29
Multilayer
Composite Membranes for Upgrading Acid-Rich Natural Gas--Membrane
Technology and Research, Inc. (MTR), 1360 Willow Road, Suite 103, Menlo Park, CA
94025-1516; 650-328-2228
Dr.
Ingo Pinnau, Principal Investigator, ipin@mtrinc.com
Ms.
Elizabeth Weiss, Business Official, egweiss@mtrinc.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG03-02ER83494
Amount:
$100,000
About
17% of known
U.S.
natural gas reserves are
subquality due to a high carbon dioxide content. Membrane separation would be an
attractive technology to remove this carbon dioxide if more robust membranes
with higher selectivities and fluxes were available.
This project will develop a new type of perfluoro membrane that has
exceptionally good permeation characteristics and is resistant to plasticization
and attack by higher hydrocarbons, aromatics, and other liquids.
In Phase I, the carbon dioxide/methane separation characteristics of a
number of perfluoro materials will be evaluated. The best material will be
fabricated into composite membranes and then incorporated into bench-scale,
spiral-wound modules. These modules will be tested with model gas mixtures to
determine their separation performance.
Commercial
Applications and Other Benefits
as described by the awardee: Currently,
membrane separation is used in only 2-3% of the total carbon dioxide/natural gas
separation market. Improved membranes would lower the cost of membrane processes
and substantially increase market share.