Membrane oxygen enrichment cost and application evaluation
A separation process, similar to the reverse osmosis membrane process for the desalination of water, can be used for the separation and enrichment of multi-component gas streams. The development of new processing methods and modular packing systems together with advanced commercialization of desalination systems now makes similar processes for gas separation appear feasible and economical. Composite membranes have been developed that are both thin enough to provide a large gas flow and strong enough to withstand the driving pressure of the incoming gas. This is done by depositing a polymer on the finely porous surface of a fabric-reinforced supporting membrane. The resulting material is then formed into a spiral-wound element that provides a large amount of membrane area in a small volume. Laboratory experiments using gas separation membranes by Fluid Systems Division of UOP and by General Electric Company have established the technical feasibility of using such membranes to produce oxygen-enriched air. A preliminary analysis of membrane oxygen enrichment economics was prepared by the Fluid System Division of UOP which shows that oxygen enrichment could be profitable for combustion systems up to 100 tons of oxygen per day. A supporting economic study made by Econergy Associates reaffirms the positive economics potential for a 1000-ton/d, 30% O/sub 2/ enrichment plant.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31-109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 6194446
- Report Number(s):
- ANL-78-108
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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