Research into an Asymmetric Membrane Hollow Fiber Device for Oxygen Enriched Air Production. Phase 2, Final Report

摘要

Oxygen enriched air (OEA) combustion is a major potential energy conservation measure for American Industry. Enrichment of oxygen content in air to the range of 30% to 35% during combustion benefits energy conservation in two ways. First, it leads to higher flame temperatures which in turn result in higher heat transfer rates with a concomitant reduction in process time requirements. Second, the parasitic nitrogen volume to be heated and subsequently vented at elevated temperatures is lowered. Implementation of oxygen enriched air process modifications in the combustion area will require an economical method of increasing the oxygen concentration in the intake air. Membrane processes are characteristically simple, continuous in operation and potentially highly economical to operate. Due to their modular nature, membrane systems can meet the needs of both the small and the large scale user of oxygen enriched air. In this program a semi-permeable polymeric membrane system which overcomes the limitations of prior membrane technology has been developed for oxygen enrichment. In Phase I of this program, laboratory-scale hollow fiber membrane cartridges were developed and an economic analysis model was formulated. In this second phase of the program the hollow fiber membranes were optimized and full-scale cartridges capable of producing about 2 SCFM of 35% oxygen (25 C, compression ratio of 5, 25% conversion) have been fabricated. Actual performance data have been used to update the captial and operating costs model. This report presents the objectives and results of the second phase of this program, including the updated economic analysis. 5 refs., 18 figs., 13 tabs. (ERA citation 11:015594)