Application of hydrocarbon-fluorocarbon interactions in membrane-based gas separations

Rajeev Prabhakar, Benny Freeman

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11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

To control membrane plasticization in natural gas streams containing higher hydrocarbon compounds, we propose to coat a hydrocarbon-based polymer gas separation membrane with a fluoropolymer layer to reduce the hydrocarbon penetrant partial pressure to which the hydrocarbon membrane is exposed. A theoretical analysis is presented which addresses the trade-offs between reducing membrane plasticization, reduction in gas flux through the composite membrane and reduction in product purity due to the fluoropolymer layer. The analysis reveals that an effective plasticization-resistant, hydrocarbon-fluorocarbon composite membrane would consist of a fluoropolymer that has a lower ratio of hydrocarbon gas to CO2 solubility and a higher size-selectivity than the hydrocarbon polymer. Model cases are presented to illustrate the possibilities and limitations of this approach.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)79-83
Number of pages5
JournalDesalination
Volume144
Issue number1-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Sept 2002
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Fluorocarbons
  • Gas separation
  • Hydrocarbons

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