Organic Compound Permeates Barrier Patents (Class 95/50)
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Patent number: 7658784Abstract: Composite materials are provided. A representative material is configured as a composite membrane for gas separation, vapor separation, or pervaporation. The composite membrane comprises at least a first polymer and a second polymer. Processes for the production of composite materials, in particular composite membranes, also are provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: GKSS-Forschungszentrum GeesthachtInventors: Detlev Fritsch, Klaus-Viktor Peinemann, Dominique De Figueiredo Gomes
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Patent number: 7637983Abstract: Metal-organic framework (MOF)-polymer mixed matrix membranes (MOF-MMMs) have been prepared by dispersing high surface area MOFs (e.g. IRMOF-1) into a polymer matrix (e.g. Matrimid 5218). The MOFs allow the polymer to infiltrate the pores of the MOFs, which improves the interfacial and mechanical properties of the polymer and in turn affects permeability. Pure gas permeation tests show the incorporation of 20 wt-% of IRMOF-1 in Matrimid 5218 polyimide matrix results in 280% improvement in CO2 permeability without a loss of CO2/CH4 selectivity compared to those of the pure Matrimid 5218 membrane. This type of MOF-MMMs has significantly improved gas separation performance with dramatically high CO2 permeability (>35 barrer) and higher than 29 CO2/CH4 selectivity at 50° C. under 100 psig pressure, which are attractive candidates for practical gas separation applications such as CO2 removal from natural gas.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Chunqing Liu, Beth McCulloch, Stephen T. Wilson, Annabelle I. Benin, Mark E. Schott
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Patent number: 7621982Abstract: A liquid-gas separator for a direct liquid feed fuel cell includes a tube having an opening portion at a sidewall thereof; liquid extracting members that selectively transmit the liquid in the tube and located at both ends of the tube; a gas extracting membrane that selectively transmits the gas and covers the opening portion; an inlet that guides the liquid and the gas into the tube; chambers that surround an outer side of the liquid extracting member; and outlets that guide the liquid in the chambers to the outside by being connected to the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang-kyun Kang, Xiaobing Luo, Dong-kee Sohn, Hae-kyoung Kim
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Patent number: 7621979Abstract: A carbon film laminate 1 having a porous substrate 6 formed of a plurality of particles and a carbon film 2 provided on a surface of the porous substrate 6, wherein the porous substrate 6 includes a surface layer 3 which is in contact with the carbon film 2 and which is formed of particles 3a having a mean particle size of 0.01 to 0.11 ?m, and a porous body 5 formed of particles having a mean particle size differing from that of the particles 3a forming the surface layer 3. The invention provides a carbon film laminate which does not generate cracks and pinholes of the carbon film and which is suitable for producing thin film thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Kazuyuki Kaigawa, Toshihiro Tomita, Manabu Yoshida, Masamichi Obata
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Publication number: 20090277326Abstract: A gas separation process for treating off-gas streams from reaction processes, and reaction processes including such gas separation. The invention involves flowing the off-gas across the feed side of a membrane, flowing a sweep gas stream, usually air, across the permeate side, and passing the permeate/sweep gas mixture to the reaction. The process recovers unreacted feedstock that would otherwise be lost in the waste gases in an energy efficient manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2009Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. Baker, Johannes G. Wijmans, Timothy C. Merkel
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Publication number: 20090216059Abstract: The present invention relates to the selective separation of methane (“CH4”) from higher carbon number hydrocarbons (“HHC”s) in streams containing both methane and higher carbon number hydrocarbons (e.g. ethylene, ethane, propylene, propane, etc.) utilizing a zeolitic imidazolate framework (“ZIF”) material. Preferably, the stream to be separated is fed to the present process in a substantially gaseous phase. In preferred embodiments, the current invention is utilized in a process to separate methane from higher carbon number hydrocarbons in natural gas streams.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Sebastian C. Reyes, Jose G. Santiesteban, Zheng Ni, Charanjit S. Paur, Pavel Kortunov, John Zengel, Harry W. Deckman
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Patent number: 7537641Abstract: A process and equipment for treating natural gas produced by a well that has recently been stimulated, and that contains an undesirably high concentration of the fracturing gas used to stimulate the well. The process involves treating the gas by membrane separation, and provides for control of treatment parameters to compensate for the changing concentration of fracturing gas in the produced gas, as well as changes in gas flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Ankur Jariwala
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Patent number: 7510595Abstract: The present invention includes a method, composition and apparatus for forming a nanoparticle filled polymer having similar gas selectivity and greater gas permeability than the native polymer. The nanoparticle filled polymer includes one or more polymeric materials and one or more nanoparticles dispersed within the one or more polymeric materials that increasing the permeability of the nanoparticle filled polymers relative to the permeability of the native polymer membrane.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Benny D. Freeman, Scott Matteucci, Haiqing Lin
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Patent number: 7497895Abstract: The invention relates to an improved membrane pervaporation and vapor permeation system in which the vacuum is produced by a fluid passing through a Venturi-type nozzle. The fluid is chosen from solvents that have little or no affinity for the permeate molecules. It is applicable over process feed rates, and can be used for the separation of aromatic species from hydrocarbon.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventor: Craig Y. Sabottke
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Patent number: 7497896Abstract: Methods for treating a gas mixture of at least propylene and propane, in order to separate the propylene from the propane. The gas mixture is brought into contact with a membrane enables the selective permeation of the propylene with respect to the propane. A propylene-enriched permeate and a propane-enriched retentate is formed. The propylene concentration of the permeate in the membrane is then reduced with a sweeping gas.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2004Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes George ClaudeInventors: Emmanuelle Bromet, Guillaume De Souza, Olivier Riu
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Patent number: 7491262Abstract: There is provided a nanocomposite membrane comprising an Ag-nanoparticle/polymer nanocomposite, in which the Ag-particles are uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix, and a support membrane for supporting the nanocomposite, as well as a process of preparing said membrane. The nanocomposite membrane of the present invention comprising a neutral Ag-nanoparticle as an olefin carrier, which is chemically stable, has excellent long-term operation performance characteristics as well as high selectivity and permeability. Thus, it can be advantageously used for the separation of olefin from an olefin/paraffin mixture.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Yong Soo Kang, Kook Heon Char, Sang Wook Kang
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Patent number: 7487631Abstract: System and method for supplying reductants to an emission treatment system. The system includes a fuel tank adapted to supply a premixed fuel stream that includes a primary component and a reductant component, and an engine in fluid communication with the fuel tank, wherein the engine is configured to create an emission. The engine includes an emission treatment system to treat the emission. The system also includes a separation system that includes a membrane with differential permeability for the reductant component relative to the primary component. The separation system is configured to receive at least a portion of the premixed fuel stream from the tank and to separate the premixed fuel stream into a first fraction and a second fraction. The first fraction includes a higher concentration of the reductant component than the second fraction, and the separation system is configured to supply the first fraction to the emission treatment system.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Kent Cueman, Teresa Grocela-Rocha, Roy James Primus
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Patent number: 7485173Abstract: The present invention is for novel high performance cross-linkable and cross-linked mixed matrix membranes and the use of such membranes for separations such as for CO2/CH4, H2/CH4 and propylene/propane separations. More specifically, the invention involves the preparation of cross-linkable and cross-linked mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The cross-linkable MMMs were prepared by incorporating microporous molecular sieves or soluble high surface area microporous polymers (PIMs) as dispersed microporous fillers into a continuous cross-linkable polymer matrix. The cross-linked MMMs were prepared by UV-cross-linking the cross-linkable MMMs containing cross-linkable polymer matrix such as BP-55 polyimide. Pure gas permeation test results demonstrated that both types of MMMs exhibited higher performance for CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 separations than those of the corresponding cross-linkable and cross-linked pure polymer matrices.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Chunqing Liu, Jeffrey J. Chiou, Stephen T. Wilson
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Patent number: 7479227Abstract: A process for separating a component from a low molecular weight organic mixture by pervaporation. The process uses fluorinated membranes and is particularly useful for treating mixtures containing light organic components, such as methane, propylene or n-butane.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Andre R. Da Costa, Ramin Daniels, Ankur D. Jariwala
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Patent number: 7452404Abstract: A process and system for separating a fuel stream containing a low concentration of sulfur compounds from a primary fuel stream is disclosed. The process includes isolating a stage-one permeate stream and a stage-one retentate stream from the primary fuel stream, evaporating the stage-one permeate stream at a vacuum, and isolating a stage-two permeate stream and a stage-two retentate stream from the stage-one permeate stream. The stage-two retentate stream is a fuel stream containing low concentrations of sulfur compounds. The system includes a fuel supply, a stage-one separator for separating a fuel stream into a stage-one permeate stream and a stage-one retentate stream, a stage-two separator, a first supply line connecting a portion of the fuel supply to the stage-one separator, and a second supply line connecting the stage-one separator permeate stream to the stage-two separator.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Richard Root Woods
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Patent number: 7452405Abstract: A system for producing an auxiliary fuel stream containing a low concentration of sulfur compounds from a primary fuel stream includes a first separation stage to separate a portion of a primary fuel stream into a first vapor permeate stream and a first retentate stream, a first separation stage partial condenser connected to the first vapor permeate stream condensing a portion of the first vapor permeate stream into a first liquid stage stream and a first vapor stage stream, and a second separation stage partial condenser condensing a portion of the first vapor stage stream into a second liquid stage. The first vapor permeate stream is preferable sent through a vapor phase reactive desulfurization catalyst reactor to condition any sulfur compounds present into species that can be easily separated from the fuel stream.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Richard Root Woods
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Patent number: 7429287Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for sweetening a raw natural gas feed stream using a multi-stage membrane separation process, and in embodiments a two-stage membrane separation process. The method and system also include use of a gas turbine which operates with an impure fuel gas stream (such as in the sense of having a relatively high CO2 and H2S acid gas contaminant content) as derived from a permeate gas stream obtained in at least the second stage of a membrane separation process, or later stages if more than two stages are employed. In embodiments, the gas turbine is coupled with an electrical generator, which generates electrical power that drives a compressor for the second stage (or higher) of the membrane separation process, as well as other process equipment associated therewith, such as air coolers and process pumps. Alternatively, the gas turbine can be coupled mechanically to the compressor employed.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.Inventor: Stephen R. Frantz
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Publication number: 20080216649Abstract: Processes for dehydrating an organic/water solution by pervaporation or vapor separation using fluorinated membranes. The processes are particularly useful for treating mixtures containing light organic components, such as ethanol, isopropanol or acetic acid.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2007Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: Membrane Technology And Research, Inc.Inventors: Yu Huang, Jennifer Ly, Tiem Aldajani, Richard W. Baker
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Patent number: 7422623Abstract: This abstract discusses membranes needed to separate fluids for the production of oxygen-enriched air, nitrogen-enriched-air, for the separation of carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons, and the separation of hydrogen from various petrochemical and oil refining streams. Membranes are needed that provide a resistance to interaction with process components or contaminants, provide the mechanical strength required to withstand high membrane differential pressures and high process temperatures, and exhibit sufficient maximum strain such that membranes are not brittle and can easily be formed into desirable membrane forms. Membranes of polyimide polymers, particularly polyimide polymers sold under the trade name P-84, are annealed in a controlled annealing step to improve the mechanical properties of the polymers used to make separation membranes.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Okan Max Ekiner, John W. Simmons
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Publication number: 20080167512Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally disclose membrane-based systems and methods for the separation of propylene and propane that overcome certain issues associated with prior art devices and take advantage of a temperature drop across the associated separation membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventors: Edgar S. SANDERS, Frederic P.C.M. NOEL
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Patent number: 7390346Abstract: Provided is a novel system and apparatus for producing primary standard gas mixtures. The system includes providing a gas permeation device having a constant diffusion rate into a temperature controlled enclosure; connecting a supply source of a component to the permeation device; routing the component from the gas permeation device to a product container until a desired amount of said component in the product container is reached; and supplying a balance of purified gas to the product container to obtain a known concentration of component in the primary standard gas mixture.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark Leonard Malczewski, Douglas Charles Heiderman
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Patent number: 7361800Abstract: Chitosan membranes chelated with silver or cuprous material may be used to separate olefins from a mixture of olefins and paraffins. The feed stream is humidified, demisted, treated to remove sulfur compounds and passed to a cell having a chitosan membrane containing chelated silver or cuprous compounds. The process has a reasonable flux rate and is operable at reasonable temperatures and pressures. The process could be used in an olefin separation train.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Monteco Ltd.Inventors: Patricio S. Herrera, Xianshe Feng, John Donald Payzant, Jeong-Hoon Kim
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Patent number: 7318898Abstract: A method for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from a feed stream. The method includes flowing the feed stream through a first channel within a first wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. Next, the feed stream is exposed to a first thin film polymer membrane. A stream permeates through the first thin film polymer membrane, and the permeate is produced from the first wafer assembly. The retentate is directed via a redistribution tube to a second wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. This retentate is exposed to a second thin film polymer membrane. A second permeate stream is created that permeates through the second thin film polymer membrane. The second permeate stream is flown into the permeate zone and ultimately produced from the second wafer assembly. An apparatus for separating aromatic components from a feed stream is also disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a series of tandem wafer assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventor: Craig Y. Sabottke
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Patent number: 7314565Abstract: An isothermal method is provided for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from a feed stream. The method includes flowing the feed stream through a first channel within a first wafer assembly that contains a rib member. Next, the feed stream is exposed to a first thin film polymer membrane. A stream permeates through the first thin film polymer membrane into a permeate zone. The permeate zone is heated via a heated fluid contained within the rib member. The permeate is produced from the first wafer assembly. The method may include having a plurality of tandem wafer assemblies arranged in series. An apparatus for separating aromatic components from a feed stream is also disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a series of tandem wafer assemblies specifically adapted for blending a transportation fuel.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Exxonmobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Craig Y. Sabottke, John G. Matragrano
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Patent number: 7314503Abstract: A process for the removal of inert gases, such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide, from methane-containing gases, such as natural gas, including a first stage removal which lowers the total combined inert content to about less than 30% and a second stage removal utilizing a pressure swing adsorption process comprising one or more adsorbent beds comprising contracted titanosilicate-1 adsorbent, wherein the purified methane-containing gas contains less than about 6% total combined inerts.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Syntroleum CorporationInventors: J. Mark Landrum, Branch J. Russell, Kenneth Agee, Stephen LeViness
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Patent number: 7303681Abstract: A method for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from a feed stream. The method includes flowing the feed stream through a first channel within a first wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. Next, the feed stream is exposed to a first thin film polymer membrane. A stream permeates through the first thin film polymer membrane, and the permeate is produced from the first wafer assembly. The retentate is directed via a redistribution channel (such as a tube) to a second wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. This retentate is exposed to a second thin film polymer membrane. A second permeate stream is created that permeates through the second thin film polymer membrane. The second permeate stream is conducted into the permeate zone and ultimately produced from the second wafer assembly. An apparatus for separating aromatic components from a feed stream is also disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a series of tandem wafer assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Craig Y. Sabottke, Bal K. Kaul
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Patent number: 7255792Abstract: There is provided a process for modifying a first organic composition comprising (i) at least one first solvent, (ii) at least one solute, and (iii) optionally, at least one second solvent to produce a modified organic composition in which the concentration of the at least one first solvent is reduced and the concentration of the at least one second solvent is increased, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a selectively permeable membrane having a first surface and a second surface; (b) transferring a portion of the first solvent and optionally a portion of the solute from the first surface to the second surface across the membrane by contacting the first organic composition with the first surface, wherein the pressure at the first surface is greater than the pressure at the second surface, and wherein the membrane is a selectively permeable membrane such that the membrane rejection (R) of the solute is greater than 0%; (c) adding a portion of the second solvent to the organic composition retained at the fType: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Membrane Extraction Technology LimitedInventor: Andrew Guy Livington
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Patent number: 7255725Abstract: A porous inorganic membrane comprises at least one inorganic phase having separating properties. Said membrane has a carbon content representing 0.05% to 25% by weight with respect to the mass of said inorganic phase and is selective to non-condensable gases. It is obtained by means of a selectivation treatment of a porous carbon-free inorganic membrane using a hydrocarbon feed. It is used in processes for separating non-condensable molecules such as hydrogen, and in association with a catalyst in a catalytic membrane reactor.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2004Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Institute Francais du PetroleInventors: Christophe Chau, Denis Uzio
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Patent number: 7179321Abstract: The present invention relates to a facilitated transport membrane for separation of alkene hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon mixtures, comprising a porous support and a solid polymer electrolyte consisting of a transition metal salt and a polymer having phthalic structure, in which the electrolyte is in solid state at its operating temperature. The facilitated transport membrane is prepared by forming a solid polymer electrolyte consisting of a transition metal salt and a polymer on a porous support. The transition metal salt can selectively and reversibly form a complex with alkene hydrocarbons and the polymer can dissociate the transition metal salt. In particular, the polymer matrix allows the transition metal salt to be well dissociated because it has a phthalic structure capable of being coordinated to a transition metal ion.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Yong Soo Kang, Hoon Sik Kim, Jong Hak Kim, Kookheon Char, Sang Wook Kang, Jongok Won
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Patent number: 7160356Abstract: A polymeric composite may be used for forming fluid separation membranes. The membranes may be formed from polyimide, polyamide or poly (pyrrolone-imide) materials. Polyamides may be formed by the condensation of a tetraamine, a tetraacid, and a diamine. Polyimides and poly (pyrrolone-imides) may be formed by the cyclization of a polymer precursor. A polymeric composite may include a dithiolene or a mixture of dithiolenes. A polymer matrix incorporating dithiolenes may exhibit an olefin/paraffin solubility selectivity. A solubility selectivity may be between about 1.1 and about 2.0.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: William J. Koros, Ryan L. Burns
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Patent number: 7070694Abstract: Apparatus and processes are disclosed for economical separation of fluid mixtures. Broadly, apparatus of the invention is an integrated fractional distillation and perm-selective membrane separation apparatus. More particularly, the integrated apparatus comprises a fractional distillation column and one or more membrane device utilizing solid perm-selective membranes. Processes of the invention are particularly useful for simultaneous recovery of a very pure permeate product, a desired non-permeate stream, and one or more distillate products from a fluid mixture containing at least two compounds of different boiling point temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.Inventors: Craig W. Colling, George A. Huff, Jr., Stephen J. Pietsch
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Patent number: 7025804Abstract: A method of separating or concentrating hydrocarbon-containing gas mixtures such as hydrogen from hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons, nitrogen from hydrocarbons, and hydrocarbons from one another using a selectively permeable membrane. The method is well suited to separate hydrocarbon-containing mixtures such as those generated by petroleum refining industries, petrochemical industries, natural gas processing, and the like. The membranes exhibit extremely good resistance to plasticization by hydrocarbon components in the gas mixture under practical industrial process conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme A Directoire et Conseil De Surveillance Pour L'Etude et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: John W. Simmons, Sudhir Kulkarni, Okan M. Ekiner
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Patent number: 7025803Abstract: A system and a process for recovering high concentrations of methane from crude natural gas and solid waste landfill exhaust gas uses a sequential combination of a pressure swing adsorber unit operation to remove volatile organic compounds from the crude feed gas mixture followed by a membrane separation unit operation. The membrane separation uses a membrane which is selectively gas permeable to reject transmission of methane and thus to produce a permeate depleted in methane relative to the feed mixture. The permeate is also free of volatile organic compounds and is recycled to the pressure swing adsorber unit operation to regenerate saturated adsorbers.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme A Directoire et Counsel de Surveillance Pour L'Etude et L'Exploration des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Kenneth J. Wascheck, Charles L. Anderson
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Patent number: 6997971Abstract: A cross-linked, supported polybenzimidazole membrane for gas separation is prepared by reacting polybenzimidazole (PBI) with the sulfone-containing crosslinking agent 3,4-dichloro-tetrahydro-thiophene-1,1-dioxide. The cross-linked reaction product exhibits enhanced gas permeability to hydrogen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and methane as compared to the unmodified analog, without significant loss of selectivity, at temperatures from about 20 degrees Celsius to about 400 degrees Celsius.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Jennifer S. Young, Gregory S. Long, Brent F. Espinoza
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Patent number: 6986802Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.Inventors: Craig W. Colling, Bo Chen, George A. Huff, Jr.
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Patent number: 6953492Abstract: An apparatus and process for providing purified natural gas wherein a natural gas feed mixture of hydrocarbons, nitrogen, and other permeable gases is provided to a semi-permeable membrane separator having a relatively higher selectivity for methane and other hydrocarbons and a relatively lower selectivity for nitrogen, to thereby provide a gaseous permeate product enriched in hydrocarbons and diminished in nitrogen.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Enerfex, Inc.Inventor: Richard A. Callahan
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Patent number: 6913696Abstract: A pervaporation process for separating organic liquid mixtures of components having differing polarities, uses an ion exchange membrane which comprises a polymerized alkene including pendant groups of formula SO2N(R)—A—QX where R is H or alkyl, A is alkylene, Q is quaternary ammonium, and X is a negatively-charged counter-ion, the sulfur content of the membrane being in the range 3-10 wt. %.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2000Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Pervasiv LTDInventors: Emanuel Korngold, Elisheva Zisner, Reuven Wachs
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Patent number: 6899743Abstract: A process for treating mixtures of organic components, including azeotropic mixtures. The process includes a gas- or liquid-phase membrane separation step in conjunction with a dephlegmation step to treat at least a portion of the permeate vapor from the pervaporation step. The process yields a membrane residue stream, a stream enriched in the more volatile component as the overhead stream from the dephlegmator and a condensate stream enriched in the less volatile component as a bottoms stream from the dephlegmator. Any of these may be the principal product of the process.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Johannes G. Wijmans, Richard W. Baker, Anurag P. Mairal
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Patent number: 6842998Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank for performing semiconductor manufacturing. In one aspect, the invention is a method of supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank comprising: supplying a gas stream through at least one hydrophobic tube; exposing the outside surface of the hydrophobic tube to a liquid so that the liquid permeates the hydrophobic tube and enters the gas stream, forming a gas-liquid vapor inside the tube; and transporting the gas-liquid vapor to the process tank. In another aspect, the invention is an apparatus for supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank comprising: at least one hydrophobic tube adapted to carry a gas; and a housing forming a chamber that surrounds the tube, the chamber adapted to receive a liquid that can permeate the tube, forming a gas-liquid vapor.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Akrion LLCInventors: Ismail Kashkoush, Richard Novak, Larry Myland
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Patent number: 6830691Abstract: Economical processes of the present invention are for separation of fluid mixtures to recover desired products using apparatus comprising a plurality of membrane modules disposed in a first product group, a second product group, and optionally one or more intermediate group. Advantageously integrated processes of the invention with the membrane modules in multiple groups are employed for simultaneous recovery of a very pure permeate product and a desired non-permeate product from a mixture containing organic compounds.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.Inventors: Craig W. Colling, George A. Huff, Jr., John V. Bartels
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Publication number: 20040168570Abstract: A process and a gas permeation apparatus for separating purified methane from hydrocarbons higher than C1 in a feed gas mixture such as natural gas, naphtha, liquified natural gas (LNG), liquified petroleum gas (LPG), off gas from petrochemical industries and others, comprising at least one gas permeation module (1) with a feed gas inlet, an outlet for a gas stream (4) containing purified methane, an outlet for a gas stream (3) containing hydrocarbons higher than C1 and a permselective membrane (1′) having a permeate side (4′) and a retentate side (3′), characterised in that said permselective membrane (1′) consists of glassy, amorphous or semi-crystalline polymers having a glass-transition temperature above the operating temperature of the gas permeation apparatus and that said outlet for the gas stream (4) containing purified methane is arranged on the permeate side (4′) of said permeselective membrane (1′).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventor: Johann Franek
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Patent number: 6755975Abstract: A process for treating liquids containing organic compounds and water. The process includes a pervaporation step in conjunction with a dephlegmation step to treat at least a portion of the permeate vapor from the pervaporation step. The process yields a membrane residue stream, a stream enriched in the more volatile component (usually the organic) as the overhead stream from the dephlegmator and a condensate stream enriched in the less volatile component (usually the water) as a bottoms stream from the dephlegmator. Any of these may be the principal product of the process. The membrane separation step may also be performed in the vapor phase, or by membrane distillation.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignees: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc., The United States of America as represented by the Environmental Protection AgencyInventors: Leland M. Vane, Anurag P. Mairal, Alvin Ng, Franklin R. Alvarez, Richard W. Baker
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Publication number: 20040103782Abstract: A system and a process for recovering high concentrations of methane from crude natural gas and solid waste landfill exhaust gas uses a sequential combination of a pressure swing adsorber unit operation to remove volatile organic compounds from the crude feed gas mixture followed by a membrane separation unit operation. The membrane separation uses a membrane which is selectively gas permeable to reject transmission of methane and thus to produce a permeate depleted in methane relative to the feed mixture. The permeate is also free of volatile organic compounds and is recycled to the pressure swing adsorber unit operation to regenerate saturated adsorbers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Applicant: L'Air Liquide SocieInventors: Kenneth J. Wascheck, Charles L. Anderson
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Patent number: 6719824Abstract: A cyclic process for controlling environmental emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from vapor recovery in storage and dispensing operations of liquids maintains a vacuum in the storage tank ullage. In one of a two-part cyclic process ullage vapor is discharged through a vapor recovery system in which VOC are stripped from vented gas with a selectively gas permeable membrane. In the other part, the membrane is inoperative while gas pressure rises in the ullage. Ambient air is charged to the membrane separation unit during the latter part of the cycle.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: CMS Technology Holdings, Inc.Inventor: John Bowser
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Publication number: 20040035291Abstract: An apparatus and process for providing purified natural gas wherein a natural gas feed mixture of hydrocarbons, nitrogen, and other permeable gases is provided to a semi-permeable membrane separator having a relatively higher selectivity for methane and other hydrocarbons and a relatively lower selectivity for nitrogen, to thereby provide a gaseous permeate product enriched in hydrocarbons and diminished in nitrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: Richard A. Callahan
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Publication number: 20040000231Abstract: Improved composite gas separation membranes from perfluoropolymers are disclosed. The membranes are formed by depositing an ultrathin, dense separation layer of a soluble amorphous perfluoropolymer on top of a porous polyethersulfone substrate. The membranes are particularly useful for the separation and recovery of volatile organic hydrocarbon vapors.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2002Publication date: January 1, 2004Inventors: Benjamin Bikson, Yong Ding, Joyce Katz Nelson
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Patent number: 6656252Abstract: A separation membrane comprising a polyether polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of 104 to 107 and obtained by polymerizing an oxirane compound of the formula (a): wherein R is a hydrogen atom; an alkyl group, an alkyl group having a halogen atom, or —CH2O(CH2CH2O)k—R′ (R′ is a group selected from an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group and an aralkyl group; k is from 0 to 12); or an ethylenically unsaturated group, a reactive silicon-containing group or a methylepoxy-containing group, is excellent in mechanical strength and flexibility.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Daiso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidetoshi Kita, Masato Tabuchi, Takaaki Sakai
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Patent number: 6648944Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating carbon dioxide from gas, especially natural gas, that also contains C3+ hydrocarbons. The invention uses two or three membrane separation steps, optionally in conjunction with cooling/condensation under pressure, to yield a lighter, sweeter product natural gas stream, and/or a carbon dioxide stream of reinjection quality and/or a natural gas liquids (NGL) stream.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. Baker, Andre R. Da Costa, Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
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Patent number: 6645276Abstract: A facilitated transport membrane with improved permeance and selectivity to alkene-based unsaturated hydrocarbons is provided. The facilitated transport membrane includes a solid state polymer electrolyte and additionally a non-volatile surfactant that enhances long-term operation stability. In preparing the facilitated transport membrane for separation of alkenes, a porous supporting membrane is coated with a solid polymer electrolyte layer having a non-volatile polymer, a non-volatile surfactant, and a salt of a transition metal capable of complexing selectively and reversibly with alkenes.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Yong Soo Kang, Jong Ok Won, Bum Suk Jung, Hye Hun Park, Seong Geun Oh
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Patent number: 6646177Abstract: A method for separating p-xylene by separating and recovering only p-xylene from a p-xylene-containing raw material mixture under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions using a zeolite membrane as a separating membrane is provided. The p-xylene partial pressure at the raw material side of the separating membrane is kept at a sufficiently high pressure and the p-xylene partial pressure at the recovery side of the separating membrane is controlled at a pressure which is not higher than the inflection point of p-xylene adsorption curve. This method for separating p-xylene using a zeolite membrane as a separating membrane can secure a sufficient p-xylene permeation amount and has industrial applicability.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Tomonori Takahashi, Hitoshi Sakai, Naoyuki Ogawa