Aminated Polymer Membrane for Olefin Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current separation methods for olefins, such as low-temperature distillation, are energy-intensive and costly due to the similarity in boiling points and sizes of olefins and paraffins, and existing membrane technologies face limitations in mechanical strength and durability.
Innovation Solution
A separation membrane comprising aminated polymers, sulfonated polymers, and transition metals, with a composite structure that includes a porous support, enhancing selectivity and permeability through ionic bonding and cross-linking, allowing for efficient separation of olefins from mixed gases at room temperature and low pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If low temperature distillation process is used to separate olefins and paraffins, then separation can be achieved, but energy consumption and plant costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical distillation process with a membrane separation process. The membrane module selectively permeates olefins and paraffins based on their different molecular characteristics, eliminating the need for energy-intensive heating and cooling cycles required in distillation, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the separation mechanism from thermal-based (distillation) to membrane-based selective permeation. By utilizing the different affinities of olefins and paraffins for the membrane material, the process achieves separation at lower temperatures and pressures, fundamentally altering the operating parameters to reduce energy requirements
2Reliability
If facilitated transport membrane using water swelling polymers or ionic polymers is used for olefin separation, then olefin separation performance is excellent, but mechanical strength and durability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite membrane structure where a thin layer of water swelling polymer or ionic polymer (providing excellent olefin separation performance) is supported on a porous substrate or reinforcement layer (providing mechanical strength). This composite approach allows the membrane to simultaneously achieve high separation performance and adequate mechanical durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous support structures within the membrane assembly. The porous substrate provides mechanical reinforcement while allowing selective permeation of gas molecules through the polymer layer, thereby maintaining both structural integrity and separation functionality
3Reliability
If facilitated transport membrane using water swelling polymers or ionic polymers is used for olefin separation, then olefin separation performance is excellent, but permeability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the membrane parameters by adjusting polymer concentration, crosslinking density, and membrane thickness. By carefully controlling these parameters, the membrane achieves a balance between selective permeation (separation performance) and overall permeability, allowing sufficient gas flux while maintaining high selectivity for olefin separation
4Reliability
If transition metal concentration is increased in facilitated transport membrane, then olefin separation performance improves, but transition metal loading is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the transition metal concentration parameter within the polymer matrix. By carefully controlling the amount and distribution of transition metal complexes, the membrane achieves effective olefin coordination and selective transport without excessive metal loading, balancing separation performance with material efficiency and cost
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 membrane exhibits improved durability, transition metal loading, and olefin/paraffin selectivity, maintaining excellent separation performance even at increased pressures, reducing energy consumption and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the present invention provides a separation membrane for olefin separation comprising: aminated polymer, sulfonated polymer or mixtures thereof; and transition metal
Implementation Method 2
a method for separating olefin from the mixed gas of olefin and paraffin by using the separation membrane for olefin separation
Data Source
AI summary
A separation membrane for olefin separation and olefin separation method using the same are provided.