Abstract:
Operative fluids containing lower glycol are contacted with semi-permeable membranes under reverse osmosis conditions to permeate lower glycol to provide a reclaimed lower glycol product. Exemplary operative fluids include antifreeze solutions, heat transfer fluids, deicers, quenchants, hydraulic fluids, lubricants, solvents and absorbents.
Abstract:
Process for the dehydration of gases using composite permeable membranes, preferably hollow fiber composite membranes comprised of a porous support coated with an ultrathin layer of a defined sulfonated polysulfone or sulfonated polyether ketone. The processes also contemplate the use of a sweep or purge gas on the water-enriched permeate side of the composite membrane to increase the efficiency of the dehydration process.
Abstract:
Feed gas is introduced into the bores of a helically wound hollow fiber membrane cartridge containing hollow fibers of essentially uniform active lengths. Permeate gas flow is maintained countercurrent to the feed and raffinate gas entrance and exit axis, respectively, while the directional flow axis of permeate withdrawal can be at a substantial angle to the helically wound hollow fiber membrane surface. Complete radial mixing of the permeate stream on the outer, permeate side and essentially no axial mixing on either the permeate or the raffinate side of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge are maintained.
Abstract:
A method for enhancing the long term performance of gas separation membranes. The permeable membranes are heated at a moderate temperature of from about 50.degree. C. to 140.degree. C. Use of this method enables restoration and reclamation of permeable membranes that have suffered degradation in performance in gas separation processes.
Abstract:
Composite membranes having advantageous combinations of selectivity and permeability are prepared by the coating of a separation layer on a porous support layer containing a controlled amount of liquid in the range of from about 10% to about 90% by weight of the liquid present in the fully wet support layer.
Abstract:
A method for producing a composite hollow fiber membrane by coating a porous hollow fiber substrate with a dilute solution of a membrane-forming composition containing a membrane-forming material and a solvent therefor by contacting the porous hollow fiber substrate with the composition, partially evaporating some of the solvent from the coated porous hollow fiber substrate, contacting the partially dried coating porous hollow fiber substrate with a coagulant and recovering the composite hollow fiber membrane. Also included are the composite hollow fiber membranes so produced and their use as permeable membranes for separating at least one fluid from at least one other fluid in a fluid mixture.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a hollow fiber membrane gas separation assembly having an integral purge control aperture or purge reflux system which is internal to the hollow fiber apparatus. The assembly is particularly useful for separating water vapor from a gas stream.
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:
Gas separation membranes are prepared from sulfonated polyimides exhibiting desirable gas separation characteristics, combined with good film-forming properties and desirable solubility characteristics.
Abstract:
A process for the preparation of anisotropic hollow fibers useful as permselective separation membranes and for producing composite membranes thereof, involves extruding a spinning dope through a spinneret that extends into a coagulation chamber maintained at subatmospheric pressure, conveying the nascent hollow fiber through a column that extends into the reduced pressure chamber, and contains at least two different abutting liquids arranged in sequence. An apparatus for conducting the process includes the vacuum chamber, the spinneret and the column that extends into the vacuum chamber and is equipped with entrance and exit ports for introduction and removal of at least two abutting liquid coagulation media.