The effect of operating conditions on the performance of hollow fiber membrane modules for CO2/N2 separation

A commercialized polysulfone (PSf) hollow-fiber membrane module was tested for CO2/N-2 separation performance for application in post-combustion capture. Cost efficiency, easy module manufacturing, and efficiency in gas separation are the main advantages of using PSf hollow-fiber modules for CO2 separation. The effects of operating conditions such as temperature, pressure, and feed composition on separation performance were examined at various stage cuts. A 2-stage system including concentration of feed composition at stage 1 and production of high-purity CO2 at stage 2 was constructed to improve separation efficiency. Higher operating temperature and pressure increased CO2 permeance, but the loss of selectivity and higher energy consumption are a concern. Modules with various membrane areas were also used to test the effect of area on CO2 separation. (C) 2011 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.