Methane/nitrogen separation process

Patent · Tue Sep 23 00:00:00 EDT 1997

OSTI ID:541738

Baker, R W; Lokhandwala, K A; Pinnau, I; Segelke, S

A membrane separation process is described for treating a gas stream containing methane and nitrogen, for example, natural gas. The separation process works by preferentially permeating methane and rejecting nitrogen. The authors have found that the process is able to meet natural gas pipeline specifications for nitrogen, with acceptably small methane loss, so long as the membrane can exhibit a methane/nitrogen selectivity of about 4, 5 or more. This selectivity can be achieved with some rubbery and super-glassy membranes at low temperatures. The process can also be used for separating ethylene from nitrogen. 11 figs.

• Research Organization: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG03-94ER81809
• Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc., Menlo Park, CA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,669,958/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 8-608,743
• OSTI ID: 541738
• Resource Relation: Other Information: PBD: 23 Sep 1997
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
METHANE
MEMBRANE TRANSPORT
ETHYLENE
NITROGEN
REMOVAL
NATURAL GAS
MEMBRANES