A Two-dimensional analysis of membrane thickness in a hollow-fiber-contained liquid membrane permeator

Abstract

For theoretical calculation of effective liquid membrane thickness in a hollow-fiber-contained liquid membrane gas permeator, a two-dimensional diffusion equation model is presented. Four possible feed-sweep fiber configurations have been investigated. Pure component permeation and multicomponent gas mixture separation have been modelled, taking into account the pressure variation inside the feed and the sweep fibers. Using water as liquid membrane, pure CO2 permeation and three-component gas separation experiments with a number of CO2-N2 feed gas mixtures and a pure helium sweep gas have been carried out to verify the mathematical models. Effects of hollow fiber size and packing density on the liquid membrane thickness have been analyzed. © 1989.