Cladded Compressible Sealing Elements for Acid Gas Membrane Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas separation membrane modules are susceptible to leaks when used in acid gas service, particularly with high concentrations of H2S, due to corrosion issues with metallic components, leading to performance loss and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
The use of a gas separation membrane module with a pressure vessel made of low alloy steel and cladded compressible sealing elements, such as O-rings, to prevent leaks between high and low pressure zones, utilizing corrosion-resistant materials like Hastelloy, Inconel, or ceramic for cladding to enhance seal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic components are used in gas separation membrane modules for acid gas service, then the module can handle high pressure and maintain structural integrity, but the metallic components become susceptible to corrosion and leaks when exposed to high concentrations of H2S and CO2
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining carbon steel or low alloy steel pressure vessels with corrosion-resistant alloy cladding (Hastelloy, Inconel, or ceramic). This composite structure allows the base material to provide structural strength while the cladding layer protects against corrosion from acid gases, thereby maintaining both structural integrity and leak resistance in sour gas service
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying corrosion-resistant cladding only to specific areas where corrosion risk is highest, particularly on the outer surfaces of the pressure vessel and end caps that contact acid gas. This localized protection strategy maintains overall structural integrity while preventing leaks at critical sealing locations
2Device complexity
If conventional sealing elements are used in membrane modules for acid gas service, then the module structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the sealing elements fail due to corrosion from H2S and CO2
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing elements are constructed as composite structures with a compressible core (providing sealing action) surrounded by or protected with corrosion-resistant alloy cladding (Hastelloy, Inconel, or ceramic). This composite design maintains the compressibility needed for effective sealing while the corrosion-resistant outer layer prevents degradation from acid gas exposure, ensuring long-term seal integrity without significantly increasing structural complexity
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 solution effectively reduces the likelihood of leaks and maintains module performance even with high H2S concentrations, ensuring reliable gas separation and safety in corrosive environments.
Implementation Method 1
each of said membranes being adapted and configured to separate an acid gas-containing feed gas fed to a first side thereof through permeation of gases through the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A gas separation membrane module includes a seal between a higher pressure gas and a lower pressure gas. The seal includes a compressible sealing member in between sealing surfaces. At least one of the sealing surfaces has corrosion-resistant cladding provided over either low alloy steel or high alloy steel. The cladding reduce the possibility of a seal failure due to corrosion of low alloy or high alloy steel exposed to acid gases or condensed moisture containing acid gases dissolved therein while at the same not requiring that all surfaces of the membrane module exposed to acid gases be provided with cladding.