. The air dryer is supplied with a stream of compressed air that has a low and constant concentration of oil vapor. A coalescing filter element may be used to maintain the oil vapor concentration. The filtered material may be discharged from the coalescing filter by a pressure swing drain valve, which discharges the filtered material upon unloading of the compressor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for using membranes to reduce the relative humidity of a compressed air stream. Air dryers employing membranes consist of a permeable membrane capable of blocking the passage of nitrogen and oxygen molecules, but allowing water vapor molecules to pass through. A membrane filter may be adapted to receive process flow of contaminated air. A sweep chamber may be positioned adjacent to filtration media to pass a portion of dried air back into contact with a portion of the membrane. A flow metering device may be positioned downstream from the membrane filter to adjust a portion of the air process flow as sweep air. The amount of process flow air diverted as sweep air may be proportional to the pressure and flow of the process flow. In some applications, an optional minimum pressure valve may be employed downstream of the sweep chamber to maintain a minimum threshold pressure of process air flow.

Abstract: In a hollow fiber membrane flat module according to the present invention, both ends of hollow fiber membrane bundle which are formed by bundling a plurality of hollow fiber membrane as a sheet are fixed to two housing separately by a fixing resin while maintaining an opening condition in an opening end section in the follow fiber membrane. Furthermore, a maximum width in an orthogonal direction to a longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membrane is no longer than 25 mm in a cross section which is orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the housings, and a maximum deflection in the housings which are measured according to a method for measuring the deflection according to the present invention is not more than 1% of a distance between the two housings.

Abstract: Tubesheet materials for hollow fiber membrane module are disclosed using materials to provide for improved performance at high temperatures. The tubesheets are cast from a mixture of solidifiable resinous components that are designed to provide desirable processing characteristics to the mixture in its initial liquid state, as well as improved thermal properties its final cured casting state.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying an oxygen-enriched air includes hollow membrane units spaced apart from each other, for separating a surrounding air thereof into an oxygen-enriched air and a nitrogen-enriched air, a vacuum pump for sucking in the surrounding air via the separation membrane units to draw in and provide the oxygen-enriched air, and an oxygen-enriched air discharging unit for discharging the oxygen-enriched air. Each of the hollow separation membrane units is of generally a thin cuboidal shape, and the vacuum pump and the oxygen-enriched air discharging unit communicate with each other.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for dehydrating gas in a system having control gas and supply gas. A first housing is fluidly connected to supply gas and a first membrane member is in the first housing flow path, with a plurality of tubes having interstitial spaces therebetween, each tube being more permeable to water vapor than to gas. Supply gas exiting the first membrane member is drier. Drier supply gas is metered to the first membrane member interstitial spaces, whereby dried supply gas sweeps water or water vapor from the first membrane member interstitial spaces to surrounding environment. A second housing similar to the first has a similar second membrane member therein and fluidly connected to control gas. Control gas exiting second membrane member is drier. Drier supply gas is also metered to second membrane member interstitial spaces, and sweeps water or water vapor from second member interstitial spaces through the second housing vent.

Abstract: A humidifying module that includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes grouped together to form a hollow fiber membrane bundle. A moisture exchange is performed through a thickness of each hollow fiber membrane between fluid streaming within an interior of each hollow fiber membrane and along an exterior of each hollow fiber membrane. An inner flow passage is inserted within the hollow fiber membrane bundle and along a longitudinal axis thereof, wherein a total longitudinal length which the inner flow passage is inserted within the hollow fiber membrane bundle is shorter than a longitudinal length of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The inner flow passage includes an inlet and an outlet through which the fluid passes. An end wall is located proximate the outlet. A protrusion is disposed at the end wall and opposite a flow direction of the fluid streaming within the inner flow passage.

Abstract: Potassium or other alkali metal formate solution is used to absorb moisture from gas through a membrane. The membrane may be supported on permeable tubes, and the potassium or other alkali metal formate may be regenerated for reuse, preferably by a cavitation regenerator. The potassium or other alkali metal formate should be present as a 40-80% solution, most preferably 70-76%. The process is especially useful for the dehydration of natural gas.

Abstract: A humidifier having a plurality of water-permeable hollow fiber membranes placed along the lengthwise direction of a housing accommodated within the housing in which gases each having a different moisture content flow inside and outside said hollow fiber membranes to carry out moisture exchange whereby the dry air having a low moisture content is humidified is disclosed. The said humidifier (1) comprises a gas inlet formed on an end of the lengthwise direction of the housing, (2) has a construction for generating a turbulent flow provided on the inner surface of said housing, or (3) has a construction for generating a turbulent flow provided within the hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module and potting material can be used for chemical deaeration in a semiconductor production process, in printers, in a liquid crystal sealing process or in a chemical production process. A hollow fiber membrane module 1 includes, as potting material 2, an epoxy resin cured product in which the weight change per unit surface area of a potting material test piece after immersing the test piece in a chemical for 6 months at room temperature is within the range of −20 to +20 mg/cm2, and as housing 4, a polyolefin in which the weight change per unit surface area of a test piece after immersing the test piece in a chemical for 6 months at room temperature is within the range of −20 to +20 mg/cm2, and the total metal content is 300 ppm or less. The module has a long service life when used for chemical treatment without leakage.

Abstract: An extraction device for liquid—liquid extraction of at least one analyte from a sample and on-line transfer of the analyte(s) to a gas chromatography extraction unit, a sample inlet, a sample outlet, and an organic liquid inlet, wherein the extraction device also includes a needle to be connected with a gas chromatography apparatus injector for the on-line transfer of the analyte(s) from the membrane-based extraction unit to the gas chromatography apparatus via the needle, an organic liquid being immobilized as a stagnant phase in a volume of less than 20 &mgr;l in the membrame-based extraction unit.

Abstract: Spray-painting apparatus and method in which provision is made for: an inlet for the air under pressure (AIR IN); a heating unit (G1) for the compressed air; an air drying/separation unit (G2) consisting of hollow-fibre membranes; means (3, 15, 16) to adjust heating of the treated air; means (13) to adjust pressure of the treated air; means (10, 19) for adjusting either the dew point or the percentage of oxygen in the treated air in the case of hollow-fibre membranes for nitrogen separation; an outlet for the treated air (AIR OUT)to be used as paint carrier fluid.

Abstract: A compressed gas system utilizing a membrane air dryer is shown wherein, during unloading, additional sweep gas is provided to the membrane air dryer to prevent excess moisture from being introduced into the accumulator at the end of each unloading cycle. A membrane air drier for use in such system is also described.

Abstract: Tubesheet materials for hollow fiber membrane module are disclosed. Said materials provide for improved performance at high temperatures. The tubesheets are cast from a blend of solidifiable resinous components that are designed to provide desirable processing characteristics to the mixture in its liquid state, as well as improved thermal properties of the cured casting.

Abstract: A gas separation module includes an adsorbent filter medium inside the case that holds the active gas separation membrane. The adsorbent filter is positioned upstream of the membrane and is operative to extract from the feed gas contaminants which adversely affect membrane separation performance and which if not removed, would cause the membrane separation performance to deteriorate. The adsorbent filter fits within vacant space in conventionally-sized hollow fiber membrane modules and thus can obviate the need to install an external adsorbent filter upstream of the module and/or to enlarge the space occupied by the module to accommodate addition of the internal adsorbent medium.

Abstract: A combined hot gas cleanup system and gas separation unit is contained within a single pressure vessel. Preferably, the combined unit is an integral structure that is retrofittable to replace existing candle filters in their installed holders. The integral unit can be replaced to adapt the combined system for different applications.

Abstract: Mixed matrix membranes capable of separating carbon dioxide from mixtures including carbon dioxide and methane, and processes for purifying methane using the membranes, are disclosed. The membranes are preferably polymer membranes that include discrete carbon-based molecular sieve particles with sizes of between about 0.5 microns to about 5.0 microns. The particles are formed by pyrolyzing a precursor polymer in the form of a powder or film. The pyrolyzed polymer is then ideally milled to desired small size particles. The preferred ratio of particles to polymer is about 0.25 to about 1.0 by volume. A preferred method for preparing the mixed matrix membrane is by dispersing the particles in a solvent, adding a small quantity of the desired polymer or “sizing agent” to “size” or “prime” the particles, adding a polymer, casting a film of the polymer solution, and evaporating the solvent to form a mixed matrix membrane film.