Silane-Treated Microporous Membranes for Oil-Water Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filtration membranes used for separating oil from water in oil and gas operations tend to foul over time, reducing their efficiency and flux rates, necessitating the development of membranes with improved anti-fouling properties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the treatment of microporous membranes with a silane-functional polyamine compound, which undergoes a condensation reaction with silica fillers to enhance the membrane's surface properties, preventing fouling and maintaining high flux rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If filtration membranes are used for separating oil from water, then separation efficiency is improved, but fouling occurs over time reducing flux rates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the membrane surface by introducing polar functional groups (amine, carboxyl, hydroxyl) through treatment with polar monomers and crosslinking agents. This modifies the surface energy and wettability parameters, making the surface more hydrophilic and less prone to oil fouling, thereby maintaining flux rates over extended periods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite membrane structure by combining the base microporous membrane with polar monomer layers and crosslinked functional layers. This multi-layer composite structure integrates the filtration capabilities of the base membrane with the anti-fouling properties of the polar functional layers, achieving both high flux and resistance to fouling
2Productivity
If filtration membranes are used for separating oil from water, then separation efficiency is improved, but practical lifetime is reduced due to fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary treatment to the membrane surface before use, incorporating polar monomers and crosslinking agents during manufacturing. This preliminary functionalization creates a fouling-resistant surface that prevents contaminant accumulation before it can reduce separation efficiency or require cleaning, thereby extending the membrane's practical lifetime
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of oil contact into a beneficial outcome by using controlled crosslinking reactions that occur upon exposure to moisture or heat. This transforms potential fouling damage into a permanent crosslinked structure that enhances anti-fouling properties and extends service life
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 treated membranes exhibit extended practical lifetimes with reduced fouling, improved flux rates, and robustness against cleaning procedures, maintaining pore integrity and efficiency in oil-water separation applications.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the membrane of (1) to conditions sufficient to effect a condensation reaction between the inorganic filler and the silane-functional polyamine compound
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a method for treating a surface of a filled microporous membrane. The microporous membrane includes a polyolefinic matrix, inorganic filler distributed throughout the matrix, and a network of interconnecting pores throughout the membrane. The method includes sequentially (1) contacting at least one surface of the membrane with a treatment composition of a silane-functional polyamine compound having at least one alkoxy silane group, such that the silane-functional polyamine compound is in intimate contact with the filler present in the matrix; and (2) subjecting the membrane of (1) to conditions sufficient to effect a condensation reaction between the inorganic filler and the silane-functional polyamine compound. Treated membranes also are provided.