Chemical Engineering Seminar - Merging Fundamental Science and Engineering to Introduce Advanced Membranes in Large Scale Gas Purifications

Abundant natural gas has recently provided new opportunities for the chemical processing industry in so-called “upstream” and “downstream” hydrocarbon process sectors. Upstream processes refer to extraction and production of raw materials, while downstream processes refer to those closer to the end user or consumer. Although current technology is effective in both sectors, it still relies primarily upon energy-intensive processes for key separations. This presentation will explain why advanced polymer-derived membranes, in asymmetric hollow fiber forms, can provide significant positive changes across the separation spectrum to reduce energy intensity and carbon dioxide emissions. To achieve such changes, merging fundamental science and engineering principles to translate different polymer-derived membrane materials into practical modules is necessary and will be described. Challenges and opportunities to actually introduce such membranes in large-scale processes will also be considered.