H2S and CO2 capture from gaseous fuels using nanoparticle membrane

Abstract

This work investigates the simultaneous removal of CO2 and H2S from natural gas by a novel PVDF membrane structure using CaCO3 nanoparticles aiming at increasing the efficiency of separation process. This work presents to what extent the CaCO3 nanoparticles improve the separation efficiency; proposes the optimum range of nanoparticle share in the membrane for achieving maximum separation in increased flow rates; and finally evaluating the effects of operational conditions such as temperature, flow velocity and species concentration on the system performance.A mathematical finite element model is developed to simulate the gas removal using a membrane module including both mass transfer equations and chemical reaction mechanism. A good agreement has been achieved between the modeling results and the measured data. It is found that 20% CaCO3 nanoparticle share in membrane gives the highest separation efficiency and any higher or lower nanoparticle concentration reduces the gas separation efficiency. Gas and fluid velocities have a high impact on separation efficiency. For example, increase in gas velocity from 5 m/s to 20 m/s leads to reduction in CO2 removal efficiency from 82% to 42% and H2S efficiency from 100% to 60%.