Multilayer Composite Membranes for Upgrading Acid-Rich Natural Gas

70317S02-II About 17% of known U.S. natural gas reserves are subquality due to a high carbon dioxide content. Membrane separation would be an attractive technology to remove this carbon dioxide if more robust membranes with higher selectivities and fluxes were available. This project will develop a new type of perfluorinated polymer membrane that has exceptional permeation characteristics and is resistant to plasticization and attack by higher hydrocarbons, aromatics, and other liquids. Phase I developed membranes with fluxes that were 10 times higher than those of current carbon dioxide separation membranes. Membrane modules were evaluated in the laboratory and at a natural gas processing plant. The results were outstanding. In Phase II, these membranes will be scaled up to industrial scale and evaluated in pilot-scale systems at two natural gas processing plants. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: Currently, membrane separation has only 3-5% share of the total carbon dioxide/natural gas separation market. Improved membranes would lower the cost of membrane processes and substantially increase the membrane market share.