Abstract: A method for operating a power plant (2), which includes at least one compressor (3), at least one turbine (4), and a burner arrangement (5), involves, to enhance the power plant (2), feeding a combustion exhaust gas from a pre-burner (8) of the burner arrangement (5) to an oxygen-removal device (11), which removes gas of the oxygen from the combustion exhaust gas in which it is contained.

Abstract: An ion transport membrane system comprising (a) a pressure vessel having an interior, an inlet adapted to introduce gas into the interior of the vessel, an outlet adapted to withdraw gas from the interior of the vessel, and an axis; (b) a plurality of planar ion transport membrane modules disposed in the interior of the pressure vessel and arranged in series, each membrane module comprising mixed metal oxide ceramic material and having an interior region and an exterior region; and (c) one or more gas flow control partitions disposed in the interior of the pressure vessel and adapted to change a direction of gas flow within the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) comprising ion-exchanged molecular sieves such as UZM-5 zeolite ion-exchanged with Li+ cation (Li-UZM-5) and a continuous polymer matrix and methods for making and using these membranes. These MMMs, comprising ion-exchanged molecular sieves, in the form of symmetric dense films, asymmetric flat sheets, asymmetric hollow fibers, or thin-film composites, have exhibited simultaneously increased selectivity and permeability (or permeance) over polymer-only membranes and the mixed matrix membranes made from molecular sieves that have not been ion exchanged for gas separations. These MMMs are suitable for a variety of liquid, gas, and vapor separations such as desalination of water by reverse osmosis, deep desulfurization of gasoline and diesel fuels, ethanol/water separations, pervaporation dehydration of aqueous/organic mixtures, CO2/CH4, CO2/N2, H2/CH4, O2/N2, olefin/paraffin, iso/normal paraffins separations, and other light gas mixture separations.

Abstract: A suspension of inorganic particles, a copolymer comprising soft segments and hard segments, and a solvent may be extruded through a spinnerette to produce inorganic/organic composite hollow precursor fibers. The precursor fibers may be sintered. The fibers may be utilized in a gas separation module for separation of a gas mixture or production of syngas. The fibers may be installed in the gas separation module after sintering or they may be sintered after installation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A fuel stabilization unit includes an electrochemical device for promoting the formation of water utilizing oxygen from a fuel stream for generating an oxygen partial pressure differential across an oxygen permeable membrane.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a deoxygenator system with an oxygen permeable membrane formed from a multiple of layers. The layers include a sealant layer, an oxygen permeability layer and a porous backing layer. The layered composite oxygen permeable membrane maximizes the oxygen transfer rate and minimizes the fuel leakage rate.

Abstract: A process for enriching the content of oxygen in oxygen- and nitrogen-containing gases in a separation apparatus which has an interior which is divided into a substrate chamber and into a permeate chamber by an oxygen-conducting ceramic membrane is described. The process comprises the introduction of oxygen- and nitrogen-containing sweep gas into the permeate chamber and the establishment of a pressure in the substrate chamber so that the oxygen partial pressure in substrate chamber and sweep chamber results in the transfer of oxygen through the ceramic membrane. The process is distinguished by high operational safety.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a device that can include a waste collector, a system that transports waste stream of particle matter from a housing, a system that transports a waste stream of effluent and particle matter from the housing, and a separator that receives the waste streams and collects the particle matter into the waste collector.

Abstract: A fuel system for a gas turbine engine removes oxygen from fuel with a fuel stabilization unit (FSU). The FSU includes a first vacuum stage, where vacuum pressure is created by an ejector and a second vacuum stage where vacuum pressure is created by the ejector and a vacuum pump. The vacuum stream from the first vacuum stage and the second vacuum stage flow through the ejector. The vacuum stream from the second vacuum stage is all that passes through the vacuum pump.

Abstract: A method of removing carbon monoxide from an oxygen carrier including setting a carbon monoxide bonded oxygen carrier solution across a separation membrane from an oxygen-dissolved solution; and exposing the setting part to the light and a method of removing carbon monoxide from an oxygen carrier including setting a carbon monoxide oxygen carrier solution across a hollow fiber separation membrane from an oxygen-dissolved solution; and exposing the setting part to light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the carbon dioxide concentration in air of a closed or partially closed unit of space. The inventive method may comprise the steps of removing an air flow from the unit of space, guiding the air flow in a membrane system that may contain at least one membrane module having a CO2/O2 selectivity of greater than 2, removing the carbon dioxide permeated through the membrane, and returning the air flow that has been depleted of carbon dioxide in the membrane system to the unit of space. The inventive method may be optionally combined with an oxygen enrichment method. The invention also relates to corresponding devices for carrying out the inventive method.

Abstract: An improved sieve bed design to manage breakthrough and the mass transfer zone by way of volumetric division. An empty space in the product end is separated from adsorbent-filled sieve space in the feed end by a mid-diffuser plate. The ratio of the empty product end void space to the adsorbent filled sieve space within a sieve bed may be determined by the relative percentages of the gasses to be separated and the bulk loading factor of the molecular sieve. In operation, pressure in the sieve bed empty space and sieve filled space may be equal at any instant. This contains breakthrough to the location of the mid-diffuser plate. The mass transfer zone may be static at the point of the mid-diffuser plate and as such, gas separation is a function of pressure within the bed.

Abstract: A mixed ionic and electronic conducting membrane includes a two-phase solid state ceramic composite, wherein the first phase comprises an oxygen ion conductor and the second phase comprises an n-type electronically conductive oxide, wherein the electronically conductive oxide is stable at an oxygen partial pressure as low as 10?20 atm and has an electronic conductivity of at least 1 S/cm. A hydrogen separation system and related methods using the mixed ionic and electronic conducting membrane are described.

Abstract: A device for use in a fluid system includes a flow perturbation element within a fluid channel. The flow perturbation element has a gas permeable surface for removing dissolved gas from passing fluid. A gas permeable membrane is coated on the gas permeable surface and allows the dissolved gas transport out of passing fluid into a gas-removal channel. The gas permeable membrane may be coated on the fuel perturbation elements using any of a variety of methods.

Abstract: A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a multiple of non-metallic fuel plates, gaskets, oxygen permeable membranes, porous substrate plates, and vacuum frame plates. Intricate 3-dimension fuel channel structures such as laminar flow impingement elements within the fuel channel dramatically enhance oxygen diffusivity in the FSU. The fuel plates are manufactured from a relatively soft non-metallic material. The non-metallic fuel plates and gasket arrangement provide an effective sealing interface between the fuel plate and oxygen permeable membrane, since compression may be applied to the plates without damaging the relatively delicate oxygen permeable membrane.

Abstract: A polyimide MMC membrane useful for the production of oxygen-enriched air or nitrogen-enriched-air, for the separation of carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons or nitrogen, and the separation of helium or hydrogen from various streams. Membranes of polyimide polymers, such as polyimide polymers sold under the tradename P-84, are mixed with molecular sieve materials, such as SSZ-13, to make MMC membranes. The MMC membranes of the invention provide improved membrane performance compared to polymer only membranes, particularly when used to form asymmetric film membranes or hollow fiber membranes. The MMC films exhibit consistent permeation performance as dense film or asymmetric membranes, and do not interact with components of the process streams, such as organic solvents. The membranes of the invention exhibit particularly surprisingly good selectivity for the fluids of interest.

Abstract: Ion transport membrane oxidation system comprising an enclosure having an interior and an interior surface, inlet piping having an internal surface and adapted to introduce a heated feed gas into the interior of the enclosure, and outlet piping adapted to withdraw a product gas from the interior of the enclosure; one or more planar ion transport membrane modules disposed in the interior of the enclosure, each membrane module comprising mixed metal oxide material; and a preheater adapted to heat a feed gas to provide the heated feed gas to the inlet piping, wherein the preheater comprises an interior surface. Any of the interior surfaces of the enclosure, the inlet piping, and the preheater may be lined with a copper-containing metal lining. Alternatively, any of the interior surfaces of the inlet piping and the preheater may be lined with a copper-containing metal lining and the enclosure may comprise copper.

Abstract: A composite oxygen ion transport membrane having a dense layer, a porous support layer, an optional intermediate porous layer located between the porous support layer and the dense layer and an optional surface exchange layer, overlying the dense layer. The dense layer has electronic and ionic phases. The ionic phase is composed of scandia doped, yttrium or cerium stabilized zirconia. The electronic phase is composed of a metallic oxide containing lanthanum, strontium, chromium, manganese and vanadium and optionally cerium. The porous support layer is composed of zirconia partially stabilized with yttrium, scandium, aluminum or cerium or mixtures thereof. The intermediate porous layer, if used, contains the same ionic and electronic phases as the dense layer. The surface exchange layer is formed of an electronic phase of a metallic oxide of lanthanum and strontium that also contains either manganese or iron and an ionic phase of scandia doped zirconia stabilized with yttrium or cerium.

Abstract: There is provided an asymmetric integrally skinned membrane comprising a polyimide and another polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone, sulfonated polyetheretherketones and mixtures thereof. The membrane which is substantially insoluble in an organic solvent and substantially defect-free can be useful as a separation membrane.

Abstract: A fuel system includes a fuel deoxygenator for removing oxygen from a liquid fuel. A vaporizer is in fluid communication with the fuel deoxygenator. The vaporizer vaporizes at least a portion of the liquid fuel to produce vaporized fuel. At least a portion of the vaporized fuel pre-mixes with oxidizer to reduce formation of undesirable emissions.

Abstract: A gas-separation module allows a sweep gas to be introduced at selectively variable locations, and in selectively varying amounts, along the length of the module. The sweep gas enters the module through a perforated conduit. A slotted sleeve, disposed within the conduit, selectively blocks and unblocks perforations in the conduit. Rotation of the sleeve causes slots to come into, or out of, registration with the perforations. The sleeve permits varying amounts of sweep gas to be introduced at different locations along the length of the module. Rotation of the sleeve changes the profile of introduction of sweep gas, and can be used to optimize the performance of the module for each of a set of different pressure conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing silica containing molecular sieves which may be mixed with an organic polymer to create a mixed matrix membrane. Further, this invention includes a method of making such a mixed matrix membrane and the membrane itself. A process for separating component gases from a mixture using the subject mixed matrix membrane is also described. The method for preparing silica containing molecular sieves comprises super water washing silica containing molecular sieves to produce water washed molecular sieves which are substantially free of surface remnants. Super water washing also ideally lowers the concentration of alkali metals in the molecular sieves.

Abstract: Planar ceramic membrane assembly comprising a dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material, wherein the dense layer has a first side and a second side, a porous layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material in contact with the first side of the dense layer, and a ceramic channeled support layer in contact with the second side of the dense layer.

Abstract: A gas-separation membrane module assembly and a gas-separation process using the assembly. The assembly includes a set of tubes, each containing gas-separation membranes, arranged within a housing. The housing contains a tube sheet that divides the space within the housing into two gas-tight spaces. A permeate collection system within the housing gathers permeate gas from the tubes for discharge from the housing.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A portable system for air separation or air dehydration, or both, is carried on a truck or equivalent vehicle. The air separation system includes, at a minimum, a feed compressor and a gas separation membrane. The air dehydration system includes a feed compressor and an air dehydration membrane. The feed compressor receives power from the engine of the vehicle, only when the vehicle is not moving under its own power. Heat from the vehicle engine may also be used to heat the compressed air stream to prevent the formation of water. The system can also be used to perform air dehydration and air separation simultaneously. The system is substantially self-contained, and can be easily driven from one location to another, simply by driving the vehicle to another location. The invention is especially useful in providing air separation or air dehydration services, or both, for relatively brief periods, at multiple locations.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A gas and liquid separation device for use with a fuel tank. The separation device includes a body having at least one passage therethrough in fluid communication with the fuel tank, and a gas and liquid separator carried by the body in fluid communication with the at least one passage and being oriented at an angle with respect to horizontal when in use.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable liquid housing container and a durable liquid supply apparatus which use a gas-liquid separation membrane. Thus, a gas-liquid separation membrane (2) located at an air vent in a liquid housing container (1) includes a fibril portion (2A) composed of fibrous portions and an annular node portion (2B) which bundles the ends of fibrous portions of the fibril portion (2A) and which is closed so as to surround the fibril portion (2A).

Abstract: Method of operating an oxygen-permeable mixed conducting membrane having an oxidant feed side, an oxidant feed surface, a permeate side, and a permeate surface, which method comprises controlling the differential strain between the permeate surface and the oxidant feed surface at a value below a selected maximum value by varying the oxygen partial pressure on either or both of the oxidant feed side and the permeate side of the membrane.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with an air separation unit and a method of realizing such an internal combustion engine, the air separation unit is able to be fed by intake air compressed by a charging unit and cooled by a charged air cooler. The internal combustion engine can at least periodically be fed with a retentate, provided by the air separation unit, having such a composition that, in comparison to normal, it is oxygen enriched. The air separation unit is connected to the outlet of the charged air cooler, and compressed intake air from the charging unit undergoes purification that includes the separation of fluid and/or solid contents before being fed into the air separation unit.

Abstract: A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a multiple of fuel plates, oxygen permeable membranes, porous substrate plates, and vacuum frame plates which define a wave pattern configuration. The wave configuration enhances deoxygenation by increasing the efficiency and integrality due to higher surface volume ration, increase of flow turbulence, and minimal sharp edges which may otherwise damage the oxygen permeable membranes compared to other configurations.

Abstract: A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a deoxygenator system with an oxygen permeable membrane having a textured surface. A sweep gas and/or vacuum maintains an oxygen concentration differential across the membrane to deoxygenate the fuel. The textured surface increases the surface area of the oxygen permeable membrane. The textured surface of the oxygen permeable membrane is fabricated by pressing the textured surface into the oxygen permeable membrane with a microreplication-based tooling system. Another fabrication method presses the textured surface into a sacrificial film and the oxygen permeable membrane is then formed upon the sacrificial film to transfer the textured surface to the oxygen permeable membrane and the sacrificial film is then subsequently removed. Another fabrication method applies additional material to the oxygen permeable membrane through a porous sacrificial film.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for facilitating contact between a liquid and a fluid. Such systems and methods may allow efficient removal of components from the liquid without using undesirable reducing agents. In this regard, the disclosed embodiments provide for the purification of a liquid by passing the liquid and a fluid through a porous medium. The porous medium facilitates mixing of the liquid and the fluid. A partial pressure differential of the component between the liquid and the fluid facilitates the transfer of the component from the liquid to the fluid in the mixed liquid and fluid. One embodiment of the invention relates to a method of purifying a liquid. The method includes passing a liquid, such as a fuel, and a fluid, such as a non-reactive gas, through a porous medium, the liquid containing a component, such as oxygen gas, therein. The passing causes mixing of the liquid and the fluid and transfer of at least some of the component from the liquid to the fluid.

Abstract: Solid oxide fuel cells selectively transport oxygen ions through an electrolyte membrane. The maximum oxygen ion transport rate limits the power density of the fuel cell. By ion irradiating the electrolyte membrane and/or the cathode, the oxygen adsorption, dissociation, and incorporation rates can be improved, leading to higher ion transport rates and better fuel cell performance.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A membrane separation process for the enrichment of at least one gas component in a gas flow, especially for the oxygen enrichment of the air and/or for the enrichment of carbon dioxide using a membrane separation device (10), which is a part of a membrane separation unit (2) and includes at least one membrane. The gas is separated into a retentate (8), which is discharged on the retentate side (12) of the membrane, and a permeate (9), which is discharged on the permeate side (11) of the membrane. To allow the separation of gases or the enrichment of a gas component in a gas flow at a low energy consumption rate and at low investment and production costs, the pressure of the gas stream is lowered before entering the membrane separation unit (2) so that pressure on the permeate side (11) is lower as compared with the inlet pressure.

Abstract: An air separation system includes an ejector for controlling a pressure differential across an air separation module and a valve for controlling air flow through the ejector such that airflow through the ejector is discontinued when not required to maintain the desired pressure differential across the air separation module.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a ceramic member with excellent balance between oxygen ion conductivity and endurance (resistance to cracking and the like), an oxygen ion permeation module and a chemical reactor such as an oxygen separator, using such a ceramic member. The ceramic member with oxygen ion conductivity in accordance with the present invention has a perovskite-type crystal structure and a composition represented by the general formula: (Ln1?xMx)(Ti1?yFey)O3 (where Ln represents at least one element selected from lanthanoids, and M represents at least one element selected from the group containing Sr, Ca, and Ba, 0<x<1, 0.4?y<1, x+y?1). The oxygen ion permeation module composed by employing such a ceramic member can be used as a structural component of an oxygen separator, an oxidation reactor (for example, a reactor for partial oxidation of hydrocarbons), and the like.

Abstract: A fuel stabilization system includes a first deoxygenator and a second deoxygenator both for removing dissolved oxygen from a hydrocarbon fuel. The first and second deoxygenators are arranged in parallel or series to sequentially remove a portion of dissolved oxygen from the hydrocarbon fuel. The arrangement of several deoxygenators for a single fuel stream improves removal of dissolved oxygen and provides for scalability of the fuel system to meet application specific demands. The arrangement also provides for the preservation of partial system functionality in the event of the failure of one of the deoxygenator modules.

Abstract: An oxygen enrichment apparatus includes a main body including an oxygen enriching unit and a pump unit for supplying oxygen-enriched air obtained by the oxygen enriching unit to a predetermined place; a ventilating unit for suctioning exterior air into the main body and discharging the exterior air out of the main body after supplying the exterior air into the oxygen enriching unit; and a control unit for controlling the pump unit and the ventilating unit. The ventilating unit and the control unit are installed in the main body. The main body further includes therein a secondary battery serving as a power supply for supplying a power to the pump unit, the ventilating unit and the control unit.

Abstract: An artificial lung includes a housing, a tubular hollow fiber membrane bundle contained in the housing and providing a multiplicity of hollow fiber membranes having a gas exchange function, a gas inflow port and a gas outflow port communicating with each other through hollow portions of the hollow fiber membranes, and a blood inflow port and a blood outflow port through which blood is distributed. The tubular hollow fiber membrane bundle has a cylindrical overall shape, and a filter member having a bubble-trapping function is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the tubular hollow fiber membrane bundle.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing gas bubbles from a fluid includes a fluid inlet and a separation chamber that is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The separation chamber has first and second end portions, with the first end portion being operably oriented gravitationally above the second end portion. The apparatus further includes a first gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane disposed in the separation chamber and extending substantially along a first axis defined as extending between the first and second end portions. A permeate side of the membrane is exposed to an environment having a second partial pressure of a target gas, which second partial pressure is lower than a first partial pressure of the gas in the fluid.

Abstract: Method for gas purification comprising (a) obtaining a feed gas stream containing one or more contaminants selected from the group consisting of volatile metal oxy-hydroxides, volatile metal oxides, and volatile silicon hydroxide; (b) contacting the feed gas stream with a reactive solid material in a guard bed and reacting at least a portion of the contaminants with the reactive solid material to form a solid reaction product in the guard bed; and (c) withdrawing from the guard bed a purified gas stream.

Abstract: A method for operating one or more electrolysis cells (43, 154, 243) for production of aluminium, the cell comprising inert or substantially inert anodes, where an oxygen containing gas (21, 126, 221) evolved by the electrolysis process in the cell is gathered and removed therefrom. The oxygen containing gas is introduced into a combustion chamber (38, 149, 238) where it is reacted with a carbon containing gas (7, 116, 209) in a combustion process. Emisions of CO2 and NOx can be reduced.