Process for safe membrane operation
US7329306B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S55/25
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process is disclosed for 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, condensable 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 to remove a residual gas stream and thereby prevent condensation of the less-readily permeable, condensable component upon depressurization and/or cooling of the membrane separation zone. This purge stream is provided by taking a feed stream, lowering its pressure which leads to cooling and then passing the cooled stream through a gas-liquid separator to removed condensed liquids. The need is reduced for oversizing membrane system which reduces treating costs and prevents permeate damage to membrane surfaces caused by condensation of less-readily permeable, condensable components such as C6+ hydrocarbons.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.