Abstract: A method is described for recovering a noble gas, such as xenon or krypton, from a first gas mixture comprising a plurality of components, one of which is the noble gas and the others are typically helium and/or nitrogen, argon, and relatively light fluorocarbons. The gas mixture is first conveyed to a gas chromatography column for separating the noble gas from the other components of the gas mixture. As the noble gas travels relatively slowly through the column, the other components are exhausted from the column before the relatively slow noble gas. Following the exhaust of these other components, a purge gas is supplied to the column to flush the noble gas therefrom. A second gas mixture comprising the noble gas and the purge gas is conveyed from the column to a membrane separator to separate the second gas mixture into a noble gas-rich gas stream and a purge gas-rich gas stream, which may be recirculated back to the column for re-use.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for producing oxygen of high purity, which is advantageously installed in a transportable container (21), comprising: an upstream pressure-swing-adsorption (PSA) device (A1) containing a zeolite sieve; a downstream PSA device (A2) containing a carbonaceous sieve; in a loop between the two devices, a permeation device (P) capable of separating oxygen form argon; and a medium-pressure oxygen compressor (20). The invention is used for producing oxygen of high purity on-site, typically in isolated locations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for continuously removing water vapor from a closed loop, re-circulated gas flow in an ion mobility spectrometer using a water permeable membrane, having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The gas flow is disposed adjacent and carried past the first side to deposit water vapor that passes through the membrane to the second side. An exhaust flow is disposed adjacent and carried passed the second side of the membrane to remove the water vapor from the system. Therefore, the water removal apparatus continuously regenerates in-situ. Heaters, heat sinks and additional treatment systems including charcoal filters can also be included in the system to enhance its performance.

Abstract: The membrane air dryer includes a housing with an air inlet adjacent a first end of the housing, an air outlet adjacent a second end of the housing, a sweep air inlet and a sweep air outlet. A membrane separator has surfaces extending between and connected to the air inlet and the air outlet. A first sweep air passage in the housing extends between the first and second ends of the membrane along and including surfaces of the membrane. The first sweep air passage has an inlet adjacent the air outlet and an outlet adjacent the air inlet and connected to the sweep air outlet. The sweep air inlet and outlet is adjacent the air inlet. A second sweep air passage in the housing extends between the first and second ends of the membrane. The second sweep air passage has an inlet that is connected to the sweep air inlet and is adjacent the air inlet and has an outlet that is adjacent the air outlet and in fluid communication with the inlet of the first sweep air passage.

Abstract: A device for dehumidifying room air has a chamber consisting of at least one first cavity (1) and at least one second cavity (2). The cavities are separated by at least one water-permeable and/or water-vapor-permeable structure (3), these structures (3) lying in each case in the direction of the fluid streams flowing through the cavities (1, 2) of the chamber. In this case, a first air stream (11, 12) which is to be dehumidified flows through the first cavity (1). The second cavity (2), with its second air stream (13, 14), at least partly absorbs the moisture extracted from the first stream.

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 gas flow system and method are provided for controlling the moisture in a gas flow. The system may include a gas source from which gas flows, a processing chamber to which the gas flows, and a gas flow line through which the gas flows from the gas source to the processing chamber. The gas flow line may include a moisture control line section. The moisture control line section includes a pass-through line through which the gas may pass, so as to be exposed to a dryer. The exposure to a dryer may be controlled by a suitable valve. A scrubber is disposed in the gas flow line, the scrubber removing contaminates from the gas in the gas flow. The system may include a moisture sensor disposed in the gas flow, the moisture sensor sensing at least one parameter of the gas and outputting a signal representing the at least parameter to a moisture sensor controller, such that the moisture sensor controller determines the moisture in the gas.

Abstract: An improved mixed matrix membrane for the separation of gases comprises a nitrogen containing compound such as an amine, silicone rubber and activated carbon on a porous support. The membrane may also comprise a carbonate such as potassium carbonate and a plasticizer such as polyethylene glycol. Membranes of this design may be used in processing natural gas or other gases. The gases which may be separated by the membrane include mixtures of methane and carbon dioxide, mixtures of oxygen and nitrogen, and mixtures of carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the effect of integrity loss in a hollow fiber membrane module, said module including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (5), at least one end of the fiber membranes (5) being supported in a pot (6), the method including the step of increasing flow resistance of the liquid through the lumen (8) of the fiber membrane (5) in the region of the pot (6).

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel atomizers for generating particles over a broad range of MMAD size distributions, the eliminating the requirement for an impaction baffle in generating the desired particle sizes. In particular aspects, the atomization means communicates with a remote particle filter member configured and positioned to provide for particle size filtering. In additional aspects, the atomization means communicates with a particle dispersion chamber suitable to impart a desired particle flow pattern to particles within and exiting the dispersion chamber. In further aspects, the atomization means communicates with a nasal, ocular, oral or ‘vicinity’ adapter. The novel devices provide for targeted (e.g., nasal, ocular, oral, local vicinity), systemic, and/or topical delivery of an atomized liquid (e.g., via the nasal cavity, olfactory region, and mouth). Further exemplary aspects relate to aerosolization and delivery of perfume, fragrance, essential oil or cosmeceutical agents and the like.

Abstract: Assemblies for use in separation of a fluid feed. Assemblies typically include an elongated housing having a fluid feed stream inlet, a residual stream outlet and a permeate stream outlet. The housing contains at least one membrane separation element to form a membrane separation element linear string that at least in part defines a linear permeate passage tube. A permeate adapter is joined with an end of the linear permeate passage tube. The permeate adapter includes a receiving opening for receiving an end of the linear permeate passage tube. The adapter defines a permeate passageway extending therethrough and includes a plurality of permeate discharge openings disposed such as to place the receiving opening and the permeate discharge openings in fluid flow communication.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods useful for removal or reduction of moisture from fluids are described. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a moisture separation unit comprising a thermally regenerable moisture adsorption material having feed and waste sides, and means for regenerating the thermally regenerable moisture adsorption material. The feed fluid contacts the feed side, while a dry, preferably heated purge gas flows past the waste side. The thermally regenerable moisture adsorption material is regenerated by contacting with the heated dry purge gas. The apparatus and methods are particularly useful in supplying dehydrated electronic specialty gases to semiconductor tools.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for dehumidifying a gas stream is provided. The process includes steps of: a) providing a semi-permeable wall having an osmotic membrane with a plurality of pores at least some of which are operably sized to permit capillary condensation, a first side, and a second side; b) placing an osmotic fluid in a compartment formed in part by the semi-permeable wall, wherein the second side of the osmotic membrane is exposed to the osmotic fluid; c) exposing the first side of the osmotic membrane to the gas stream to be dehumidified; and d) maintaining a sufficiently high water concentration gradient across the osmotic membrane during the dehumidification process to result in a flux of water through the osmotic membrane. The apparatus includes at least one semi-permeable osmotic wall, at least one gas stream compartment formed in part by the osmotic wall, and at least one osmotic fluid compartment formed in part by the osmotic wall.

Abstract: A membrane for use in an implantable glucose sensor including at least one crosslinked substantially hydrophobic polymer and at least one crosslinked substantially hydrophilic polymer; wherein the first and second polymers are different polymers and substantially form an interpenetrating polymer network, semi- interpenetrating polymer network, polymer blend, or copolymer. The membranes are generally characterized by providing a permeability ratio of oxygen to glucose of about 1 to about 1000 in units of (mg/dl glucose) per (mmHg oxygen). Three methods of making membranes from hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers formed into polymer networks are provided, wherein according to at least two of the methods, the monomers may be substantially immiscible with one another.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for shut-down of a membrane separation zone comprising a non-permeate side and a permeate side and processing a feed stream comprising a non-permeable component, a less-readily permeable, condensable component, and a readily permeable component. When the feed stream is not passed to the membrane separation zone, a purge stream is passed to the non-permeate side of the membrane separation to remove a residual gas stream and thereby prevent condensation of the less-readily permeable, condensable component upon depressurization and/or cooling of the membrane separation zone. This purge stream is provided by taking a feed stream, lowering its pressure which leads to cooling and then passing the cooled stream through a gas-liquid separator to removed condensed liquids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter module having a module housing and at least one filter element. The filter module has at least one inlet opening, at least one filtrate outlet and a module housing having at least one joint line.

Abstract: A nanostructured substrate is disclosed having a plurality of substrate openings disposed between the nanostructures on the substrate. When a desired fluid comes into contact with the substrate, at least a portion of the fluid is allowed to pass through at least one of the openings. In a first embodiment, the fluid is caused to pass through the openings by causing the fluid to penetrate the nanostructures. In a second embodiment, the substrate is a flexible substrate so that when a mechanical force is applied to the substrate, such as a bending or stretching force, the distance between nanoposts or the diameter of nanocells on the substrate increases and the liquid penetrates the nanostructures. In another embodiment, a first fluid, such as water, is prevented from penetrating the nanostructures on the substrate while a second fluid is permitted to pass through the substrate via the openings in the substrate.

Abstract: It is to provide an improved method for preparation of microsphere from an emulsion wherein an organic phase containing an organic solvent having a boiling point lower than that of water and a hardly-water-soluble polymer is emulsified in an aqueous phase by an in-water drying method, which comprises: (1) using an apparatus equipped with a gas separation membrane; (2) supplying the emulsion to be subjected to in-water drying to one side of said gas separation membrane; (3) evaporating off the organic solvent contained in said emulsion to the other side of said gas separation membrane, which can remove the organic solvent with high efficiency and can be carried out in a closed system and hence is favorable from the environmental viewpoint.

Abstract: A hydrogen permeation membrane is provided having a cP2 Pearson symbol (Pm3m space group) structure. Suitable alloys include an “A” element from Periodic Table groups 3b-5b and an “M” element from the Periodic Table groups 6b-1b present at a stoichiometry that achieves the inventive crystal structure. Zr and Nb are the preferred A elements followed in preference by Ti and V. First Periodic Table row elements from groups 6b-1b are the preferred B elements. The inventive alloys also find applications as hydrogen getters, Ni-metal hydride battery materials, and hydrogen storage materials.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide separation system comprises a first flow path for directing a fluid comprising carbon dioxide therethrough, a second flow path for directing a sweep fluid therethrough, and a separator comprising a material with selective permeability of carbon dioxide for separating the first and the second flow paths and for promoting carbon dioxide transport therebetween. A carbon dioxide separation unit is in fluid communication with the second flow path for separating the transported carbon dioxide from the sweep fluid.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide separation system comprises a heat exchanger having a first flow path for directing a fluid comprising carbon dioxide, for example an exhaust gas, therethrough and a second flow path for directing a heat transfer fluid therethrough, a separator comprising a material with selective permeability of carbon dioxide for separating the first and second flow paths and for promoting thermal transfer and carbon dioxide transport therebetween, and a condenser for condensing the heat transfer fluid to isolate the carbon dioxide.

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: SAPO membranes and methods for their preparation and use are described. The SAPO membranes are prepared by contacting at least one surface of a porous membrane support with an aged synthesis gel. A layer of SAPO crystals is formed on at least one surface of the support. SAPO crystals may also form in the pores of the support. SAPO-34 membranes of the invention can have improved selectivity for certain gas mixtures, including mixtures of carbon dioxide and methane.

Abstract: A gas separator, a method for producing the gas separator, and a method for separating gases based on a property of inelasticity of the gases. The inventive gas separator is a permeable porous material for separating a mixture of gases by selectable pore size exclusion, comprising pores formed with at least one nanostructured compound. In other words, the inventive porous material can be used to separate a mixture of gases based upon the different working diameter of each of the gases. By selecting specific nanostructured compounds, the porous material can be tailored to contain pores of a predetermined size which allow gases having a working diameter smaller than the size of the pores to pass through the material while preventing the passage of gases having a working diameter greater than the size of the pores.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a component from a multi-component feed gas stream has a flow conduit (14) having a semi-permeable section (15) that permeates the component to be separated from feed gas stream (12). A sweep gas is provided at a first velocity on the permeate sides of flow conduit (14) and the velocity of sweep gas (13) is accelerated so that the velocity of sweep gas (13) along at least a portion of the permeate side of flow conduit (14) is greater than the first velocity. The mixture of permeate and sweep gas (13) is then decelerated by diffuser (20), thereby recovering as pressure a portion of the energy of feed gas stream (12).

Abstract: Method of operating an oxygen-permeable mixed conducting membrane having an oxidant feed side and a permeate side, which method comprises controlling the differential strain between the oxidant feed side and the permeate side by varying either or both of the oxygen partial pressure and the total gas pressure on either or both of the oxidant feed side and the permeate side of the membrane while changing the temperature of the membrane from a first temperature to a second temperature.

Abstract: Provided is an inexpensive temperature-humidity exchanger having reliably gas-sealed gas manifolds and delivering a gas at high pressure and high dew-point temperature. Upper and lower seal portions surrounding gas manifolds to which the gas is supplied or from which the gas is discharged are provided. The upper and lower seal portions, which partially extend across an aggregate communication groove, are respectively constituted by upper and lower seal formation plates that are arranged in a two-stage manner in a laminating direction. The upper and lower seal portions have flat faces extending in the laminating direction. Furthermore, the upper and lower seal formation plates are disposed such that their projections in the laminating direction are offset from each other.

Abstract: A coupler for a spiral membrane filtration element having a spiral membrane enclosed within a rigid outerwrap includes a center support, a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from the center support, a circular rim coupled with the spokes, with the face of the rim being perpendicular to the axis of the overwrap. The rim includes a channel on its face for receiving a compressible seal, and a plurality of receptacles around its outer surface for joining two face-to-face adjacent couplers when a pair of aligned keepers is placed in each receptacle. Exemplary embodiments of the coupler and filtration elements and filtration assemblies are provided, as well as an associated method.

Abstract: There is provided a high efficient gas separation membrane of two or more layers, which comprises a separating layer of 3-dimensional nanostructure and a supporting layer, wherein the 3-dimensional nanostructure can maximize a surface area per unit permeation area.

Abstract: Novel porous PTFE membranes are described possessing a unique combination of high strength, low flow resistance, and small pore size. Additionally, unique constructions with superior filtration and venting properties incorporating porous PTFE membranes are described.

Abstract: A mixed matrix membrane for separating gas components from a mixture of gas components is disclosed. The membrane comprises a continuous phase polymer with inorganic porous particles, preferably molecular sieves, interspersed in the polymer. The polymer has a CO2/CH4 selectivity of at least 20 and the porous particles have a mesoporosity of at least 0.1 cc STP/g. The mixed matrix membrane exhibits an increase in permeability of least 30% with any decrease in selectivity being no more than 10% relative to a membrane made of the neat polymer. The porous particles may include, but are not limited to, molecular sieves such as CVX-7 and SSZ-13, and/or other molecular sieves having the required mesoporosity. A method for making the mixed matrix membrane is also described. Further, a method is disclosed for separating gas components from a mixture of gas components using the mixed matrix membrane with mesoporous particles.

Abstract: A porous ceramic support for a gas separation membrane formed by sintering a green body containing grains of a refractory ceramic oxide with a high coefficient of thermal expansion and grains of a reactive binder precursor. Upon sintering, the reactive binder precursor reacts with at least one gaseous, liquid or solid reactant to create a reaction bond that binds the refractory ceramic oxide grains. The support configuration can be a tubular, flat plate, hollow fiber, or multiple-passageway monolith structure.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a nitrogen enriched airflow control valve, a first stage surge control valve and a second stage surge control valve respectively arranged in a passage downstream of an air separation module, and in first and second surge control passages. The valves are in a ganged relationship or connected to one another such they move with one another in response to an input from a common actuator. The surge control valves open as the nitrogen enriched airflow control valve is moved to provide a smaller area.

Abstract: Hydrogen purification devices, components thereof, and fuel processors and fuel cell systems containing the same. The hydrogen purification devices include an enclosure, such as a pressure vessel, that contains a separation assembly adapted to receive under pressure a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the enclosure is sealed without gaskets. The separation assembly includes at least one hydrogen-permeable and/or hydrogen-selective membrane, and in some embodiments the hydrogen-selective membrane is permanently and directly secured to the enclosure. In some embodiments, the membrane is welded, diffusion bonded or brazed directly to the enclosure. In some embodiments a portion of the hydrogen-selective membrane forms a portion of the sealed enclosure, and, in some embodiments, an interface is formed from consumed portions of the hydrogen-selective membrane and the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to separate a mixture of gases—such as carbon dioxide and methane—by an inorganic membrane comprising a ceramic support and a silica layer made from a silicon elastomer sol. The apparatus and method can efficiently separate the gaseous mixture and can also cope with the extreme conditions found in e.g. hydrocarbon producing wells. A method of manufacturing the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas recovery system comprising a source of gas having a preselected concentration of a desired component (9), at least one application (1) that adds impurities to said gas, and at least one an adsorption system (6) that purifies said gas to produce a purified gas for re-use in application (1), wherein said at least one adsorption system includes at least one adsorbent bed (A) having at least three layers of adsorbents. A recovery process is also disclosed.

Abstract: An air dehydration membrane is made of a hydrophilic polymer having a permeability for water vapor which is greater than its permeability for air, and having low selectivity between oxygen and nitrogen. The membrane has a hydrophilic coating, which itself may be a polymer. The coating does not affect the selectivity of the coated membrane with respect to oxygen and nitrogen, but does increase selectivity of the membrane with respect to water vapor. A preferred material for the membrane is polysulfone. Preferred materials for the coating are poly vinyl alcohol and Triton X-100. The membrane is selected such that the dominant mechanism for gas flow through the membrane is Knudsen flow. The membranes are made at low cost, and can outperform existing commercial membranes in either volumetric productivity or product recovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid multicomponent mixed proton and electron conducting membrane for use in a reactor, where the membrane comprises a mixed metal oxide having a structure represented by the formula: A1?xA?x(B1?yB?y)wO3?d, wherein A is a lanthanide element or mixtures thereof, A? is an alkaline earth element or mixtures thereof, B is chromium, manganese, or iron, B? is titanium, aluminum, zirconium, or hafnium, and x, y, w, and d each represent a number such that 0?x?1, 0?y?1, 0.9<w<1.1, and d equals a number that renders the compound charge neutral and is not less than zero and not greater than about 0.6.

Abstract: A method with associated equipment for feeding two gases into and out of a multi-channel monolithic structure. The two gases will normally be gases with different chemical and/or physical properties. The first gas and the second gas are fed by means of a manifold head into channels for the first and second gases, respectively. The gases are distributed in the monolith in such a way that at least one of the channel walls is a shared or joint wall for both gases. The walls that are joint walls for the two gases will then constitute a contact area between the two gases that is available for mass and/or heat exchange. This means that the gases must be fed into channels that are spread over the entire cross-sectional area of the monolith. The entire contact area or all of the monolith's channel walls are directly used for heat and/or mass transfer between the gases. This means that the channel for one gas will always have the other gas on the other side of its channel walls.

Abstract: Gasses are separated using a molecular sieve having the CHA crystal structure and having a mole ratio of greater than 50 to 1500 of (1) an oxide selected from silicon oxide, germanium oxide or mixtures thereof to (2) an oxide selected from aluminum oxide, iron oxide, titanium oxide, gallium oxide or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A novel asymmetric filter membrane, and process for making is disclosed in several exemplary versions. The membrane structure is physically robust and suitable for use in a wide variety of applications. The support membrane is may be comprised of material such as a porous silicon or a silicon oxide, and the separation membrane may be comprised of material such as a polymer, zeolite film, or silicon oxide. The process relies on steps adapted from the microelectronics industry.

Abstract: This invention prevents reduction of hydrogen permeability and deterioration in hydrogen separation members that use an oxygen-containing gas as a cathode off gas and a purge gas. Described is a hydrogen separation device that includes a reformed gas passage, a purge gas passage, and a hydrogen separation membrane. A supply of reformed gas flows through the reformed gas passage. A cathode off gas discharged from a fuel cell cathode flows through the purge gas passage to carry hydrogen transmitted through the hydrogen separation membrane to a fuel cell anode. A portion of the hydrogen separation membrane near the supply of the cathode off gas has enhanced heat resistance that prevents deterioration of the hydrogen separation membrane even when hydrogen transmitted through the membrane reacts with oxygen remaining in the cathode off gas to raise the temperature in the vicinity of the portion close to the supply of the cathode off gas.

Abstract: A method of separating oxygen from an oxygen containing feed and reacting the oxygen with a reactive substance and an oxygen ion transport membrane element utilized for such purposes. The oxygen ion transport membrane element has a self-supporting dense layer and a surface porous feature in contact with and supported by the dense layer. The porous surface feature may be a layer, a layer having discontinuities or a series of repeating geometrical forms. The dense layer and the porous surface feature are capable of conducting oxygen ions and electrons. The porous surface feature at least in part forms the anode side of the oxygen ion transport membrane element at which the reactive substance reacts with the separated oxygen and has a thickness less than that of the dense layer and a greater surface area than that of a surface of the dense layer adjoining the porous layer. Pores within the porous surface feature have a pore aspect ratio of pore size to pore length of between about 0.1 and about 5.

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: An on-board inert gas generation system provides first and second compressors in fluid communication with one another. The second compressor includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the first compressor. The second compressor is the final compressor stage of the system. An air separation module is fluidly connected to the outlet of the second compressor by a passageway. A vent passage is arranged between the outlet and the air separation module for venting fluid between the outlet and air separation module. The vent passage enables the flow from the second compressor to be increased thereby increasing compressor efficiency and increasing the inlet pressure to the air separation module, which enables use of a smaller air separation module.

Abstract: Nano-molecular sieve-polymer mixed matrix membranes (MMMS) for CO2 removal from natural gas have been prepared by incorporating dispersible template-free nano-molecular sieves into polymer matrices such as Matrimid 5218 polyimide matrix or Ultem 1000 polyetherimide matrix. The nano-molecular sieves used in this invention include template-free nano-AIPO-18, nano-AIPO-5, nano-Silicalite, nano-SAPO-34, and PEG-functionalized nano-Silicalite. These template-free nano-molecular sieves were synthesized by an organic ligand grafting method.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas separator fixing structure includes a gas separator having a support and a membrane provided on at least one surface of the support, which membrane contains a first metal capable of separating hydrogen gas from a hydrogen-containing gas, a metal flange connected to at least one open end of the gas separator, a bonding layer containing a second metal, provided at the portion at which the gas separator and the metal flange are connected to each other and on the surface of the gas separation membrane side of the portion, a packing provided on the bonding layer, and a ring-shaped metal member capable of fixing the packing by pressing, provided so that at least part thereof is in contact with the bonding layer, wherein the bonding layer is provided by a heat treatment conducted at a temperature lower than the melting point of the second metal.

Abstract: A semipermeable separation element includes (a) a porous substrate, and (b) a film formed on the microporous substrate; the film comprising a silicone elastomer and a nanoparticle filler. The film preferably has an oxygen enrichment selectivity of at least 30, or even 60, over nitrogen. Methods of making and using the same and filter cartridges incorporating the same are also described.

Abstract: Gas supplying method and system in which effective component gas in exhaust gas can be separated and purified efficiently to be resupplied regardless of variation in the flow rate or composition of the exhaust gas and consumed gas can be replenished efficiently. In a method for collecting exhaust gas discharged from a gas using facility, separating/purifying effective component gas contained in the exhaust gas and supplying the effective component gas thus obtained to the gas using facility, the exhaust gas discharged from the gas using facility is added with a replenishing gas of the same components as the effective component gas before the effective component gas is separated and purified.

Abstract: 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.