Abstract:
Composite membranes are prepared by depositing a separation layer on an asymmetric support layer. The separation layer has a selectivity equal to or greater than that of the material of the asymmetric support layer for a desired gas separation. The support layer is desirably produced in non-asymmetric form, and exposed to an elevated temperature approaching the glass transition temperature of the support layer material under non-swelling conditions to modify the structure thereof to create asymmetry therein, before or after the deposition of the separation layer, and to increase its compaction resistance and collapse pressure. Such desirable properties are conveniently achieved on a repeatable basis, enhancing the uniformity and reliability of the treated support layer and of composite membranes produced therefrom, for use in gas separation operations.
Abstract:
A method for producing hollow fiber permeable devices having an essentially leak-free seal between the hollow fibers and the tubesheet that consists of heating the tubesheet containing the hollow fibers potted therein at a temperature essentially equal to or greater than the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic material or the softening point of the thermoset material of the hollow fiber for a period of time sufficient to essentially densify the hollow fibers in the potted portion of the tubesheet and whereby a major portion of the interior diameter of the bores of the hollow fibers embedded in the tubesheet is enlarged; and the fiber permeable devices themselves.
Abstract:
A hollow fiber fluid separation device includes a hollow fiber cartridge, comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes arranged around a central tubular core, a first tubesheet and a second tubesheet encapsulating respective distal ends of the hollow fiber bundle. The tubesheets have boreholes in fluid communication with bores of the hollow fiber membrane. In at least one of the tubesheets, the boreholes are formed radially and are in communication with the central tubular core. The hollow fiber fluid separation device can be utilized in liquid separation applications such as ultrafiltration and in gas separation processes such as air separation. The design disclosed herein is light weight and compact and is particularly advantageous at high operating temperatures when the pressure of the feed fluid introduced into the bores of hollow fibers is higher than the pressure on the shell side of the device.
Abstract:
A method for fabricating a composite membrane includes coating a substrate, such as, for example, an asymmetrical porous hollow fiber substrate, with a solution which includes a perfluorinated polymer and a perfluorinated solvent. Prior to coating, the substrate is impregnated with an impregnation fluid which is immiscible with the perfluorinated solvent. The method of the invention further includes removing the perfluorinated solvent and the impregnation fluid. A composite membrane includes a porous asymmetric hollow fiber substrate having an outer surface coated with a perfluoropolymer coating. Separation devices which include composite membranes and methods of separating a fluid mixture into a fraction enriched in a first component and a fraction depleted in that component also are described.
Abstract:
An integral hollow fiber membrane gas purification apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises one or more filtration elements and a hollow fiber membrane cartridge placed coaxially in a common housing. In some embodiments, the filtration elements are omitted and the hollow fiber membrane cartridge is employed as a combined gas separation/filtration device. The apparatus of this invention is particularly useful for conditioning compressed air that includes the removal of both suspended matter and water vapor.
Abstract:
The invention involves annular hollow fiber membrane bundle comprising a plurality of helically wound layers of semi-permeable hollow fibers helically wound thereon and at least one reinforcement filament which has been helically wound concurrently with said hollow fibers into the hollow fiber membrane bundle. A preferred embodiment provides that the reinforcement filament is uniformly distributed throughout the diameter of the bundle and/or across the axial length of the bundle. Though, other embodiments provide a non-uniform distribution throughout the diameter of the bundle and/or across the axial length of the bundle.
Abstract:
Improved anisotropic fluid separation membranes are prepared from blends of polymers with surface energy differences. The membranes are formulated by processes wherein low surface energy polymer with desirable fluid separation and permeation characteristics is preferentially concentrated in the surface discriminating layer of the membrane.
Abstract:
The invention involves annular hollow fiber membrane bundle comprising a plurality of helically wound layers of semi-permeable hollow fibers helically wound thereon and at least one reinforcement filament which has been helically wound concurrently with said hollow fibers into the hollow fiber membrane bundle. A preferred embodiment provides that the reinforcement filament is uniformly distributed throughout the diameter of the bundle and/or across the axial length of the bundle. Though, other embodiments provide a non-uniform distribution throughout the diameter of the bundle and/or across the axial length of the bundle.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane fluid separation assembly having an integral purge control valve or a purge fluid reflux system, which provides a sweep fluid port internal to the assembly. This assembly is useful for, among other things, separating water vapor from a gas stream.
Abstract:
Multilayer composite membranes are produced in a one-step coating process that provides an interior gas separation layer and an external defect sealing layer.