초록 ▼

An improved method for removing a component from a fluid mixture by transport of the component through an immobilized liquid membrane is described. The method includes introducing fresh membrane liquid into a first region of the membrane to effect emission of at least partially deactivated liquid fr

An improved method for removing a component from a fluid mixture by transport of the component through an immobilized liquid membrane is described. The method includes introducing fresh membrane liquid into a first region of the membrane to effect emission of at least partially deactivated liquid from a second region of the membrane, thereby restoring or maintaining the separation efficiency of the membrane. Also described is an improved packaged membrane system including a plurality of at least partially spaced immobilized liquid membranes disposed in generally parallel surface-to-surface array to define both a first group of flow volumes and a second group of flow volumes alternating between the first group. Screens for spacing apart adjacent membranes are disposed in each of the flow volumes of at least one of the flow volume groups. Frames define the periphery of the flow volumes and flow passages provide separate access to and egress from the flow volumes in the two groups. Structure is provided for contacting fresh membrane liquid with first regions of the membranes. The structure is preferably a wall defining a chamber into which the first regions extend.

대표청구항 ▼

In a method of selectively removing a gaseous component from a gaseous mixture wherein a first membrane containing an immobilized liquid of an initial composition is contacted with said mixture to effect facilitated transport of said gaseous component through said first membrane to a hydrophobic por

In a method of selectively removing a gaseous component from a gaseous mixture wherein a first membrane containing an immobilized liquid of an initial composition is contacted with said mixture to effect facilitated transport of said gaseous component through said first membrane to a hydrophobic porous gas-permeable barrier; gases emerging from said first membrane are passed through said gas-permeable barrier; and a second membrane containing an immobilized liquid of said initial composition is contacted with gases emerging from said gas-permeable barrier to effect facilitated transport of said gaseous component through said second membrane, the improvement for substantially maintaining the separation efficiency of said first and second membranes, which comprises the steps of (a) introducing fresh liquid into first regions of each of said first and second membranes to effect emission of at least partially deactivated liquid from second regions of each of said first and second membranes, and (b) substantially concurrently with said introduction step removing said deactivated liquid from said second regions such that substantially no accumulation of liquid is effected in said membranes by said introduction step, said fresh liquid being of said initial composition. In a packaged membrane system having (a) a plurality of at least partially spaced immobilized liquid membranes disposed in generally parallel surface-to-surface array to define both a first group of flow volumes and a second group of flow volumes alternating between said first flow volume group, (b) means for spacing apart adjacent membranes disposed in each of the flow volumes of at least one of said first and second flow volume groups, (c) means for defining the periphery of each of said flow volumes, (d) means for providing separate access to and egress from the plurality of flow volumes in said first group and in said second group, the improvement comprising, in combination with the above, (i) means for introducing fresh membrane liquid into first regions of said membranes and (ii) outlet means separate from said introduction means and in flow communication with second regions of said membranes for removing liquid from said second regions concurrently with the fresh liquid introduction such that substantially no accumulation of liquid is effected in said membrane by said fresh liquid introduction.