Process for safe membrane operation
US5669959A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 23, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02C20/40
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process is disclosed for the shut-down of a membrane separation zone comprising a non-permeate side and a permeate side and processing a feed stream comprising a non-permeable component, a less-readily permeable, condensible component, and a readily permeable component. When the feed stream is not passed to the membrane separation zone, a purge stream is passed to the non-permeate side of the membrane separation zone to remove a residual gas stream and thereby prevent condensation of the less-readily permeable, condensible component upon depressurization and/or cooling of the membrane separation zone. The invention reduces the need for oversizing membrane system which reduces treating costs and prevents permeate damage to membrane surfaces caused by condensation of less-readily permeable, condensible components such as C.sub.6.sup.+ hydrocarbons.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.