Substituted polyacetylene separation membrane

Patent · Tue Jan 13 04:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:570515

Pinnau, I; Morisato, Atsushi

A separation membrane is described which is useful for gas separation, particularly separation of C{sub 2+} hydrocarbons from natural gas. The invention encompasses the membrane itself, methods of making it and processes for using it. The membrane comprises a polymer having repeating units of a hydrocarbon-based, disubstituted polyacetylene, having the general formula shown in the accompanying diagram, wherein R{sub 1} is chosen from the group consisting of C{sub 1}-C{sub 4} alkyl and phenyl, and wherein R{sub 2} is chosen from the group consisting of hydrogen and phenyl. In the most preferred embodiment, the membrane comprises poly(4-methyl-2-pentyne) [PMP]. The membrane exhibits good chemical resistance and has super-glassy properties with regard to separating certain large, condensable permeant species from smaller, less-condensable permeant species. The membranes may also be useful in other fluid separations. 4 figs.

• Research Organization: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG03-94ER81811
• Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc., Menlo Park, CA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,707,423/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 8-663,906
• OSTI ID: 570515
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
CORROSION RESISTANCE
ETHANE
FABRICATION
MATERIALS RECOVERY
MEMBRANES
NATURAL GAS
POLYACETYLENES
PROPANE
SEPARATION PROCESSES