Bis-phenyl-fluorene Polymer Membrane for Hydrocarbon Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current membrane separation technologies for separating linear and branched hydrocarbons face challenges such as low selectivity, reactivity issues with olefins, and high costs due to the use of zeolite membranes, while polymer membranes suffer from swelling and decreased selectivity with temperature.
Innovation Solution
A membrane separation process utilizing a dense polymer film with a bis-phenyl-9,9-fluorene group, specifically in polyimides, polyamides, or polycarbonates, which maintains high selectivity and permeability for linear hydrocarbons, even at elevated temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If zeolite membranes are used for separating linear and branched hydrocarbons, then high selectivity is achieved, but high cost and reactivity issues with olefins occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive zeolite membranes with polymer membranes that have comparable or superior performance. The polymer membranes are more cost-effective and do not suffer from the reactivity issues with olefins that plague zeolite membranes, while maintaining high selectivity for linear over branched hydrocarbons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite polymer materials specifically designed with chemical structures that provide both high selectivity and chemical stability. The polymer membranes are formulated to resist reactions with olefins while maintaining the necessary separation performance, combining the benefits of both selectivity and chemical inertness.
2Ease of manufacture
If polymer membranes are used for separating hydrocarbons, then cost is reduced, but swelling and decreased selectivity with temperature occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure and physical parameters of the polymer membranes to reduce swelling and maintain selectivity at elevated temperatures. By adjusting polymer composition, crosslinking density, and other parameters, the membranes maintain their separation performance across a wide temperature range without the swelling that typically occurs in conventional polymer membranes.
3Measurement precision
If zeolite membranes are used for separation, then high selectivity is achieved, but high cost due to metallic or mineral supports is incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for expensive metallic or mineral supports by using polymer membranes that can function as standalone separation media. The polymer membranes achieve high selectivity without requiring costly support structures, significantly reducing the overall cost of the separation system while maintaining performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process effectively separates linear from branched hydrocarbons with superior selectivity and permeability, particularly for paraffins and olefins with 4 to 16 carbon atoms, offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The separation process described in the present invention is carried out by a solution/diffusion mechanism through a dense polymer film forming the selective layer of the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for membrane separation that allows linear hydrocarbons to be separated from branched hydrocarbons. The membrane employed comprises a dense selective layer composed of a polymer whose chemical structure contains at least one 9,9-bisphenylfluorene group.