PermyleneTM membrane technology: An efficient approach to separate propylene from propane

PermyleneTM demonstration system (PDS), a membrane-based pilot unit for olefin/paraffin separation, is designed and fabricated by Imtex Membranes Corp. (Imtex). The PDS, equipped with pilot-scale PermyleneTM elements, is capable of treating up to 3 kg/h of olefin/paraffin mixture. The PDS unit is installed in Imtex's testing lab in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Various plant-collected and lab-blended olefin/paraffin mixtures involving ethylene/ethane (C2), propylene/propane (C3), and butene/butane (C4) have been assessed on the unit. This paper is focused on the application of PDS for C3 separation, and a series of remarkable performances that have been achieved by the PermyleneTM membrane and PDS unit. Propylene purity of over 98.5 vol% in the permeate/product stream has been reached over a wide range of propylene recovery rates, which could offer significant flexibility to meet various industrial operation conditions. Furthermore, the PDS unit demonstrates its stability and efficiency with 1200 hrs of continuous C3 permeation. Finally, a case study of recovering 90 % of propylene from 15,000 kg/h of C3 is performed to estimate energy consumption in commercial applications. The energy consumption of the PermyleneTM process is calculated and compared with that of the distillation process. The result indicates that the energy consumption in PDS is extremely low, equal to only 8 % of that required in distillation. The study undeniably validates PermyleneTM's remarkable capability for C3 separation, highlighting its potential as a viable and energy-efficient alternative to traditional distillation.

Automated summary

The PermyleneTM demonstration system (PDS) is a membrane-based pilot unit designed for olefin/paraffin separation. This system has shown remarkable performance in C3 separation, achieving high propylene purity and low energy consumption.