Optimization-based design of spiral-wound membrane systems for CO2/CH4 separations

Abstract A systematic design strategy for spiral-wound gas separation systems is studied using a recently proposed algebraic permeator model (Qi and Henson, Approximate modeling of spiral-wound gas permeators, J. Membrane Sci. 121 (1996) 11–24). Nonlinear programming (NLP) is used to determine operating conditions which satisfy the separation requirements while minimizing the annual process cost. The design method is applied to the separation of CO 2 /CH 4 mixtures in natural gas treatment and enhanced oil recovery applications. It is shown that a two-stage configuration with permeate recycle and a three-stage configuration with residue recycle are suitable for natural gas treatment, while a three-stage configuration with both permeate and residue recycle is appropriate for enhanced oil recovery. Parameter sensitivities are analyzed by changing operating conditions, membrane properties, and economic parameters. The optimization procedure is sufficiently robust to handle multi-stage configurations with very demanding separation requirements. The proposed NLP design method facilitates the development of mixed-integer nonlinear programming design strategies which allow simultaneous optimization of the permeator configuration and operating conditions.

[1]  T. E. Cooley,et al.  Natural gas cleanup: a comparison of membrane and amine treatment processes , 1988 .

[2]  A. L. Lee,et al.  Development of a database for advanced processes to remove carbon dioxide from subquality natural gas. Topical report, September 1989-May 1992 , 1993 .

[3]  F. G. Russell.  Operating permeation systems field tests of DELSEP permeators , 1983 .

[4]  Robert Rautenbach,et al.  Treatment of landfill gas by gas permeation : pilot plant results and comparison to alternatives , 1994 .

[5]  Robert Spillman,et al.  Chapter 13 Economics of gas separation membrane processes , 1995 .

[6]  K. Lien,et al.  Design studies of membrane permeator processes for gas separation , 1995 .

[7]  S. A. Stern,et al.  Membrane processes for the removal of acid gases from natural gas. II. Effects of operating conditions, economic parameters, and membrane properties , 1993 .

[8]  T. E. Cooley,et al.  Field tests show membrane processing attractive , 1985 .

[9]  Michael A. Henson,et al.  Modeling of spiral-wound permeators for multicomponent gas separations , 1997 .

[10]  Klaus D. Timmerhaus,et al.  Plant design and economics for chemical engineers , 1958 .

[11]  S. A. Stern,et al.  A new evaluation of membrane processes for the oxygen-enrichment of air. II. Effects of economic parameters and membrane properties , 1991 .

[12]  F. Fournie,et al.  Permeation membranes can efficiently replace conventional gas treatment processes , 1985 .

[13]  D. Do,et al.  Applied Mathematics and Modeling for Chemical Engineers , 1994 .

[14]  S. A. Stern,et al.  Membrane processes for the removal of acid gases from natural gas. I. Process configurations and optimization of operating conditions , 1993 .

[15]  S. A. Stern,et al.  A new evaluation of membrane processes for the oxygen-enrichment of air. I, Identification of optimum operating conditions and process configuration , 1991 .

[16]  M. A. Henson,et al.  Approximate modeling of spiral-wound gas permeators , 1996 .

[17]  W. Bollinger,et al.  Separation systems for oil refining and production , 1982 .