Gas Separation in a Membrane Unit: Experimental Results and Theoretical Predictions

Abstract A laboratory membrane separation unit was assembled by using composite hollow fibers. It was tested in an automated apparatus for gas separation measurements. The performances of the system were measured for CH4/CO2 mixtures as functions of temperature, pressure, stage cut, feed gas composition, and flow regime. The results were analyzed on the basis of a predictive mathematical model of the process. A good fitting of the data was obtained in most cases except at high pressure, probably as a consequence of structural changes of the active layer of the fibers under pressurization.