Separation of Hydrogen/Light Hydrocarbon Gas Mixtures--Membrane Technology and Research, Inc., 1360 Willow Road, Suite 103, Menlo Park, CA 94025-1516; (650) 328-2228
Dr. R. W. Baker, Principal Investigator
Ms. E. G. Weiss, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-98ER82618
Amount: $75,000

Hydrogen/light hydrocarbon gas mixtures are produced throughout the refinery and petrochemical industries. These gas mixtures are usually used as fuel, but the gases are typically two to three times more valuable if separated and used as feedstock. This project will develop a new process based on hydrocarbon-permeable membranes to economically separate hydrogen/light hydrocarbon gas mixtures. The membrane to be used for the separation will be selected. Based on the membrane performance data obtained, potential target applications of the technology will be prioritized. A technical and economic analysis of the process will be prepared.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The proposed membrane-based gas separation system could produce $2-3 million of additional revenue to the typical refinery or petrochemical plant installing the unit. The system payback time would be between 18 and 24 months. The potential U.S. market for these systems is about 100.