Hybrid fixed-site-carrier membranes for CO2 removal from high pressure natural gas: Membrane optimization and process condition investigation

Xuezhong He, Taek Joong Kim, May Britt Hägg*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

The hybrid fixed-site-carrier (FSC) membranes were prepared by coating the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced polyvinylamine (PVAm)/polyvinylalcohol (PVA) blend selective layer on the top of the polysulfone (PSf) ultrafiltration membranes. The influences of membrane preparation parameters of support, heat treatment condition and pH value of casting solution on the membrane separation performance were systematically investigated. The hybrid FSC membranes prepared under the optimal condition (PSf 20K - 95°C - 0.75h - pH 10) showed high CO2 permeance and relatively good CO2/CH4 selectivity based on high pressure gas permeation testing. Moreover, process operating parameters such as feed pressure, temperature, feed CO2 concentration, and feed flow rate as well as water vapor content were found to significantly affect the membrane performance, which need to be optimized in the real application. Small pilot-scale modules with relatively large membrane areas (110-330cm2) were additionally tested. The results could be used to guide process simulation and economic feasibility analysis of CO2 removal from high pressure natural gas process with the developed FSC membranes in the future work.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)266-274
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Membrane Science
Volume470
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Nov 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Fixed-site-carrier membranes
  • High pressure natural gas

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