초록 ▼

Membrane separation methods and systems separate gaseous mixtures into purified component gases thereof. Purified oxygen gas (60-90% purity), for example, may be derived from ambient air in an efficient manner. Systems and methods are provided by which at least three permeator stages are used while

Membrane separation methods and systems separate gaseous mixtures into purified component gases thereof. Purified oxygen gas (60-90% purity), for example, may be derived from ambient air in an efficient manner. Systems and methods are provided by which at least three permeator stages are used while requiring less than one compressor per stage. Energy requirements are reduced and product purity as a function of energy requirements is improved.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for separating a gaseous mixture into a purified component gas thereof, said method comprising:(a) providing a separation apparatus containing the following components:(1) a first permeator containing a first gas separation membrane that divides said first permea

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for separating a gaseous mixture into a purified component gas thereof, said method comprising:(a) providing a separation apparatus containing the following components:(1) a first permeator containing a first gas separation membrane that divides said first permeator into a first permeate side and a first retentate side,(2) a second permeator containing a second gas separation membrane that divides said second permeator into a second permeate side and a second retentate side,(3) a third permeator containing a third gas separation membrane that divides said third permeator into a third permeate side and a third retentate side,(4) a first conduit connecting an effluent end of said second permeate side to an influx end of said first retentate side for conducting a gaseous stream from said second permeator to said first permeator,(5) a second conduit connecting an effluent end of said first retentate side to an influx end of said second retentate side for conducting a gaseous stream from said first permeator to said second permeator,(6) a third conduit connecting an effluent end of said first permeate side to an influx end of said third retentate side for conducting a gaseous stream from said first permeator to said third permeator, and(7) a fourth conduit connecting an effluent end of said third retentate side to said first conduit or an influx end of said first retentate side, for conducting a recyclable gaseous effluent from said third retentate side to said first conduit or said influx end of said first retentate side and for intermixing said recyclable effluent into a gaseous stream flowing through said first conduit or said influx end of said first retentate side,(8) an inlet for receiving said feed mixture into a position selected from the group consisting of the first conduit, the second permeate side, and the first retentate side, and(9) a compressor upstream of said first retentate side;(b) introducing a feed mixture of gases to be purified into said separation apparatus; and(c) recovering said purified component gas as permeate from said third permeator.