Separation Membrane with Metal Cations for Methane-Nitrogen Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating methane and nitrogen are inadequate due to the similar molecular diameters of the two gases, resulting in insufficient separation performance.
Innovation Solution
A separation membrane structure with an average pore diameter of 0.32 nm to 0.44 nm, incorporating a porous support and a separation membrane with metal cations or complexes that preferentially adsorb nitrogen, allowing selective permeation of nitrogen over methane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional separation methods (molecular sieve, pressure swing adsorption, or membrane separation using CHA-type zeolite, DDR type zeolite, or organic membrane) are used, then the separation process can be implemented, but the separation performance is insufficient due to the close molecular diameters of methane and nitrogen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pore diameter parameter of the separation membrane to a specific range (0.32 nm to 0.44 nm) that is optimized for separating methane and nitrogen. This parameter change allows the membrane to effectively distinguish between the two gases based on their molecular sizes, achieving satisfactory separation performance where conventional methods failed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite membrane structure combining a porous support with a separation membrane layer containing metal cations or complexes. This composite material approach enhances the separation capability by integrating the mechanical strength of the porous support with the selective adsorption properties of the metal-containing separation membrane, achieving effective methane-nitrogen separation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the pore diameter is reduced to achieve better separation, then separation performance improves, but permeation rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the pore diameter parameter within the range of 0.32 nm to 0.44 nm, which is large enough to allow sufficient permeation rate but small enough to achieve effective separation between methane and nitrogen. This optimized parameter range resolves the contradiction between separation performance and permeation rate by finding the optimal balance point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces metal cations or complexes at specific locations within the separation membrane to enhance nitrogen adsorption. This local modification creates regions with high nitrogen selectivity while maintaining the overall pore structure that allows adequate permeation, thus improving separation performance without significantly reducing permeation rate.
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 efficiently separates methane and nitrogen, achieving satisfactory separation performance and permeation rates by inhibiting methane permeation while allowing nitrogen to pass through.
Implementation Method 1
The separation membrane includes at least one of a metal cation or a metal complex that tends to adsorb nitrogen in comparison to methane
Implementation Method 2
The separation membrane has an average pore diameter of greater than or equal to 0.32 nm and less than or equal to 0.44 nm
Implementation Method 3
a separation membrane formed on the porous support. The separation membrane has an average pore diameter of greater than or equal to 0.32 nm and less than or equal to 0.44 nm
Data Source
AI summary
A separation membrane structure comprises a porous support, and a separation membrane formed on the porous support. The separation membrane has an average pore diameter of greater than or equal to 0.32 nm and less than or equal to 0.44 nm. The separation membrane includes addition of at least one of a metal cation or a metal complex that tends to adsorb nitrogen in comparison to methane.