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Isobutane Isomerization Membrane Reactor--Membrane Technology and Research, Inc., 1360 Willow Road, Suite 103, Menlo Park, CA  94025-1516; 650-328-2228

Dr. Ingo Pinnau, Principal Investigator

Ms. E. G. Weiss, Business Official

DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-00ER83047

Amount:  $100,000

 

Isobutane formed by isomerization of n-butane is an essential ingredient in refinery production of alkylates.  The current process uses a large deisobutanizer column to recycle unconverted n-butane to the reactor.  This column is the most costly unit in the isomerization train.  A membrane reactor is proposed to improve the efficiency of the isomerization process.  Use of this reactor will dramatically reduce capital and operating costs.  In the Phase I project the permeation properties of membranes with the potential to perform the required separation will be evaluated.  Membrane reactor designs incorporating these membranes will be modeled using a computer simulation package, and the economic feasibility of the process will be analyzed.

 

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  Worldwide, approximately 400 butane isomerization units are in operation.  The potential market for new units and replacements for old units is between 20 and 40 units/year; this is a multi-million-dollar opportunity.