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

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

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

Abstract: A 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: A device for degassing aqueous media has a first container containing medium to be degassed. A first line connects the first container to a degassing module and a second line connects the degassing module to a second container for receiving the degassed medium. A first non-return valve in the first line prevents backflow from the degassing module to the first container. A hydrophilic membrane in the second line prevents the passage of gas, and a branch between the degassing module and the hydrophilic membrane has a hydrophobic degassing filter for letting out gas. A third line is connected to the first line between the first container and the first non-return valve and to the second line between the second container and the hydrophilic membrane. A second non-return valve in the third line between the first non-return valve and the hydrophilic membrane prevents a flow towards the second container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO2 is fed to an algae culture.

Abstract: The present invention provides gels, solutions, films, membranes, compositions, and other materials containing polymerized and/or non-polymerized room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs). These materials are useful in catalysis, gas separation and as antistatic agents. The RTILs are preferably imidazolium-based RTILs which are optionally substituted, such as with one or more hydroxyl groups. Optionally, the materials of the present invention are composite materials comprising both polymerized and non-polymerized RTILs. The RTIL polymer is formed from polymerized RTIL cations typically synthesized as monomers and polymerized in the presence of the non-polymerized RTIL cations to provide a solid composite material. The non-polymerized RTIL cations are not covalently bound to the cationic polymer but remain as free cations within the composite material able to associate with charged subunits of the polymer. These composite materials are useful in catalysis, gas separation, and antistatic applications.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polymeric material includes: providing a polymeric matrix having at least one polymer and at least one porogen; and degrading the at least one porogen at a temperature T?1.1 Tg, where Tg is a glass transition temperature of the polymeric matrix. The degrading step includes exposing the polymeric matrix to thermal degradation, chemical degradation, electrical degradation and/or radiation degradation, wherein the polymeric material has a permeability at least 1.2 times a permeability of the polymeric matrix for a gas, and a selectivity of the polymeric material is at least 0.35 times a selectivity of the polymeric matrix for a gas pair. The method preferably provides gas separation membranes that exceed Robeson's upper bound relationship for at least one gas separation pair. Novel polymeric materials, gas separation membranes and fluid component separation methods are also described.

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 invention is a process involving membrane-based gas separation for separating and recovering carbon dioxide emissions from combustion processes in partially concentrated form, and then transporting the carbon dioxide and using or storing it in a confined manner without concentrating it to high purity. The process of the invention involves building up the concentration of carbon dioxide in a gas flow loop between the combustion step and a membrane separation step. A portion of the carbon dioxide-enriched gas can then be withdrawn from this loop and transported, without the need to liquefy the gas or otherwise create a high-purity stream, to a destination where it is used or confined, preferably in an environmentally benign manner.

Abstract: Systems and methods for gas separation are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for gas separation includes the steps of contacting a feed gas stream that includes a product gas and an impurity gas with a liquid-phase absorption solvent and absorbing the impurity gas and a portion of the product gas of the feed gas stream into the liquid-phase absorption solvent. The exemplary method further includes the steps of subjecting the liquid-phase absorption solvent to a first reduced pressure environment to remove the portion of the product gas and a portion of the impurity gas from the liquid-phase absorption solvent and separating the portion of the product gas from the portion of the impurity gas.

Abstract: A process for efficiently removing carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbon containing feed stream utilizing a membrane separation unit in conjunction with a heat exchanger and a carbon dioxide separation unit wherein the streams obtained in the carbon dioxide separation unit are utilized to provide the cooling effect in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a gas separation membrane includes providing a coextruded multilayer film that includes a first polymer layer formed of a first polymer material and a second polymer layer formed of a second polymer material, the first polymer material having a first gas permeability. The coextruded multilayer film is axially oriented such that the second polymer layer has a second gas permeability that is greater than the first gas permeability.

Abstract: An apparatus for capture and sequestration of CO2 from fossil fuel-fired power plant flue gas includes a polymer matrix embedded with a sorbent suitable for removing CO2 from the flue gas and a spacer mated with the polymer matrix. The spacer is adapted to create channels between adjacent portions of the polymer matrix such that the flue gas flows through the channels and comes in contact with the sorbent. Further, an apparatus for the capture and sequestration of CO2 from fossil fuel-fired power plant flue gas includes a hollow fiber membrane embedded with an adsorbent or other suitable material for removing CO2 from the flue gas. The adsorbent particles may be embedded into a wall of the membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for making silicoaluminophosphate-34 (SAPO-34) membranes comprising interlocking SAPO-34 crystals. In the methods of the invention, the SAPO-34 membranes are formed through in situ crystallization on a porous support using a synthesis mixture initially including a SAPO-34 forming gel and a plurality of SAPO-34 crystals dispersed in the gel. The invention also provides supported SAPO-34 membranes made by the methods of the invention. The invention also provides methods for separating a first gas component from a gas mixture, the methods comprising the step of providing a membrane of the invention.

Abstract: A gas separation composite membrane, containing: a gas-permeable supporting layer; and a gas separating layer containing a crosslinked polyimide resin, over the gas-permeable supporting layer, in which the crosslinked polyimide resin is composed of a polyimide compound having been crosslinked through an ester linking group, in which the polyimide compound contains a repeating unit of formula (I), a repeating unit of formula (II-a) or (II-b), and a repeating unit of formula (III-a) or (III-b), and in which a ratio [?] of a site forming a crosslinked chain mediated by the ester linking group to an imide group (the number of specific crosslinkable sites/the number of imide groups) is more than 0.4 and less than 0.5.

Abstract: A gas separation composite membrane, containing a gas-permeable supporting layer and a gas separating layer containing a crosslinked organic-inorganic hybrid resin over the gas-permeable supporting layer, in which the crosslinked organic-inorganic hybrid resin has a structure in which a polymer incorporating therein an oxanthrene unit, or a polyimide compound has been crosslinked via a specific crosslinking chain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating a surface comprising a silicone elastomer having a plurality of Si—H groups by contacting at least one region of the surface with a solution comprising a surface treatment compound, to give a treated surface with Si—OH, Si—OR, or Si—C groups. The present invention relates to a hydrosilylation-curable silicone composition. In some examples, the hydrosilylation-curable silicone composition includes an organohydrogen-polysiloxane having an average of at least forty silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule, a cross-linking agent having an average of at least two aliphatic unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds per molecule, and a hydrosilylation catalyst, wherein the mole ratio of silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the composition to aliphatic unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds in the composition is at least 20:1. The invention also relates to membranes, methods of making membranes, gas permeable supports for membranes, and methods of gas separation using membranes.

Abstract: The invention is a process involving membrane-based gas separation for separating and recovering carbon dioxide emissions from combustion processes in partially concentrated form, and then transporting the carbon dioxide and using or storing it in a confined manner without concentrating it to high purity. The process of the invention involves building up the concentration of carbon dioxide in a gas flow loop between the combustion step and a membrane separation step. A portion of the carbon dioxide-enriched gas can then be withdrawn from this loop and transported, without the need to liquefy the gas or otherwise create a high-purity stream, to a destination where it is used or confined, preferably in an environmentally benign manner.

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: In a gas separation apparatus that separates carbon dioxide and water vapor from a first mixture gas containing at least carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapor, the energy utilization efficiency thereof is improved. The gas separation apparatus is constructed to include a first separation membrane 33 and a second separation membrane 34 that are made of different materials. When the first mixture gas is supplied, the first separation membrane 33 separates a second mixture gas containing carbon dioxide and water vapor that permeate through the first separation membrane by allowing carbon dioxide and water vapor to permeate selectively. When the second mixture gas is supplied, the second separation membrane 34 separates water vapor that permeates through the second separation membrane 34 by allowing water vapor to permeate selectively.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for carbon dioxide seperation and capture. The system includes a porous metal membrane comprising Ni, Ag, or combinations thereof and having molten carbonate within the pores. A CO2 containing flue gas input stream is separated from a reactant gas input stream by the membrane. The CO2 is removed from the flue gas input stream as it contacts the membrane resulting in a CO2 free flue gas output stream and a CO2 containing reactant gas output stream.

Abstract: A membrane suitable for separating a gas from a gas mixture comprising a non cross-linked PVAm having a molecular weight of at least Mw 100,000 carried on a support wherein after casting onto the support, said PVAm has been heated to a temperature in the range 50 to 150° C., e.g. 80 to 120° C.

Abstract: A device for separating a gas mixture into product gas and offgas by way of gas permeation includes four membrane units and a compressor connected upstream of the first membrane unit. The membrane units have a gas inlet, a retentate outlet and a permeate outlet. Lines connect the membrane units to each other and to the compressor. Product gas is obtained via the permeate outlet of the second membrane unit and offgas via the retentate outlet of the first membrane unit. Additional product gas is obtained via the retentate outlet of an upstream membrane unit and additional offgas is obtained via the permeate outlet of a further upstream membrane unit. A method includes use of the device to separate a gas mixture into product gas and offgas.

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

Abstract: DDR nanocrystals were synthesized using hydrothermal secondary growth. The morphology of the nanoparticles can be manipulated by changing the ratio of silica to water, the synthesis temperature, and the mineralizing agents. Specifically, nanocrystals with morphology of hexagonal plates, octahedral, and diamond-like plates are disclosed. These nanoparticles can be used as seed coatings for DDR membrane growth on substrates, and for the fabrication of mixed matrix membranes, and for any other use where uniform, small DDR zeolite crystals are beneficial.

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

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new type of high selectivity UV-cross-linked tetrazole group functionalized polymer nanosieve (TZPIM) membranes, their preparation, as well as their use for gas and liquid separations. The UV-cross-linked TZPIM membrane showed more than 50% improvement in CO2/CH4 selectivity and more than 30% improvement in CO2/N2 selectivity compared to the uncross-linked TZPIM membrane for CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 separations, respectively.

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: In a gas separation apparatus that separates carbon dioxide and water vapor from a first mixture gas containing a predetermined major component gas, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, the energy utilization efficiency thereof is improved. Also, by utilizing the function of this gas separation apparatus, a membrane reactor and a hydrogen production apparatus exhibiting high energy utilization efficiency are provided. The gas separation apparatus is constructed to include a first separation membrane 33 and a second separation membrane 34 that are made of different materials. When the first mixture gas is supplied at a temperature of 100° C. or higher, the first separation membrane 33 separates a second mixture gas containing carbon dioxide and water vapor that permeate through the first separation membrane by allowing carbon dioxide and water vapor to permeate selectively.

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

Abstract: A membrane suitable for separating a gas from a gas mixture comprising a non cross-linked PVAm having a molecular weight of at least Mw 100,000 carried on a support wherein after casting onto the support, said PVAm has been heated to a temperature in the range 50 to 150° C., e.g. 80 to 120° C.

Abstract: To provide a CO2 membrane separation and recovery system that is excellent in CO2 permeability and CO2 separation. selectivity on recovery of CO2 in a hydrogen production process and the like. The CO2 membrane separation and recovery system of the present invention comprises a dehydration treatment module (2) preliminary to a CO2 membrane separation module (1), the CO2 membrane separation module (1) comprises a hydrophilic zeolite membrane (3) that exhibits CO2 selective permeability and is formed on a porous substrate, and the hydrophilic zeolite membrane (3) is subjected to a dehydration treatment by a heat treatment at from 100 to 800° C.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane comprises aromatic polyimide polymers that comprise a plurality of repeating units of formula (I) wherein X1 and Ar are herein defined.

Abstract: The invention describes a polymeric material comprising repeating units of Formulae I-III and methods of preparation. Novel polymeric materials, gas separation membranes and fluid component separation methods are also described.

Abstract: A method of preparing a supported gas separation membrane, comprising: preparing crystalline seeds from a synthesis mixture comprising an aluminum source, a phosphorous source, a silicon source, at least one organic templating agent and water; applying the seeds to a porous support to produce a seeded porous support; contacting the seeded porous support with a synthesis gel under hydrothermal synthesis conditions to produce a coated porous support; and calcining the coated porous support is described. A supported gas separation membrane made by this method is also described.

Abstract: A method of preparation for Self-supporting dynamic polymer membranes (called “dynamer” membranes) of the polyimine type is provided along with their use in separation processes, especially for separating gaseous species.

Abstract: In various embodiments, provided are modified silicone compositions comprising at least one curable silicone composition and at least one silicon additive; cured products of such compositions; oxidized products of such cured products; and membranes comprising one or both of the cured or oxidized products, said membranes having the requisite permeability and selectivity for separating mixtures of gases. Also provided are methods of preparing the provided compositions, cured products, oxidized products, and membranes.

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: A gas separation membrane is provided which has both excellent gas permeability and gas separation characteristics, particularly permeability of carbon dioxide (CO2) and separation characteristics of carbon dioxide and methane (CH4), at such a high level that has not hitherto been achieved. The gas separation membrane was obtained by heat treating a membrane composed of a hyperbranched polyimide-based material in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.

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

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of obtaining carbon dioxide from a CO2-containing gas mixture. The methods combine the benefits of gas membrane separation with cryogenic temperatures.

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: 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 present invention relates to silicone compositions that are useful for the production of membranes that are selectively permeable to at least one component of a gas mixture. The invention provides a method of forming the membrane. The invention also provides a method of separating components in a feed mixture using the membrane. The membrane includes a reaction product (e.g. cured product) of a silicone composition including an organopolysiloxane having at least two unsaturated aliphatic carbon-carbon bond-containing groups per molecule; a crosslinking agent having at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule; a hydrosilylation catalyst; a polyether containing at least one unsaturated aliphatic carbon-carbon bond-containing group; and a siliceous filler.

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 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: Carbon dioxide is separated from a flue gas produced in a combustion plant. Flue gas is supplied to a membrane unit having at least one membrane module provided with a membrane that is selective for CO2. A portion of the CO2 is separated from the flue gas in the module, producing a CO2-enriched permeate. CO2-depleted flue gas remaining on the retentate side of the module is supplied to at least one additional CO2 separating unit and a portion of the CO2 in the retentate is separated by an absorbent. The result is a reduction in energy consumption.

Abstract: A gas separation composite membrane, containing a gas-permeable supporting layer and a gas separating layer containing a crosslinked polyimide resin over the gas-permeable supporting layer, in which the crosslinked polyimide resin is formed by a polyimide compound being crosslinked by a radically crosslinkable functional group thereof, and a ratio [?] of a crosslinked site to an imide group of the polyimide compound (the number of crosslinked sites/the number of imide groups) in the crosslinked polyimide resin is 0.0001 or more and 0.45 or less; a method of producing the same; and a gas separating module, a gas separation apparatus and a gas separation method using the same.