Integral sweep controller for gas membrane separation device

US7938884B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SPX Corporation · US

Inventors

• Darrin Barnette · Via Enrico Fermi, US
• Timothy Fox · Brookfield, US
• Mark F. Honath · Robinson Township, US
• Craig J. Cuta · White Bear Lake, US
• Carl M. Geisz · Edina, US
• John H. Burban · Lauderdale, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 30, 2008
• Grant date: May 10, 2011
• Expiry date: Jul 6, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S55/17
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the amount of purging that occurs within a membrane separation device. The membrane separation device includes a membrane separation component and sweep controlling component. Within the membrane separation component, a major portion of the non-permeate gas is sent out of the membrane separation device to work, while a minor portion is diverted for use as a sweep gas. The sweep gas is controlled by a valve that cycles with a device, such as a compressor. Thus, the membrane separation device is on when the compressor is on and is off when the compressor is off. As such, the membrane separation device is not required to sweep at all times.