Abstract: The inventive stage system for producing hydrogen consists of at least two upstream/downstream stages, respectively, each of which comprises, optionally, a catalytic reactor (C1 to C5) followed by a separator comprising a space (E1 to E4) for circulation of a gaseous mixture contacting at least one oxygen extracting membrane and a hydrogen collecting space, wherein the reactor (C1) of the upstream stage is connected to a reaction gaseous mixture source, the circulation stage (E1) of the upstream stage separator is connected to the reactor (C2) of the downstream stage and the spaces for extracting/collecting oxygen from two separators are connected to a hydrogen collecting circuit (TC, 8) which is common for two stages.

Abstract: A porously coated, densely sintered ceramic membrane, which can be produced from a green membrane and subsequent sintering. The membrane is coated with ceramic material, which contains noble metals, which can be produced by application and subsequent thermal treatment. The noble metals are contained at a concentration of 2.5 to 5 mass percent.

Abstract: A high temperature filter containing a membrane, a support substrate, and a porous adhesive layer. The porous adhesive layer is adjacent the inner surface of the membrane and the inner surface of the support substrate such that the membrane and the support substrate sandwich the porous adhesive layer. The porous adhesive layer comprises an adhesive having an adhesive operating temperature of at least about 450° F. The support substrate is a woven textile, a non-woven textile, a knit textile, or a film, and has a support operating temperature of at least about 500° F.

Abstract: Disclosed are membranes and methods for making the same, which membranes provide improved permeability, stability, and cost-effective manufacturability, for separating CO2 from gas streams such as flue gas streams. High CO2 permeation flux is achieved by immobilizing an ultra-thin, optionally catalyzed fluid layer onto a meso-porous modification layer on a thin, porous inorganic substrate such as a porous metallic substrate. The CO2-selective liquid fluid blocks non-selective pores, and allows for selective absorption of CO2 from gas mixtures such as flue gas mixtures and subsequent transport to the permeation side of the membrane. Carbon dioxide permeance levels are in the order of 1.0×10?6 mol/(m2sPa) or better. Methods for making such membranes allow commercial scale membrane manufacturing at highly cost-effective rates when compared to conventional commercial-scale CO2 separation processes and equipment for the same and such membranes are operable on an industrial use scale.

Abstract: The invention concerns carbon molecular sieve membranes (“CMS membranes”), and more particularly the use of such membranes in gas separation. In particular, the present disclosure concerns an advantageous method for producing CMS membranes with desired selectivity and permeability properties. By controlling and selecting the oxygen concentration in the pyrolysis atmosphere used to produce CMS membranes, membrane selectivity and permeability can be adjusted. Additionally, oxygen concentration can be used in conjunction with pyrolysis temperature to further produce tuned or optimized CMS membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating oxygen from an oxygen containing gas, said method comprising the steps of: compressing and heating the oxygen containing gas in a plasma pump (16), guiding the heated and compressed oxygen containing gas to the primary side of a dense inorganic membrane (58), thereby heating the inorganic membrane by the oxygen containing gas to a temperature at which it is permeable for oxygen, and creating a pressure difference between the primary side and a secondary side of the inorganic membrane (58), wherein an oxygen flow through the inorganic membrane (58) is created, thereby separating the oxygen from the oxygen containing gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing humidity gradients in one or more dehumidification units. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification units is extracted by the dehumidification units without substantial condensation into low pressure water vapor vacuum volumes. The water vapor is extracted through water vapor permeable membranes of the dehumidification units into the low pressure water vapor vacuum volumes. The air exiting the dehumidification units is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification units. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is compressed to a slightly higher pressure, condensed, and removed from the system at ambient conditions. In addition, each of the dehumidification units may be associated with one or more evaporative cooling units through which the air will be directed, with the evaporative cooling units being upstream and/or downstream of the dehumidification units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing humidity gradients in a plurality of dehumidification units, which are arranged in series and/or in parallel. Water vapor from air entering each stage of the plurality of dehumidification units is extracted by the dehumidification units without substantial condensation into low pressure water vapor chambers. For example, in one embodiment, the water vapor is extracted through water vapor permeable membranes of the dehumidification units into the low pressure water vapor chambers. As such, the air exiting each of the dehumidification units is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification units. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently compressed to a slightly higher pressure (i.e., just high enough to facilitate condensation), condensed, and removed from the system at ambient conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient across a water selective permeable membrane in a dehumidification unit. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification unit is extracted by the dehumidification unit without substantial condensation into a low pressure water vapor chamber operating at a partial pressure of water vapor lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the relatively humid atmospheric air. For example, water vapor is extracted through a water permeable membrane of the dehumidification unit into the low pressure water vapor chamber. As such, the air exiting the dehumidification unit is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification unit. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently condensed and removed from the system at ambient conditions.

Abstract: MOF nanocrystals having a narrow size distribution, as well as methods of making and using same are disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid degassing apparatus is arranged to prevent pervaporated solvent cross-contamination by counteracting liquid vapor pervaporation flow. Liquid vapor pervaporation cross-contamination among a plurality of degassing modules is counteracted with specifically configured volumes and bleed inlet flow to conduits fluidly coupling permeate sides of said plurality of degassing chambers.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for forming microporous membranes. More specifically, vapor induced phase separation techniques are used for forming multizone microporous membranes having improved material throughput.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient across a water selective permeable membrane in a dehumidification unit. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification unit is extracted by the dehumidification unit without substantial condensation into a low pressure water vapor chamber operating at a partial pressure of water vapor lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the relatively humid atmospheric air. For example, water vapor is extracted through a water permeable membrane of the dehumidification unit into the low pressure water vapor chamber. As such, the air exiting the dehumidification unit is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification unit. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently condensed and removed from the system at ambient conditions.

Abstract: A hydrogen extraction system is provided. The extraction system can comprise a compressor for compressing a gas mixture comprising hydrogen and a desulfurization unit for receiving the compressed gas mixture. The system can also comprise a hydrogen-extraction device for receiving a reduced-sulfur gas mixture and a hydrogen storage device for receiving an extracted hydrogen gas. A method of extracting hydrogen from a gas mixture comprising natural gas and hydrogen, and a method of determining an energy price are also provided.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a hydrophobic membrane assembly (28) used within a gas-generating apparatus. Hydrogen is separated from the reaction solution by passing through a hydrophobic membrane assembly (28) having a hydrophobic lattice like member (36) disposed within a hydrogen output composite (32) further enhancing the ability of the hydrogen output composite's ability to separate out hydrogen gas and prolonging its useful life.

Abstract: Thermal conditioning for an area surrounding one or more air separation canisters includes directing the exhaust gas of the thermal conditioning unit to the area surrounding the canisters. The area may be defined by a housing in which the canisters are positioned.

Abstract: Nanocomposite adsorbent materials and methods for their preparation and use are described. As an example, a polyaniline-graphite nanoplatelet nanocomposite may be used to adsorb carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A gas separation unit 102, 200, 300 for permeating a gas out from a pressurized feed mixture includes an input manifold 104, 204, an exhaust manifold, 106, 206 and a permeate assembly 108, 208, 303. The permeate assembly supports one or more permselective foils 130, 132, 218, 232, 318 over a hollow cavity 134, 272, 306 supported by a microscreen element 142, 144, 228, 230, 326. The microscreen element includes non-porous perimeter walls 190, 192, 278 supported on a frame surface and a porous central area 194, 280 supported over the hollow cavity. A porous spacer 138, 140, 174, 234 disposed inside the hollow cavity structurally supports the entire microscreen surface spanning the hollow cavity while also providing a void volume for receiving fluid passing through the porous central area and for conveying the fluid through the hollow cavity.

Abstract: A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.

Abstract: A ventilation screen for protecting against rain water and other elements includes a plurality of air passages. The air passages enable air flow from one side of the screen to the other but preferably without linear communication between both sides through the air passages. The air passages present an upwardly traveling trajectory from the exposed space to the protected space, preferably with lateral changes of direction as well. Therefore rain water that comes directly from precipitation or splashing from an adjacent surface cannot reach a protected space. The geometry of the air passages provides protection against other environmental or man made elements.

Abstract: The invention concerns carbon molecular sieve membranes (“CMS membranes”), and more particularly the use of such membranes in gas separation. In particular, the present disclosure concerns an advantageous method for producing CMS membranes with desired selectivity and permeability properties. By controlling and selecting the oxygen concentration in the pyrolysis atmosphere used to produce CMS membranes, membrane selectivity and permeability can be adjusted. Additionally, oxygen concentration can be used in conjunction with pyrolysis temperature to further produce tuned or optimized CMS membranes.

Abstract: A method of forming a gas separation membrane including: depositing a first hydrophilic polymer solution; depositing on top of the first hydrophilic polymer solution a second, different hydrophilic polymer solution, thereby forming a two-layer polymer solution; forming the two-layer polymer solution into one of a forward osmosis membrane and a pressure retarded osmosis membrane by bringing the second, different hydrophilic polymer solution into contact with water to form the dense layer; coating one of the forward osmosis membrane and the pressure retarded osmosis membrane with a thin layer of a third, different, hydrophilic polymer more pH tolerant than the first and second hydrophilic polymer solutions to form a dense rejection layer thereon; and exposing one of the coated forward osmosis membrane and the coated pressure retarded osmosis membrane to a high pH solution. A gas separation membrane formed from the foregoing process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling and/or separating a component from a fluid are disclosed herein. Such systems and methods can include one or more of a separator (e.g., a dehumidifier), a chiller, and/or an expirator, each of which can include a selective transfer membrane. Such systems and methods can be used for a wide variety of applications including, for example, cooling and/or dehumidifying air.

Abstract: A bypass unit for a water vapor transfer assembly includes a main body, a check valve, and an adjustable flow regulator. The main body has a conduit formed therethrough. The check valve is in communication with the conduit. The check valve normally militates against a flow of a bypass stream through the conduit and permits the flow of the bypass stream through the conduit above a threshold flow rate. The flow regulator is in communication with the conduit. The flow regulator permits an adjustment of the flow of the bypass stream to modify the water transfer rate of the water transfer assembly.

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

Abstract: A method of making a crystalline silicoaluminophosphate-34 (SAPO-34) membrane. The method comprises the steps of providing a porous support having a pore size distribution such that a small proportion of its pores are larger than 10 microns, seeding the porous support with SAPO-34 seed crystals by capillary suspension infiltration to give a seeded support, and growing a SAPO-34 membrane layer on the surface of the seeded support.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust gas treating system having an exhaust gas treating apparatus for carbon dioxide capture process which additionally removes harmful substances remaining in the gas discharged from the existing flue-gas desulfurization process by using separation membrane so as to efficiently carry out the carbon dioxide capture process. The exhaust gas treating system using polymer membrane, comprises a carbon dioxide capture equipment for capturing carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas of a boiler, a flue-gas denitrification equipment placed between the boiler and the carbon dioxide capture equipment, a dust-collecting equipment and a flue-gas desulfurization equipment.

Abstract: A pleatable, high efficiency composite gas filtration media is provided. The media includes an essentially boron free chopped strand glass backer layer and media layer comprising a synthetic material. The composite media exhibits excellent pleatability, low boron out gassing, and low organic out gassing, with filtration performance comparable to existing commercial membrane composites.

Abstract: A fast gas is recovered from a feed gas containing a fast gas and at least one slow gas using a gas separation membrane. A controller may control a control valve associated with a partial recycle of a permeate gas from the membrane for combining with the feed gas. A controller may control a control valve associated with the backpressure of a residue gas from the membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for forming microporous membranes. More specifically, vapor induced phase separation techniques are used for forming multizone microporous membranes having improved material throughput.

Abstract: Techniques are generally described herein for the design and manufacture of hydrogen generation apparatuses and systems. Other embodiments may also be disclosed and claimed. Some methods described herein pressing together a first end plate, one or more intermediate plates, and a second end plate using a press to form a hydrogen purifier module, and placing a plurality of clips around the hydrogen purifier module to hold the first end plate, the one or more intermediate plates, and the second end plate together.

Abstract: A separation membrane module for separating a specific component from a mixture containing a plurality of components includes a plurality of separation stages each including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes arranged in parallel to each other. The separation stages are connected in series via connection portions allowing passage of the mixture. At lease one parameter relating to separation by the hollow fiber membrane or membranes in each separation stage is determined to provide effective separation throughout the separation stages.

Abstract: A composite membrane for separating a gas from a mixed gas stream includes a fibrous non-woven substrate including consolidated synthetic thermoplastic fibers, and coextensively disposed on a surface of the fibrous non-woven substrate a continuous polysulfide rubber film adhered thereto. A method of separating a gas component from a mixed gas stream includes 1) contacting a surface of the above-described composite membrane with the mixed gas stream under conditions such that a product gas enriched in the gas component diffuses through the composite membrane; and 2) collecting the product gas.

Abstract: The present disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient across a water selective permeable membrane in a dehumidification unit. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification unit is extracted by the dehumidification unit without substantial membrane water vapor rejection into a low pressure water vapor chamber operating at a partial pressure of water vapor lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the relatively humid atmospheric air. For example, water vapor is extracted through a water permeable membrane of the dehumidification unit into the low pressure water vapor chamber. As such, the air exiting the dehumidification unit is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification unit. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently expelled through a membrane vapor rejection unit to ambient conditions.

Abstract: A water vapor permeable membrane is provided comprising a dense layer and a support layer that are adjacent to each other, wherein the dense layer contains voids with a void length of 0.1 ?m or less and the dense layer has a thickness of 0.1 ?m or more and 2 ?m or less while in the support layer, void (a), i.e. the void with the largest length in the 2 ?m thick region measured from the boundary between the dense layer and the support layer into the support layer, has a length of 0.3 ?m or more and void (b), i.e. the void with the largest length in the region ranging between 2 ?m and 4 ?m measured from the boundary into the support layer, has a length of 0.5 ?m or more, the length of the void (b) being larger than that of the void (a). A water vapor permeable membrane having both a high water vapor permeability and a low air leakage is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a porous nanoscale membrane. In one embodiment, the membrane can be used as a filtration device to screen agents that disrupt or prevent molecular interactions. In one embodiment, the membrane allows for screening agents that disrupt or prevent molecular interactions using a small sample volume with efficient high-throughput screening applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient across a water selective permeable membrane in a dehumidification unit. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification unit is extracted by the dehumidification unit without substantial condensation into a low pressure water vapor chamber operating at a partial pressure of water vapor lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the relatively humid atmospheric air. For example, water vapor is extracted through a water permeable membrane of the dehumidification unit into the low pressure water vapor chamber. As such, the air exiting the dehumidification unit is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification unit. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently condensed and removed from the system at ambient conditions.

Abstract: The invention concerns carbon molecular sieve membranes (“CMS membranes”), and more particularly the use of such membranes in gas separation. In particular, the present disclosure concerns an advantageous method for producing CMS membranes with desired selectivity and permeability properties. By controlling and selecting the oxygen concentration in the pyrolysis atmosphere used to produce CMS membranes, membrane selectivity and permeability can be adjusted. Additionally, oxygen concentration can be used in conjunction with pyrolysis temperature to further produce tuned or optimized CMS membranes.

Abstract: A gas separation unit 102, 200, 300 for permeating a gas out from a pressurized feed mixture includes an input manifold 104, 204, an exhaust manifold, 106, 206 and a permeate assembly 108, 208, 303. The permeate assembly supports one or more permselective foils 130, 132, 218, 232, 318 over a hollow cavity 134, 272, 306 supported by a microscreen element 142, 144, 228, 230, 326. The microscreen element includes non-porous perimeter walls 190, 192, 278 supported on a frame surface and a porous central area 194, 280 supported over the hollow cavity. A porous spacer 138, 140, 174, 234 disposed inside the hollow cavity structurally supports the entire microscreen surface spanning the hollow cavity while also providing a void volume for receiving fluid passing through the porous central area and for conveying the fluid through the hollow cavity.

Abstract: A system and process for the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from a feed natural gas having variable flow rates and inlet CO2 levels.

Abstract: A membrane composition and process for its formation are disclosed from the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from mixed gases, such as flue gases of energy production facilities. The membrane includes a substrate layer comprising inorganic oxides, a barrier layer of in-situ formed Li2ZrO3, a Li2ZrO3 sorbent layer and an inorganic oxide cap layer. The membrane has a feed side for introduction of mixed gases containing nitrogen (N2) and a sweep side for recovery of CO2 wherein the membrane has a relatively high selectivity for CO2 transport at temperatures in the range of 400° to 700° C.

Abstract: A liquid degassing apparatus is arranged to limit pervaporation through a membrane by attenuating pressure oscillations developed by a vacuum pump. The attenuation is obtained through a combination of one or more flow restrictors and added volume chambers fluidly interposed between the degassing chamber and the vacuum pump. The pressure oscillation attenuation may further inhibit cross-contamination of pervaporated solvents among a plurality of distinct degassing chambers.

Abstract: A module and an apparatus incorporating such module utilizing a plurality of tubular membrane elements, each configured to separate oxygen from an oxygen containing feed stream when an electric potential difference is applied to induce oxygen ion transport in an electrolyte thereof. The tubular membrane elements can be arranged in a bundle that is held in place by end insulating members. The insulating members can be positioned within opposed openings of end walls of a heated enclosure and can incorporate bores to allow an oxygen containing feed stream to flow past exposed ends of the tubular membrane elements for cooling the end seals of such elements. Further, first and second manifolds can be provided in a module in accordance with the present invention to collect separated oxygen from two separate portions of the tubular membrane elements.

Abstract: A multi-stage membrane process for the removal of carbon dioxide from syngas streams containing at least about 5 volume percent carbon dioxide. The syngas is preferably obtained by the gasification of a biomass feedstock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a specific apparatus, more particularly a chain of gas separation membrane modules, for separation of gas mixtures into two fractions each of elevated purity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust gas treating system having an exhaust gas treating apparatus for carbon dioxide capture process which additionally removes harmful substances remaining in the gas discharged from the existing flue-gas desulfurization process by using separation membrane so as to efficiently carry out the carbon dioxide capture process. The exhaust gas treating system using polymer membrane, comprises a carbon dioxide capture equipment for capturing carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas of a boiler, a flue-gas denitrification equipment placed between the boiler and the carbon dioxide capture equipment, a dust-collecting equipment and a flue-gas desulfurization equipment.

Abstract: A membrane selectively permeable to light gases comprises a membrane body formed by a first plate and a second plate. The second plate comprises a thin layer that is selectively gas-permeable. In the region of windows, this layer is exposed. There, support is provided by a porous bottom wall in the first plate or by narrow bores in the second plate. A heating device causes a radiation heating of the windows.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the removal of gaseous acidic contaminants, especially carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulphide, in two or more stages from a gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feedstream (1) comprising hydrocarbons and said acidic contaminants, using one or more membranes in each separation stages. The gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feedstream is especially a natural gas stream. The process is especially suitable for feedstreams comprising very high amounts of acidic contaminants, especially carbon dioxide, e.g. more than 25 vol. %, or even more than 45 vol. %. In a first stage (2) a pure or almost pure stream of acidic contaminants is separated from the feedstream, the acidic contaminants (4) stream suitably containing less than 5 vol % of hydrocarbons. The remaining stream (3) comprises the hydrocarbons and still a certain amount of gaseous acidic contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for removing dissolved gas from makeup water in a water-cooled nuclear reactor. The present invention includes a storage tank for containing the makeup water that includes the dissolved gas, a membrane system positioned downstream of the storage tank to at least partially remove the dissolved gas from the makeup water; and a transport mechanism to transfer the makeup water from an outlet of the membrane system for use in the water-cooled nuclear reactor. The dissolved gas can include at least one of dissolved oxygen, dissolved nitrogen, dissolved argon and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An integrated fiber membrane module for air dehydration and air separation includes dehydration and separation units disposed concentrically in a generally cylindrical module. Air flows through the outer dehydration unit, becomes dried, and is then directed, in an opposite direction, through the separation unit. The permeate gas from the separation unit serves as a sweep gas for the dehydration unit. A portion of dried gas produced by the dehydration unit may be used as a sweep gas for the separation unit, and also for the dehydration unit. The module makes it feasible to dry and separate air using a device which occupies relatively little space, and which is therefore especially suited for use in aircraft and in other cramped environments.