Gas transport and separation with ceramic membranes: Part I: Multilayer diffusion and capillary condensation

R.J.R. Uhlhorn, K. Keizer*, A.J. Burggraaf

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

169 Citations (Scopus)
314 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Multilayer diffusion and capillary condensation of propylene on supported γ-alumina films greatly improved the permeability and selectivity. Multilayer diffusion, occurring at relative pressures of 0.4 to 0.8 strongly increased the permeability of 6 times the Knudsen permeability, yielding permeabilities of 3.2 × 10−5 mol/m2-sec-Pa. The occurrence of a maximum in the permeability coincides with blocking of the pore by adsorbate (capillary condensation). This point could be predicted, employing adsorption data and the slit shape form of the pore. Separation factors of 27 were obtained with a N2---N3H6 mixture and a supported γ-alumina film, with C3H6 the preferentially permeating component. This very effective separation is due to pore blocking by adsorbate. The separation factor increased to 85 after modification of the system with magnesia by the reservoir method. However, the permeability of propylene decreased by a factor of 20 to 1.6 × 10−6 mol/m2-sec-Pa.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)259-269
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of membrane science
Volume66
Issue number2-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1992

Keywords

  • Ceramic membranes
  • Diffusion
  • Gas and vapor permeation
  • Gas separations

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