Economic response models for membrane design

Membrane processes are typically analyzed to determine the most energy efficient and cost effective configurations and operating conditions. This can be achieved through simulation and optimization to identify the optimal designs for each case. In this study, a new approach is suggested for the visual analysis and comparison of the economic performance of different membrane configurations. The new methodology generates response surfaces for each configuration that can be used to show ranges of possible solutions. These solution surfaces can then be compared to show the conditions, under which each configuration become beneficial. This is demonstrated here through a case study using hollow fiber membrane separation systems to reduce the concentrations of CO2 in natural gas.