Polymeric Membranes for Gas Separation

Abstract

The separation of gas mixtures by dense polymeric membrane processes is one of the fastest growing branches of separation technology. In this article, the fundamentals of gas permeation processes in dense polymers are briefly reviewed, with the objective of establishing relevant and realistic mass transfer expressions. In a second step, the various concepts and the general methodology governing the design of a gas permeation unit, and making use of the previous mass transfer expressions, are described with particular emphasis on the simplest situation (single stage case). The energy requirement and more complex situations (such as multistage processes, recycling modes, and hybrid processes) are also discussed. Finally, the major industrial applications of polymeric gas permeation membranes and the emerging applications and challenges are addressed.