Dewatering Membrane for Hazy Hydrodesulfurization Unit Effluents

Many refinery product streams, particularly those from Ultra Low Hydrodesulfurisation units, are prone to haze due to water emulsions. Haze is also problematic for biodiesel production, as hazy fuel cannot be used until the haze settles or is removed, which creates costly scheduling and shipping delays. This project will develop a novel membrane process for the removal of dissolved and dispersed water from fuels in real time. In Phase I, the membrane was developed and feasibility was demonstrated on multiple fuels. An economic evaluation showed that the cost of dewatering with the membranes would be very attractive. Phase II will involve the fabrication of both a small scale (e.g., 1-5 ft2) laboratory prototype and a large commercial size unit (e.g., 50 ft2). Based on the Phase I study, the long term performance of the membrane modules (both the laboratory and field unit) will be enhanced, and performance over a four-year lifetime will be demonstrated. Dewatering tests will be conducted both at the laboratory and in conjunction with industry partners at an existing field site. With the data collected, detailed engineering and economic evaluations will be conducted, and a comparison will be made with alternative non-membrane dehydrating processes. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The membrane technology should have a large impact on a number of areas of interest to the Department of Energy. In addition to haze removal from fuel, applications include enhancing chemical reactors by removing by-product water, drying pipeline ethanol and other organics, and stabilizing hydraulic fluid by removing water.