CO2 plasticization resistance membrane for natural gas sweetening process: defining optimum operating conditions for stable operation

Abstract

Membranes with a stable performance during the natural gas sweetening process application are highly demanded. This subject has been immensely explored due to several challenges faced by conventionally used polymeric membranes, especially the high tendency of plasticization and physical aging. In this study, polysulfone (PSf) hollow-fiber membrane was formulated and tested for its application in natural gas sweetening based on several compositions of CO2/CH4 mixed gas. The effects of operating conditions such as pressure, temperature and CO2 feed composition on separation performance were analyzed. The findings showed that the formulated membrane exhibited decreasing CO2 permeation trend with the increase in pressure. Conversely, the increase in operating temperature boosted the CO2 permeation. High productivity can be attained at higher operating temperatures with a reduction in product purity. Interestingly, since PSf has higher plasticization pressure, it was not affected by the change in CO2 percentage up to 70% CO2. The experimental study showed that the membrane material formulated in this study can be potentially evaluated at the field stage. Longer testing duration is needed with the real feed gas, appropriate pre-treatment based on the material limitations, and optimum operating conditions at the site to further confirm the membrane’s long-term lifetime, resistance, and stability.