Abstract: A gas separation membrane, methods of forming the membrane, and methods of using the membrane for gas separation are provided. An exemplary gas separation membrane includes a cellulosic matrix and a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM). The PIM includes chains coupled by a heat-treating under vacuum.

Abstract: A process for purifying a gaseous feed stream of natural gas including methane, CO2 and heavy hydrocarbons including step a): cooling the gaseous feed stream in a heat exchanger; step b): introducing the cooled stream into a phase-separating chamber to produce a liquid stream depleted in methane and enriched in heavy hydrocarbons and a gaseous stream; step c): separating the gaseous stream obtained from step b) in a first membrane producing at least one CO2-enriched permeate stream and a residual stream enriched in methane; step d): introducing the residual stream obtained from step c) into a phase-separator to produce a liquid stream and a gaseous stream; step e): heating the gaseous stream obtained from step d) by introducing it into the heat exchanger used in step a) counter-currentwise with the feed stream thereby producing a gaseous stream depleted in CO2 and enriched in methane.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for producing oil and gas while removing hydrogen sulfide from fluids produced from oil and gas reservoirs. Hydrogen sulfide-selective membranes are used to remove hydrogen sulfide from bottlenecked plant process steps including hydrogen sulfide removal. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, plant processing efficiency is improved for processing of high temperature associated gas streams by using membranes while integrating heat from other existing process streams. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, plant processing efficiency is improved for processing of high temperature associated gas streams by using high temperature tolerant polymer membranes. Oil and/or gas production is increased.

Abstract: Electrical power systems, including generating capacity of a gas turbine are provided, where additional electrical power is generated utilizing a separate engine and auxiliary air injection system. The gas turbine and separate engine can operate on different fuel types.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating a gas mixture into a product gas and an offgas by gas permeation, having a membrane unit (I) and a compressor (3) that is connected upstream of the membrane unit (I) and is preferably adjustable in terms of rotational speed, which membrane unit (I) has a gas inlet (I a), an outlet (I b) for retentate or product gas, and an outlet (I c) for permeate or offgas, wherein the membrane unit (I) has at least one other permeate outlet (1c?) that is downstream of the gas inlet (1a), and the permeate outlet (1c?) of the membrane unit (I) is connected by lines on the suction side to the compressor (3) or to the gas supply leading into the compressor, and wherein a pressure-regulating device (2) is provided at or downstream of the retentate outlet (Ib), and use is made of a gas mixture, consisting primarily of CH4/CO2 and having a methane concentration of not greater than 30% by volume; and to the use of such a device and to a corresponding method.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for increasing oil production in an integrated oil and gas production plant including hydrogen sulfide removal and sour-gas injection into an underground formation. Hydrogen sulfide-selective membranes are used to debottleneck known systems and methods by removing hydrogen sulfide from bottlenecked plant process steps including sour gas compression, hydrogen sulfide removal and sour gas injection. A method of retrofitting an integrated plant includes adding a hydrogen sulfide-selective membrane upstream of an amine unit to remove hydrogen sulfide from an associated gas stream and form a permeate stream enriched in hydrogen sulfide and a retentate stream depleted in hydrogen sulfide and enriched in hydrocarbon gases. Less hydrogen sulfide is sent to the amine unit and oil production is higher than in the integrated plant without the hydrogen sulfide-selective membrane.

Abstract: An air intake system for directing intake air to an internal combustion engine of a machine is disclosed. The air intake system may comprise an air compressor configured to increase a pressure of the intake air, and a membrane unit downstream of the air compressor and having a membrane with selectivity for siloxanes. The membrane may have a first side and a second side, and the first side may be exposed to a higher pressure than the second side when the air compressor is operating. The membrane may be configured to separate the intake air into a permeate that traverses the membrane from the first side to the second side, and a retenate that remains on the first side. The permeate may have a higher siloxane content than the retenate. The retenate may be directed to the internal combustion engine for combustion.

Abstract: A process and system for recovering natural gas liquids (NGL) using a combination of J-T cooling and membrane separation. The process involves compressing, separating, and cooling a flare gas stream comprising at least methane and C3+ hydrocarbons prior to being introduced to a J-T valve. The cooled stream exiting the J-T valve is further separated, producing a NGL product stream and an uncondensed gas stream. The uncondensed gas stream is directed to a membrane separation step, which results in a C3+ hydrocarbon enriched stream and a C3+ hydrocarbon depleted stream. The C3+ hydrocarbon enriched stream may be recycled back to the process to recover more NGL.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an additive that may be used in the manufacture of thin-film polyamide composite membranes. Thin-film polyamide composite membranes are used in filtration processes, such as reverse osmosis and nanofiltration. The additive may be an amino-siloxane compound. The amino-siloxane compound includes repeated groups of silicon bonded to oxygen with at least one amine functional group. Optionally, the amino-siloxane compound may also include a hydrophilic group. The additive reacts with an aqueous phase and an organic phase to form a thin polyamide film on a porous substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems of enhanced carbon dioxide recovery from an inlet gas stream are provided, by introducing the gas stream to one or more membrane-based separation units to produce a permeate byproduct gas stream having increased concentration of carbon dioxide compared to the inlet gas stream and then introducing the permeate byproduct gas stream to one or more pressure swing adsorption units or trains to enhance recovery of hydrocarbons, such as methane, lost in the byproduct stream and to produce a substantially pure carbon dioxide stream, while minimizing process compression and eliminating process heat for process regeneration. The methods introduced herein are for enhancing product recovery by enhancing carbon dioxide recovery from gas streams with pressures greater than atmospheric conditions. Further refinement to the methods would be the introduction of hydrogen sulfide polishing units within the process to produce product that meets or exceeds sales quality specifications.

Abstract: Perforated graphene sheets can be used in forming separation membranes. Separation membranes of the present disclosure, which can be used in gas separation processes in some embodiments, can include one or more polymer layers and one or more layers of perforated graphene. Methods for separating a gas mixture can include contacting a gas mixture with the separation membranes, and transiting one or more of the gases through the perforated graphene so as to affect separation.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning a fuel cell stack. The method includes periodically increasing the relative humidity level of the cathode input airflow to the stack to saturate the cell membrane electrode assemblies to be greater than the relative humidity levels during normal stack operating conditions. The method also includes providing hydrogen to the anode side of the fuel cell stack at system shut down while the membrane electrode assemblies are saturated without stack loads being applied so that the hydrogen crosses the cell membranes to the cathode side and reacts with oxygen to reduce stack contaminants.

Abstract: Sulfur contaminants, such as elemental sulfur (S8), hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur components in fluids (e.g., air, natural gas, and other gases, as well as water and other liquids) are removed using a silicone-based chemical filter/bath. In one embodiment, a silicone-based chemical filter includes a membrane having a cross-linked silicone that is a reaction product of an olefin and a polyhydrosiloxane. For example, sulfur contaminants in air may be removed by passing the air through the membrane before the air enters a data center or other facility housing computer systems. In another embodiment, a silicone-based chemical bath includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a chamber containing a silicone oil. For example, sulfur contaminants in air may be removed by passing the air through the silicone oil in the chamber before the air enters a data center or other facility housing computer systems.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane including, a separation-active membrane containing: a compound represented by the following Formula (I) having a boiling point or a decomposition temperature of 200° C. or higher; and a cross-linked polymer containing a dissociable group and a repeating unit derived from alkylene glycol: wherein, in Formula (I), R1, R2 and R3 represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent; Wi represents a bivalent linking group; when R1, R2 and R3 represent a substituent, R1 and R2, R1 and R3 or R2 and R3 may be combined together to form a ring and wherein, in the compound represented by Formula (I), [total molecular weight of primary amine group+total molecular weight of secondary amine group]/[molecular weight of Formula (I)] is from 0.3 to 0.84.

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: 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: Methods and apparatus relate to recovery of carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide from a gas mixture. Separating of the carbon dioxide, for example, from the gas mixture utilizes a liquid sorbent for the carbon dioxide. The liquid sorbent contacts the gas mixture for transfer of the carbon dioxide from the gas mixture to the liquid sorbent. The carbon dioxide then desorbs from the liquid sorbent using hollow-fiber contactors as a source of heat to liberate the carbon dioxide further separated by the hollow-fiber contactors from the liquid sorbent.

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: Provided is a gas separation membrane having superior gas permeability, separation selectivity and mechanical properties. A gas separation membrane to separate at least one acid gas from a mix gas, comprising in this order: a first layer that is porous; a second layer that is a separation-active layer containing a compound having a molecular weight of 150,000 or less and capable of interacting with the acid gas; and a third layer having high gas permeability.

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 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: A fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymeric membrane comprising a copolymer comprising 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and vinylidene fluoride is disclosed. The fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymeric membranes of the invention are especially useful in gas separation processes in air purification, petrochemical, refinery, and natural gas industries.

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 present invention discloses new types of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer-cross-linked polyimide membranes and methods for making and using these membranes. The membranes are prepared by cross-linking of asymmetric aromatic polyimide membranes using a PAMAM dendrimer as the cross-linking agent. The PAMAM-cross-linked polyimide membranes showed significantly improved selectivities for CO2/CH4 compared to a comparable uncrosslinked polyimide membrane. For example, PAMAM 0.0 dendrimer-cross-linked asymmetric flat sheet poly(3,3?,4,4?-diphenylsulfone tetracarboxylic dianhydride-3,3?,5,5?-tetramethyl-4,4?-methylene dianiline) (DSDA-TMMDA) polyimide membrane showed CO2 permeance of 135.2 A.U. and CO2/CH4 selectivity of 20.3. However, the un-cross-linked DSDA-TMMDA asymmetric flat sheet membrane showed much lower CO2/CH4 selectivity (16.5) and higher CO2 permeance (230.8 GPU).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to recovery of carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide from a gas mixture. Separating of the carbon dioxide, for example, from the gas mixture utilizes a liquid sorbent for the carbon dioxide. The liquid sorbent contacts the gas mixture for transfer of the carbon dioxide from the gas mixture to the liquid sorbent. Contacting of the sorbent with the gas mixture and/or desorption of the carbon dioxide from the liquid sorbent utilize hollow-fiber contactors that have permeable walls and incorporate particles distinct from a remainder of the walls to influence wetting properties of the contactors.

Abstract: Methods for removing sulfur from a gas stream prior to sending the gas stream to a gas separation membrane system are provided. Two schemes are available. When the sulfur content is high or flow is relatively high, a scheme including two columns where one tower is regenerated if the sulfur concentration exceeds a preset value can be used. When the sulfur content is low or flow is relatively low, a scheme including one column and an absorption bed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for recovery of sulfur hexafluoride is provided. Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) may be separated with high-concentration and improved recovery ratio through a multi-stage separation and recovery processes using a plurality of separation membrane modules, and as well, SF6 gas may be concentrated to maximize the SF6 recovery ratio before the separation and recovery processes through the separation membrane modules. Furthermore, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and moisture included in the SF6 waste gas may be removed effectively so as to extend the service life of the separation membrane modules.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust gas treating system having an exhaust gas treating apparatus for carbon dioxide capture process which additionally removes harmful substances remaining in the gas discharged from the existing flue-gas desulfurization process by using separation membrane so as to efficiently carry out the carbon dioxide capture process. The exhaust gas treating system using polymer membrane, comprises a carbon dioxide capture equipment for capturing carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas of a boiler, a flue-gas denitrification equipment placed between the boiler and the carbon dioxide capture equipment, a dust-collecting equipment and a flue-gas desulfurization equipment.

Abstract: Methods for removing sulfur from a gas stream prior to sending the gas stream to a gas separation membrane system are provided. Two schemes are available. When the sulfur content is high or flow is relatively high, a scheme including two columns where one tower is regenerated if the sulfur concentration exceeds a preset value can be used. When the sulfur content is low or flow is relatively low, a scheme including one column and an absorption bed.

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.

Abstract: A composite membrane for separating a gas from a mixed gas stream includes a fibrous non-woven substrate including consolidated synthetic thermoplastic fibers, and coextensively disposed on a surface of the fibrous non-woven substrate a continuous polysulfide rubber film adhered thereto. A method of separating a gas component from a mixed gas stream includes 1) contacting a surface of the above-described composite membrane with the mixed gas stream under conditions such that a product gas enriched in the gas component diffuses through the composite membrane; and 2) collecting the product gas.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system is provided. The waste heat recovery system includes a gas separation apparatus that includes a chamber and at least one membrane positioned within the chamber. The gas separation apparatus is configured to produce a retentate that includes at least a combustible gas and a permeate that includes at least a waste gas, wherein the waste gas includes at least a noncombustible gas. Moreover, the waste heat recovery system includes a burner that is coupled to the gas separation apparatus, wherein the burner is configured to receive the permeate and to combust the permeate such that heat is generated from the permeate. Further, a heat recovery steam generator is coupled to the burner and configured to recover heat generated by the burner.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for perforated graphene monolayers and membranes containing perforated graphene monolayers. An example membrane may include a graphene monolayer having a plurality of discrete pores that may be chemically perforated into the graphene monolayer. The discrete pores may be of substantially uniform pore size. The pore size may be characterized by one or more carbon vacancy defects in the graphene monolayer. The graphene monolayer may have substantially uniform pore sizes throughout. In some examples, the membrane may include a permeable substrate that contacts the graphene monolayer and which may support the graphene monolayer. Such perforated graphene monolayers, and membranes comprising such perforated graphene monolayers may exhibit improved properties compared to conventional polymeric membranes for gas separations, e.g., greater selectivity, greater gas permeation rates, or the like.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a membrane that may incorporate a graphene layer perforated by a plurality of nanoscale pores. The membrane may also include a gas sorbent that may be configured to contact a surface of the graphene layer. The gas sorbent may be configured to direct at least one gas adsorbed at the gas sorbent into the nanoscale pores. The nanoscale pores may have a diameter that selectively facilitates passage of a first gas compared to a second gas to separate the first gas from a fluid mixture of the two gases. The gas sorbent may increase the surface concentration of the first gas at the graphene layer. Such membranes may exhibit improved properties compared to conventional graphene and polymeric membranes for gas separations, e.g., greater selectivity, greater gas permeation rates, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is for high permeance and high selectivity blend polymeric membranes comprising poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and a highly permeable polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs), tetrazole-functionalized polymers of intrinsic microporosity (TZPIMs), or mixtures thereof. The present invention also involves the use of such membranes for separations of liquids and gases.

Abstract: A method of removing an acidic gas from a gas stream by contacting said gas stream with a polymer, wherein the polymer is a macromolecularly self assembling polymeric material, the method including the steps of contacting the gas mixture with the membrane; and extracting the acidic gas from the gas stream.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the removal of gaseous acidic contaminants, especially carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulphide, in two or more stages from a gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feedstream (1) comprising hydrocarbons and said acidic contaminants, using one or more membranes in each separation stages. The gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feedstream is especially a natural gas stream. The process is especially suitable for feedstreams comprising very high amounts of acidic contaminants, especially carbon dioxide, e.g. more than 25 vol. %, or even more than 45 vol. %. In a first stage (2) a pure or almost pure stream of acidic contaminants is separated from the feedstream, the acidic contaminants (4) stream suitably containing less than 5 vol % of hydrocarbons. The remaining stream (3) comprises the hydrocarbons and still a certain amount of gaseous acidic contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane/amine column system and process for removing acid gases from natural gas on a floating liquefied natural gas vessel. Several process configurations are provided to deal with a reduction in the effectiveness of the amine column by increasing the amount of acid gases being removed by the membrane system prior to the natural gas being sent to the amine column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated membrane/adsorbent process and system for removal of carbon dioxide from natural gas on a ship that houses natural gas purification equipment. Additional membrane units or adsorbent beds are used to reduce the amount of product gas that is lost in gas streams that are used to regenerate the adsorbent beds. These systems produce a product stream that meets the specifications of less than 50 parts per million carbon dioxide in natural gas for liquefaction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new type of polyimide membranes including hollow fiber and flat sheet membranes with high permeances for air separations and a method of making these membranes. The new polyimide hollow fiber membranes have O2 permeance higher than 300 GPU and O2/N2 selectivity higher than 3 at 60° C. under 308 kPa for O2/N2 separation. The new polyimide hollow fiber membranes also have CO2 permeance higher than 1000 GPU and single-gas selectivity for CO2/CH4 higher than 20 at 50° C. under 791 kPa for CO2/CH4 separation.

Abstract: A composite membrane for separating a gas from a mixed gas stream includes a fibrous non-woven substrate including consolidated synthetic thermoplastic fibers, and coextensively disposed on a surface of the fibrous non-woven substrate a continuous polysulfide rubber film adhered thereto. A method of separating a gas component from a mixed gas stream includes 1) contacting a surface of the above-described composite membrane with the mixed gas stream under conditions such that a product gas enriched in the gas component diffuses through the composite membrane; and 2) collecting the product gas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to recovery of carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide from a gas mixture. Separating of the carbon dioxide, for example, from the gas mixture utilizes a liquid sorbent for the carbon dioxide. The liquid sorbent contacts the gas mixture for transfer of the carbon dioxide from the gas mixture to the liquid sorbent. Contacting of the sorbent with the gas mixture and/or desorption of the carbon dioxide from the liquid sorbent utilize hollow-fiber contactors that have permeable walls and incorporate particles distinct from a remainder of the walls to influence wetting properties of the contactors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated membrane/absorbent/adsorbent process and system for removal of mercury and sulfur compounds from natural gas on a ship that houses natural gas purification equipment. First mercury and most of the sulfur compounds are removed by an adsorbent bed and then the natural gas stream passes through a membrane unit to produce a partially purified natural gas residue stream to be dried and then liquefied and a carbon dioxide permeate stream that can be used as a fuel gas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for producing a CO2-depleted product gas stream. The processes involve feeding a natural gas feed stream comprising greater than about 10 vol % CO2 to at least one membrane unit comprising a plurality of polymer membranes to provide a CO2-rich permeate comprising at least 95 vol % CO2 and a CO2-depleted product gas stream. The polymer membranes comprise a crosslinked polyimide polymer having covalent ester crosslinks and have a CO2 permeance of at least 20 GPU and a CO2/CH4 selectivity of greater than 20, at 35 degrees C. and a feed pressure of 100 psia. Also disclosed herein is an apparatus incorporating the crosslinked polyimide polymer for producing a CO2-depleted product gas stream from a natural gas feed stream.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymer. Such high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymers are useful in forming crosslinked polymer membranes for the separation of fluid mixtures. According to its broadest aspect, the method of making a crosslinked membrane comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polyimide polymer comprising carboxylic acid functional groups from a reaction solution comprising monomers and at least one solvent; (b) treating the polyimide polymer with a diol at esterification conditions in the presence of dehydrating conditions to form a monoesterified polyimide polymer; and (c) subjecting the monoesterified fiber to transesterification conditions to form a crosslinked fiber membrane, wherein the dehydrating conditions at least partially remove water produced during step (b). The crosslinked membranes can be used to separate at least one component from a feed stream including more than one component.

Abstract: A method (10) for the separation of gases involving the method steps of: i) passing an exhaust gas stream (27) containing CO2 through a first membrane separation system (30) to produce a pre-concentrated gas stream (34) containing at least carbon dioxide; and a reject stream; and ii) directing the pre-concentrated gas stream to at least one purification step (50) to produce a purified CO2 stream (55); wherein, sulphur-containing gases (SOx) are also substantially separated from the exhaust gas (27) by the first membrane separation step (30) into the pre-concentrated gas stream (34), and the purified CO2 stream (55) is substantially free of nitrogen gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a hybrid composition membrane comprising the steps of preparing a sol comprising at least one poly(amino-alcohol) and at least one alkoxy silane, casting the sol on a surface and drying the casted sol to form the hybrid composition membrane. The hybrid composition membrane may be used for capturing and separating CO2 and/or H2S from a gas sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the removal of gaseous acidic contaminants, especially carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulphide, in two or more stages from a gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feedstream (1) comprising hydrocarbons and said acidic contaminants, using one or more membranes in each separation stages. The gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feedstream is especially a natural gas stream. The process is especially suitable for feedstreams comprising very high amounts of acidic contaminants, especially carbon dioxide, e.g. more than 25 vol. %, or even more than 45 vol. %. In a first stage (2) a pure or almost pure stream of acidic contaminants is separated from the feedstream, the acidic contaminants (4) stream suitably containing less than 5 vol % of hydrocarbons. The remaining stream (3) comprises the hydrocarbons and still a certain amount of gaseous acidic contaminants.