Development of gas separation system by membranes - Preliminary results of membranes characterization

Abstract

The huge natural gas found in Malaysia has necessitated research and development in new technologies of gas processing. Membranes technology is not only the latest and most advanced system but also requires less cost of maintenance. This paper presents the preliminary results of membrane characterization for CO2 separation from natural gas. It is a part of the overall project to develop CO2 gas separation system using membrane from natural gas funded by IRPA. Polymeric membrane suitable for gas separation was developed from polymer solution casted on glass plate. Phase inversion technique was then used which produced asymmetric membranes with a very thin skin on top of porous substrate. The asymmetric stucture is an essential properties for high flux and high selectivity required for gas separation. The membranes were then characterized in term of their structure using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). A gas permeation cell was then used to measure the pure gas permeation rates through the membranes. Preliminary results of membranes characterization show that asymmetric structure was successfully produced within layer of skin deposited on the porous substrate. However the skin thickness needs to be reduced before a good membrane performance can be obtained as evidenced by the flux measurement data obtained. Work is currently focused on the parameters such as temperature and annealing process which influenced the formation of ultra thin skin on top of porous substrate.