Abstract: A method of supplying oxygen rich air to the passengers and crew on board a passenger aircraft by use of a highly permeable oxygen enrichment unit, wherein the fiber tubes of the hollow fiber membranes used to separate normal air into oxygen rich and nitrogen rich fractions in the oxygen enrichment unit are subjected to a modification technique before the tubes are coated with a selective polymer.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a process for treating a polyimide comprising exposing said polyimide to a compound selected from the group consisting of dendrimers, hyperbranched polymers and mixtures thereof. The polyimide may be in the form of a membrane and the membrane, after treatment according to the process of the invention, may be suitable for use in a membrane-based separation technique, for example gas separation, filtration, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis or pervaporation. The membrane may for example be suitable for separation of gas and hydrocarbon mixtures including mixtures of H2/N2, H2/CO2, He/N2, CO2/CH4, and C2–C4 hydrocarbon mixtures.

Abstract: A mixed matrix membrane is provided which comprises a continuous phase organic polymer and small pore molecular sieves dispersed therein. The molecular sieves have a largest minor crystallographic free diameter of 3.6 Angstroms or less. When these molecular sieves are properly interspersed with a continuous phase polymer, the membrane will exhibit a mixed matrix membrane effect, i.e., a selectivity increase of at least 10% relative to a neat membrane containing no molecular sieves. Finally, methods for making and using such mixed matrix membranes to separate gases from a mixture containing two or more gases are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A mixed matrix membrane is provided which comprises a continuous phase organic polymer and small pore alumina containing molecular sieves dispersed therein. The molecular sieves have a silica-to-alumina molar ratio of less than 1.0, more preferably, less than 0.3, and most preferably less than 0.1. In some cases, the molecular sieves have no appreciable amounts of silica. Exemplary compositions include aluminophosphates (AlPO) and silicoaluminophosphates (SAPO). When these molecular sieves are properly interspersed with a continuous phase polymer, the membrane will exhibit a mixed matrix membrane effect, i.e., a selectivity increase of at least 10% relative to a neat membrane containing no molecular sieves. The molecular sieves have pores with a largest minor crystallographic free diameter of 4.0 Angstroms or less. Finally, methods for making and using such mixed matrix membranes to separate gases from a mixture containing two or more gases are also disclosed.

Abstract: Medical devices for removing gasses, such as gas bubbles and/or dissolved gasses, from a liquid to be delivered to a patient, and methods of use and making of such devices. In at least some embodiments, a gas permeable membrane material is used in the construction of the gas removal devices. In some embodiments, layers of gas permeable membrane material are used to construct a filter structure for removing gas from the liquid. In other embodiments, hollow tubes and/or fibers of the gas permeable membrane material are used to construct a filter structure for removing gas from the liquid. The gas removal devices may be used in any of a broad variety of liquid delivery systems and/or configurations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a culture container and a cap for a container having a ventilation filter medium or a medium similar thereto that can exchange carbon dioxide gas in the culture container with atmospheric air, and prevent the contamination of sterilized culture medium inside the culture container with fungi, mites, and the like. A culture bottle includes a bottle unit, and a cap that is mounted on an opening. The cap includes a cap unit, and a ventilation filter medium. A hole is provided in the cap unit. The ventilation filter medium includes a plurality of micropores having a pore diameter between 0.1 and 50 micrometers, and is mounted on the hole.

Abstract: A connector casing E required to have a sealing property includes a cover 2. The cover 2 has a cover main body 10 provided with a large vent hole H0 passing through the connector casing E in an inward and outward direction and having a predetermined inner diameter size. A permeable sheet S, which permits permeation of a gas and prevents permeation of a liquid and a solid, is integrally joined to an outside peripheral part of the large vent hole H0 so as to cover the large vent hole H0 from its outside. A cover insert member C is disposed outside the permeable sheet S to cover the permeable sheet from the outside, and a ring-shaped protrusion 22 is hermetically joined to the casing main body 10. The cover insert member C1 is provided with a small vent hole H1 which has an inner diameter smaller than the large vent hole H0 and communicates with the large vent hole H0 through the permeable sheet S.

Abstract: A polyphosphazene having a glass transition temperature (“Tg”) of approximately ?20° C. or less. The polyphosphazene has at least one pendant group attached to a backbone of the polyphosphazene, wherein the pendant group has no halogen atoms. In addition, no aromatic groups are attached to an oxygen atom that is bound to a phosphorus atom of the backbone. The polyphosphazene may have a Tg ranging from approximately ?100° C. to approximately ?20° C. The polyphosphazene may be selected from the group consisting of poly[bis-3-phenyl-1-propoxy)phosphazene], poly[bis-(2-phenyl-1-ethoxy)phosphazene], poly[bis-(dodecanoxypolyethoxy)-phosphazene], and poly[bis-(2-(2-(2-?-undecylenyloxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)phosphazene]. The polyphosphazene may be used in a separation membrane to selectively separate individual gases from a gas mixture, such as to separate polar gases from nonpolar gases in the gas mixture.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a selectively gas permeable membrane that has a superior combination of permeability and selectivity. The membrane composition includes a Type 1 copolyimide uniformly blended with a Type 2 copolyimide, which polymers are defined by chemical structure more specifically in this disclosure. The invention also provides a method of using the membrane of the copolyimide blend to separate components of gas mixtures.

Abstract: Novel compositions suitable for fabrication of CO2-selective membranes are disclosed. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to compositions comprising polyimide/polyamine blends and copolymers, and to compositions comprising interfacially polymerized polyamides. In another aspect this invention is directed to novel CO2-selective membranes comprising such polyimide/polyamine blends and copolymers, and to novel CO2-selective membranes comprising interfacially polymerized polyamides. In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a novel water-gas-shift (WGS) reactor comprising the novel CO2-selective membranes. Advantageously, the use of the novel CO2-selective membrane allows alteration of the normal WGS reaction equilibrium, shifting the reaction towards production of H2. Carbon dioxide on the high pressure, feed gas side of the membrane reactor reacts with the novel membranes of the present invention at the interface between the feed gas and the membrane.

Abstract: 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.

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

Abstract: A metal-coated, wire-reinforced polymer electrolyte membrane that is permeable only to protons and hydrogen is disclosed. The metal-coated, wire-reinforced polymer electrolyte membrane has a surface microstructure that prevents cracking of the metal coating during hydration. The metal-coated, wire-reinforced polymer electrolyte membrane can be used in liquid-type fuel cells to prevent crossover of fuel, gas and impurities.

Abstract: A proton-conducting polymer, a preparation method thereof, a polymer membrane manufactured from the proton-conducting polymer, and a fuel cell having the polymer membrane are provided. The proton-conducting polymer contains an acid-bearable aromatic group covalently bonded to its polyimide backbone and a proton-conducting acid group attached to the aromatic group. A polymer membrane manufactured from the proton-conducting polymer has greater mechanical strength and ionic (protonic) conductivity than existing sulfonated polyimide membranes and thus improves the performance of fuel cells. In addition, the proton-conducting polymer membrane is low cost, enabling automobile fuel cells to be commercialized. Since the proton-conducting polymer membrane is less permeable to methanol, it can be used effectively for DMFCs without causing cell performance degradation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A cross-linked, supported polybenzimidazole membrane for gas separation is prepared by layering a solution of polybenzimidazole (PBI) and ?,??dibromo-p-xylene onto a porous support and evaporating solvent. A supported membrane of cross-linked poly-2,2?-(m-phenylene)-5,5?-bibenzimidazole unexpectedly exhibits an enhanced gas permeability compared to the non-cross linked analog at temperatures over 265° C.

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

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite membrane includes coating a substrate, such as, for example, an asymmetrical porous hollow fiber substrate, with a solution which includes a perfluorinated polymer and a perfluorinated solvent. Prior to coating, the substrate is impregnated with an impregnation fluid which is immiscible with the perfluorinated solvent. The method of the invention further includes removing the perfluorinated solvent and the impregnation fluid. A composite membrane includes a porous asymmetric hollow fiber substrate having an outer surface coated with a perfluoropolymer coating. Separation devices which include composite membranes and methods of separating a fluid mixture into a fraction enriched in a first component and a fraction depleted in that component also are described.

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

Abstract: Composite hydrogen transport membranes, which are used for extraction of hydrogen from gas mixtures are provided. Methods are described for supporting metals and metal alloys which have high hydrogen permeability, but which are either too thin to be self supporting, too weak to resist differential pressures across the membrane, or which become embrittled by hydrogen. Support materials are chosen to be lattice matched to the metals and metal alloys. Preferred metals with high permeability for hydrogen include vanadium, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, palladium, and alloys thereof. Hydrogen-permeable membranes include those in which the pores of a porous support matrix are blocked by hydrogen-permeable metals and metal alloys, those in which the pores of a porous metal matrix are blocked with materials which make the membrane impervious to gases other than hydrogen, and cermets fabricated by sintering powders of metals with powders of lattice-matched ceramic.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silicone-coated organic solvent resistant polyamide composite nanofiltration membrane and a method for preparing the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a nanofiltration composite membrane that is not only rejection rate superior but also organic solvent stable and flux excellent, prepared by coating with silicone during the process of interfacial polymerization of polyamide on the surface of porous support; and a method for producing it.

Abstract: Gas separation membranes formed from polyester-polyether block copolymers which are useful for separating gases from gas mixtures. The membranes and processes are especially suited for separating polar gases from mixtures that contain polar and non-polar species. The novel membranes exhibit good permeability and permselectivity as well as durability, making them well suited for industrial applications such as removal of acid gases from natural gas and removal of carbon dioxide from synthesis gas.

Abstract: Gas separation membranes formed from polyether-urethane or polyether-urea block copolymers are useful for separating gases from gas mixtures. The membranes and processes are especially suited for separating polar gases from mixtures that contain polar and non-polar species. The novel membranes exhibit good permeability and permselectivity, as well as durability, making them well suited for industrial applications such as removal of acid gases from natural gas and removal of carbon dioxide from synthesis gas.

Abstract: A cross-linked, supported polybenzimidazole membrane for gas separation is prepared by layering a solution of polybenzimidazole (PBI) and &agr;,&agr;′dibromo-p-xylene onto a porous support and evaporating solvent. A supported membrane of cross-linked poly-2,2′-(m-phenylene)-5,5′-bibenzimidazole unexpectedly exhibits an enhanced gas permeability compared to the non-cross linked analog at temperatures over 265° C.

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

Abstract: The present invention deals with a process for treating a polyimide comprising exposing said polyimide to a compound selected from the group consisting of dendrimers, hyperbranched polymers and mixtures thereof. The polyimide may be in the form of a membrane and the membrane, after treatment according to the process of the invention, may be suitable for use in a membrane-based separation technique, for example gas separation, filtration, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis or pervaporation. The membrane may for example be suitable for separation of gas and hydrocarbon mixtures including mixtures of H2/N2, H2/CO2, He/N2, CO2/CH4, and C2-C4 hydrocarbon mixtures.

Abstract: Soluble polyamic acid salt (PAAS) precursors comprised of tertiary and quaternary amines, ammonium cations, sulfonium cations, or phosphonium cations, are prepared and fabricated into membranes that are subsequently imidized and converted into rigid-rod polyimide articles, such as membranes with desirable gas separation properties. A method of enhancing solubility of PAAS polymers in alcohols is also disclosed.

Abstract: 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.

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

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

Abstract: In a method for the separation of supercritical gas from substances dissolved in the gas with a membrane through which the gas passes while the substances dissolved in the gas is retained, a pore-free membrane of a polymer perfluoro-2,2-diemthyl-1,3-dioxole is used as a membrane in the separation process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a selectively gas permeable membrane that has a superior combination of permeability and selectivity. The membrane composition includes a Type 1 copolyimide uniformly blended with a Type 2 copolyimide, which polymers are defined by chemical structure more specifically in this disclosure. The invention also provides a method of using the membrane of the copolyimide blend to separate components of gas mixtures.

Abstract: A preferred gas separation membrane made from a blend of a copolymer of 2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxole (BDD) and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) with a 2,2,4-trifluoro-5-trifluoromethoxy-1,3-dioxide based polymer is disclosed, the membrane exhibiting an advantageous combination of gas separation and permeation properties for a number of gas separation applications. In particular, the membrane formed from the blend of these polymers exhibits unexpectedly high gas separation factors for separation of volatile organic hydrocarbon vapors (VOC) from air, compared to the component polymers that form the blends. Fabrication of composite membranes formed from perfluoropolymer blends is further disclosed.

Abstract: Gas mixtures of SF6 and N2 which have been used as an insulating filler gas for underground cables can be separated by use of a membrane separation in order to recover the SF6.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to preparation and uses of novel polymeric materials, polyimide amic acid salts (PIAAS). The use of these materials for the fabrication of fluid separation membranes is further disclosed.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a novel gas separation membrane having a high gas permeability and a high gas selectivity, and a method of producing the same. The present invention provides a gas separation membrane comprising a polymeric material soluble in an organic solvent, wherein at least a part of the surface is modified by ion bombardment.

Abstract: A fuel deoxygenator includes a plurality of fuel plates defining fuel passages through a housing. A permeable membrane supported by a porous substrate is in contact with fuel flowing through the fuel passages. A vacuum in communication with the porous substrate creates a differential pressure between oxygen within the fuel and the porous membrane. The oxygen partial pressure differential causes oxygen dissolved within the fuel to migrate from the fuel through the permeable membrane away from the fuel. Fuel exiting the outlet includes a substantially reduced amount of dissolved oxygen.

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

Abstract: Gas separation membranes formed from polyester-polyether block copolymers which are useful for separating gases from gas mixtures. The membranes and processes are especially suited for separating polar gases from mixtures that contain polar and non-polar species. The novel membranes exhibit good permeability and permselectivity as well as durability, making them well suited for industrial applications such as removal of acid gases from natural gas and removal of carbon dioxide from synthesis gas.

Abstract: Gas separation membranes formed from polyether-urethane or polyether-urea block copolymers are useful for separating gases from gas mixtures. The membranes and processes are especially suited for separating polar gases from mixtures that contain polar and non- polar species. The novel membranes exhibit good permeability and permselectivity, as well as durability, making them well suited for industrial applications such as removal of acid gases from natural gas and removal of carbon dioxide from synthesis gas.

Abstract: A process is provided for chemically modifying a dual-layer hollow fibre, wherein the fibre comprises a first layer consisting essentially of a polyimide and a second layer consisting essentially of a polymer which is substantially unaffected by the chemical modification process. The process comprises contacting the polyimide layer with a polyamine. In addition, a process is provided for chemically modifying a polyimide membrane in general, using a process which comprises contacting the membrane with an alcoholic solution of an aliphatic-aromatic polyamine.

Abstract: 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.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a separation device for the separation of water vapour from a gas stream, comprising a water vapour separation membrane having a porous membrane, whose pores contain a water transfer material, the water transfer material including a first hydrophilic polymer and a second polymer which is interwoven with the first polymer.