Future Directions of Membrane Gas Separation Technology

Abstract

During the past 20 years, sales of membrane gas separation equipment have grown to become a $150 million/year business. More than 90% of this business involves the separation of noncondensable gases: nitrogen from air; carbon dioxide from methane; and hydrogen from nitrogen, argon, or methane. However, a much larger potential market for membrane gas separation lies in separating mixtures containing condensable gases such as the C3+ hydrocarbons from methane or hydrogen, propylene from propane, and n-butane from isobutane. These applications require the development of new membranes and processes. In this review, the existing gas separation applications are surveyed, and the expected growth of these and potential new applications of gas separation membranes over the next 20 years are described. The improvements in gas separation technology needed to produce these changes in the membrane industry are also discussed.