Gas Separation by a Continuous Membrane Column

Abstract The continuous membrane column provides a revolutionary new separation technique. In gaseous diffusion the continuous membrane column is used to separate as highly concentrated products both the most permeable and least permeable gases from a feed mixture of any composition. The main features of the column are countercurrent enrichment, high reflux and minimal backmixing. The new method eliminates the need for numerous interstage compressors and extensive product stream recycling found in conventional gaseous diffusion cascades. Experiments are carried out for systems of C02-O2, O22-N2 (air), and CO2-N2 mixtures using continuous membrane columns made out of silicone rubber membrane. Also, a theoretical model is developed to interpret the experimental data. The agreement between theory and experiment is excellent. The maximum degree of separation can be achieved at total reflux. It is experimentally verified that the maximum degree of enrichment attainable by a conventional method can easily be ex...

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