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Methods of forming and using porous structures for energy efficient separation of light gases by capillary condensation

Patent ·
OSTI ID:872922
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [4]
  1. Lemont, IL
  2. Naperville, IL
  3. Los Alamos, NM
  4. Espanola, NM
+ Show Author Affiliations

The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for separating one or more condensable compounds from a mixture of two or more gases of differing volatilities by capillary fractionation in a membrane-type apparatus, and a method of forming porous structures therefor. More particularly, the invention includes methods of forming and using an apparatus consisting, at least in part, of a porous structure having capillary-type passages extending between a plurality of small openings on the first side and larger openings on a second side of the structure, the passages being adapted to permit a condensed liquid to flow therethrough substantially by capillary forces, whereby vapors from the mixture are condensed, at least in part, and substantially in and adjacent to the openings on the first side, and are caused to flow in a condensed liquid state, substantially in the absence of vapor, from the openings on the first side to the openings on the second side.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
Assignee:
Regents of University of California and BP Amoco Corporation (Chicago, IL)
Patent Number(s):
US 6039792
OSTI ID:
872922
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (7)

Nanoporous carbon membranes for separation of gas mixtures by selective surface flow journal December 1993
Separation of alcohol/water gaseous mixtures by thin ceramic membrane. journal January 1986
Transport of capillary condensate journal July 1975
Methanol—hydrogen separation by capillary condensation in inorganic membranes journal January 1991
Flow of adsorbable gases and vapours in a microporous medium, II. Binary Mixtures
  • Ash, R.; Barrer, Richard Maling; Pope, C. G.
  • Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A. Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Vol. 271, Issue 1344, p. 19-33 https://doi.org/10.1098/rspa.1963.0002
journal January 1963
Flow of adsorbable gases and vapours in a microporous medium, I. Single sorbates
  • Ash, R.; Barrer, Richard Maling; Pope, C. G.
  • Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A. Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Vol. 271, Issue 1344, p. 1-18 https://doi.org/10.1098/rspa.1963.0001
journal January 1963
Gas transport and separation with ceramic membranes. Part I. Multilayer diffusion and capillary condensation journal February 1992

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Related Subjects

/95/55/96/
absence
adapted
adjacent
apparatus
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capillary
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caused
compounds
condensable
condensation
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consisting
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efficient
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extending
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forming
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larger
light
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liquid
membrane-type
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mixture
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porous
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substantially
therethrough
vapor
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whereby