Process and Apparatus for Separation of Components of a Gas Stream.
Abstract not provided.
Bryan, Charles R.↗
SEARCH · Engineering Papers
Results for “SEPARATION PROCESSES”
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Zeolite membranes, molecular separation methods, and manufacturing processes for zeolite membranes
Disclosed are methods of manufacturing a zeolite membrane, comprising: providing at least one porous substrate; and coating the at least one porous substrate with a membrane. In some embodiments, the method further comprises hydrothermally treating the membrane with a first hydrothermal treatment step with tetrapropylammonium fluoride (TPAF) and a second hydrothermal treatment step with tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEAOH). In some embodiments, coating the substrate with a membrane comprises surrounding at least a portion of the at least one porous substrate with a precursor gel, the gel comprising a gel phase and a plurality of CHA or MFI crystals; heating the at least one porous substrate and the precursor gel; washing the at least one porous substrate; drying the at least one porous substrate; and calcining the at least one porous substrate.
Nair, Sankar↗
Mass transfer apparatus and method for separation of gases
A process and apparatus for separating components of a source gas is provided in which more soluble components of the source gas are dissolved in an aqueous solvent at high pressure. The system can utilize hydrostatic pressure to increase solubility of the components of the source gas. The apparatus includes gas recycle throughout multiple mass transfer stages to improve mass transfer of the targeted components from the liquid to gas phase. Separated components can be recovered for use in a value added application or can be processed for long-term storage, for instance in an underwater reservoir.
03 NATURAL GAS↗
Mass transfer apparatus and method for separation of gases
A process and apparatus for separating components of a source gas is provided in which more soluble components of the source gas are dissolved in an aqueous solvent at high pressure. The system can utilize hydrostatic pressure to increase solubility of the components of the source gas. The apparatus includes gas recycle throughout multiple mass transfer stages to improve mass transfer of the targeted components from the liquid to gas phase. Separated components can be recovered for use in a value added application or can be processed for long-term storage, for instance in an underwater reservoir.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
Effects of chemical composition of fly ash on efficiency of metal separation in ash-melting of municipal solid waste
Highlights: ► Separation of Pb and Zn from Fe and Cu in ash-melting of municipal solid waste. ► Molar ratio of Cl to Na and K in fly ash affected the metal-separation efficiency. ► The low molar ratio and a non-oxidative atmosphere were better for the separation. - Abstract: In the process of metal separation by ash-melting, Fe and Cu in the incineration residue remain in the melting furnace as molten metal, whereas Pb and Zn in the residue are volatilized. This study investigated the effects of the chemical composition of incineration fly ash on the metal-separation efficiency of the ash-melting process. Incineration fly ash with different chemical compositions was melted with bottom ash in a lab-scale reactor, and the efficiency with which Pb and Zn were volatilized preventing the volatilization of Fe and Cu was evaluated. In addition, the behavior of these metals was simulated by thermodynamic equilibrium calculations. Depending on the exhaust gas treatment system used in the incinerator, the relationships among Na, K, and Cl concentrations in the incineration fly ash differed, which affected the efficiency of the metal separation. The amounts of Fe and Cu volatilized decreased by the decrease in the molar ratio of Cl to Na and K in the ash, promoting metal separation. The thermodynamic simulation predicted that the chlorination volatilization of Fe and Cu was prevented by the decrease in the molar ratio, as mentioned before. By melting incineration fly ash with the low molar ratio in a non-oxidative atmosphere, most of the Pb and Zn in the ash were volatilized leaving behind Fe and Cu.
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
Vibrational Spectroscopy of Chromatographic Interfaces
Chromatographic separations play a central role in DOE-supported fundamental research related to energy, biological systems, the environment, and nuclear science. The overall portfolio of research activities in the Separations and Analysis Program within the DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences includes support for activities designed to develop a molecular-level understanding of the chemical processes that underlie separations for both large-scale and analytical-scale purposes. The research effort funded by this grant award was a continuation of DOE-supported research to develop vibrational spectroscopic methods to characterize the interfacial details of separations processes at a molecular level.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Ni-H2 cell separator matrix engineering
This project was initiated to develop alternative separator materials to the previously used asbestos matrices which were removed from the market for health and environmental reasons. The objective of the research was to find a material or combination of materials that had the following characteristics: (1) resistant to the severe conditions encountered in Ni-H2 cells; (2) satisfactory electrical, electrolyte management, and thermal management properties to function properly; (3) environmentally benign; and (4) capable of being manufactured into a separator matrix. During the course of the research it was discovered that separators prepared from wettable polyethylene fibers along and in combination with potassium titanate pigment performed satisfactory in preliminary characterization tests. Further studies lead to the optimization of the separator composition and manufacturing process. Single ply separator sheets were manufactured with 100 percent polyethylene fibers and also with a combination of polyethylene fibers and potassium titanate pigment (PKT) in the ratio of 60 percent PKT and 40 percent fibers. A pilot paper machine was used to produce the experimental separator material by a continuous, wet laid process. Both types of matrices were produced at several different area densities (grams/sq m).
Scott, W. E.↗
Novel Zwitterionic Chromatography to Separate Lithium from Unconventional Resources
Since lithium (Li) is a key element for clean energy technologies, the global lithium demand is anticipated to increase rapidly. As a result, efficient lithium extraction technologies that allow the exploitation of unconventional lithium resources, such as geothermal brines and inland brine streams, are essentially needed to meet the Li demand and keep supply chains stable. However, because of low Li concentration, low ratio of Li/Mg or Li/Ca, and complex feed compositions in these feedstocks, using conventional hydrometallurgy or current Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) processes are often chemical-intensive, requiring substantial amounts of reagent chemicals to recover Li at scale, resulting in large chemical footprints. Therefore, we developed a novel Zwitterionic Chromatography (ZIC) process to separate Li from these resources. Because Li can be partitioned from divalent salts on ZIC under water elution without using chemicals, exploiting the unconventional resources via a ZIC approach can be environmentally benign and sustainable. In this work, we will present the development of the ZIC process for DLE applications. Simulation studies for the Li separation mechanism in ZIC and the demonstration of a continuous ZIC process to separate Li from domestic inland brine and mining wastewater will be presented. Finally, the chemical and energy footprints of ZIC in comparison to other DLE processes will be discussed.
09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
Efficient separation and coprecipitation for simplified cathode recycling
Hydrometallurgical recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries is among the most promising recovery approaches. The current hydrometallurgical method for battery recycling faces challenges such as complex separation and precipitation processes, and environmental concerns from the use of caustic inorganic acid and hazardous hydrogen peroxide. Our proposed modified method, namely polyol-metallurgy, uses citric acid in ethylene glycol as dual-function green solution to overcome these obstacles. This bifunctional solution leaches valuable metal ions from cathode materials (e.g., LiCoO 2 ), and then acts as chelating agents to selectively precipitate cobalt through an esterification reaction, without the need for additional precipitation agents. The leaching efficiency of cobalt and lithium reaches 99.55% and 97.65%, respectively, and more than 96% of cobalt could be directly self-precipitated and recovered. Further, the unique characteristics of the dual-function solution also avoids impurities from Al foils and PVDF/carbon black films, enabling the simple separation process. Therefore, the process can be completed in one-pot system with efficient leaching, separation and coprecipitation, making it more efficient and feasible for operation than existing alternatives.
25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
Towards single-species selectivity of membranes with subnanometre pores
Synthetic membranes with pores at the subnanometre scale are at the core of processes for separating solutes from water, such as water purification and desalination. While these membrane processes have achieved substantial industrial success, the capability of state-of-the-art membranes to selectively separate a single solute from a mixture of solutes is limited. Such high-precision separation would enable fit-for-purpose treatment, improving the sustainability of current water-treatment processes and opening doors for new applications of membrane technologies. In this paper, we introduce the challenges of state-of-the-art membranes with subnanometre pores to achieve high selectivity between solutes. Here, we then analyse experimental and theoretical literature to discuss the molecular-level mechanisms that contribute to energy barriers for solute transport through subnanometre pores. We conclude by providing principles and guidelines for designing next-generation single-species selective membranes that are inspired by ion-selective biological channels.
42 ENGINEERING↗
Membrane-based solvent extraction for the recovery of rare earths from phosphate mining process streams
This study reports on the capture of rare earth elements (REEs) from phosphate industry process streams, including phosphoric acid (PA) sludge and phosphogypsum (PG), using a membrane solvent extraction (MSX) process. While MSX has been proven effective for a relatively concentrated feed, its effectiveness for dilute REEs solutions remains unexplored. Investigated PA-sludge and PG particles contain total REEs concentrations of ∼1100 and ∼320 ppm, respectively. Acid leaching, implemented to dissolve the REEs, significantly dilutes the REEs concentration to ∼210 ppm for PA-sludge leachate and ∼60 ppm for PG leachate. These low concentrations, compounded by the higher levels of non-REE ions and radioactive species, uranium (U) and thorium (Th), poses challenges to the MSX process. Here, we demonstrated that N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyl-diglycolamide (TODGA) selectively binds REEs from a >3 M nitric-acid leachate while effectively rejecting U and Th. Concentrations of light REEs in strip solution were doubled compared to the feed, while heavy REEs were preferentially extracted. Furthermore, >99% purity gypsum, free of U and Th, was precipitated during the acid leaching process, aiding separation by removing significant amounts of non-REEs species (e.g., calcium) prior to the MSX process. Molecular simulations support the experimental data, suggesting preferential separation of heavy over light REEs. Based on these results, a cost-effective integrated process including pretreatment, acid leaching, MSX, and wastewater treatment is proposed for the co-recovery of REEs, phosphoric acid, gypsum, and U. This study shows MSX as a technically and economically feasible process for the recovery of REEs from low-concentration process streams, offering advantages over conventional solvent extraction.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Advanced Mineral Extraction and Water Processing: Application Development of Mesofluidic Separation Technology
This project explored the development of mesofluidic devices and methods to provide a range of new capabilities with a focus on selective mineral extraction and cost-effective water treatment systems. Mineral separation and water treatment technologies are typically slow, bulky, expensive, time and energy intensive processes. This leads to very large, expensive processing plants that are often inefficient and produce low quality products and large volumes of waste. Technologies used in mineral extraction and water treatment have changed little in the last 50-100 years. The new technology, based upon mesofluidic separation devices, could disruptively change the state of the art and alter long established economics. The new technologies explored will provide systems with much smaller footprints, higher throughput, modular components easily integrated into existing industrial processes and plants, lower cost, and novel separation capabilities. The results from this effort contributed to a wide range of new capabilities and numerous inventions disclosures.
42 ENGINEERING↗
Ultra-Fine Grain Structures Of Model Al-Mg-Si Alloys Produced By Hydrostatic Extrusion
Microstructure and mechanical properties were studied in model Al-Mg-Si alloys (Al-1 % Mg-0.8% Si and Al-0.5% Mg-0.3% Si-wt %) deformed by hydrostatic extrusion (HE) to strains of 1.4 and 3.8. In these alloys the different percentage of two hardening second-phase precipitates (Mg{sub 2}Si and Si) were observed. The microstructure was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The microstructure of the alloys in the initial state was built of coarse grains of an average diameter of {approx}30 rim. The refined microstructure was examined qualitatively and quantitatively using the stereological method and a computer image analysis. The deformation-processed structures evolved very rapidly, forming ultrafine grained (UFG) materials with grains of about 0.4 {mu}m. In addition, the grain refinement in the HE-treated materials has a substantial effect on their properties, such as the mechanical strength and micro-hardness which increase significantly. It has been found that, after {epsilon} = 3.8 in the Al-1% Mg-0.8% Si alloy, the micro-hardness increases approximately twofold. The yield stress is more than four times higher in the UFG alloys, in comparison to the initial state. Similar results were identified in the Al-0.5% Mg-0.3% Si. This is due to the very rapid refinement of the microstructure during the deformation and presence of second-phase particles.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Integration of human sleep-wake regulation and circadian rhythmicity
The human sleep-wake cycle is generated by a circadian process, originating from the suprachiasmatic nuclei, in interaction with a separate oscillatory process: the sleep homeostat. The sleep-wake cycle is normally timed to occur at a specific phase relative to the external cycle of light-dark exposure. It is also timed at a specific phase relative to internal circadian rhythms, such as the pineal melatonin rhythm, the circadian sleep-wake propensity rhythm, and the rhythm of responsiveness of the circadian pacemaker to light. Variations in these internal and external phase relationships, such as those that occur in blindness, aging, morning and evening, and advanced and delayed sleep-phase syndrome, lead to sleep disruptions and complaints. Changes in ocular circadian photoreception, interindividual variation in the near-24-h intrinsic period of the circadian pacemaker, and sleep homeostasis can contribute to variations in external and internal phase. Recent findings on the physiological and molecular-genetic correlates of circadian sleep disorders suggest that the timing of the sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythms is closely integrated but is, in part, regulated differentially.
Review↗
CO2 Capture Using Electrical Energy: Electrochemically Mediated Separation for Carbon Capture and Mitigation
IMPACCT Project: MIT and Siemens Corporation are developing a process to separate CO2 from the exhaust of coal-fired power plants by using electrical energy to chemically activate and deactivate sorbents, or materials that absorb gases. The team found that certain sorbents bond to CO2 when they are activated by electrical energy and then transported through a specialized separator that deactivates the molecule and releases it for storage. This method directly uses the electricity from the power plant, which is a more efficient but more expensive form of energy than heat, though the ease and simplicity of integrating it into existing coal-fired power plants reduces the overall cost of the technology. This process could cost as low as $31 per ton of CO2 stored.
ARPA-E↗
Solid–liquid separation of lignocellulosic sugars from biomass by rotating ceramic disc filtration
In many biomass conversion processes, the separation of cellulosic sugars from residual, lignin-rich solids is a critical step, and achieving high recovery yields of sugars by conventional tangential crossflow and vacuum filtration is challenged by the presence of biomass solids, which rapidly foul filters, resulting in decreased throughput. Considering the performance limitations of traditional filtration methods, dynamic filtration, which generates high shear at the membrane surface to decrease fouling, is emerging as a viable alternative for demanding solid–liquid separations. For high solids separations, there is little available information regarding the performance, limitations, and energy consumption of dynamic filtration. To that end, here we characterized the performance of a dynamic filtration module, specifically a rotating ceramic disc (RCD) filter, for the aseptic recovery of cellulosic sugars from biomass solids following pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. We show how RCD rotational velocity and percent biomass solids impact the filter throughput. Additionally, we used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to estimate the shear rate at the membrane surface and to visualize hydrodynamic profiles within the module. With the combined CFD simulations and experimental results, we estimated the energy demand and operating expenses for a viable dynamic filtration system operating with a lignocellulosic feed slurry. Our results indicate that an RCD filter can achieve ≥95% recovery of sugars and produce a retentate slurry containing 12 wt% insoluble solids with low energy consumption (a 2.2-fold improvement over cross-flow filtration) and low operating costs ($\$$0.06 per kg sugars). These results show a viable path towards operationally reliable, energy efficient, and cost-effective separations of sterilized cellulosic sugars from biomass solids and highlight the potential of dynamic filtration systems for challenging solid–liquid separations.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Sustainable Triacetic Acid Lactone Production from Sugarcane by Fermentation and Crystallization
Triacetic acid lactone (TAL) has the potential to serve as a bioderived platform chemical for commercial products including sorbic acid and recyclable polydiketoenamine plastics. In this study, we leveraged BioSTEAM to design, simulate, and evaluate (via techno-economic analysis, TEA, and life cycle assessment, LCA) TAL production from sugarcane. We experimentally characterized TAL solubility, calibrated solubility models, and designed a process to separate TAL from fermentation broths by crystallization. The biorefinery could produce TAL at a minimum product selling price (MPSP) of $\$3.73$–5.86·kg –1 (5th–95th percentiles; baseline at $\$4.60$·kg –1 ) and a carbon intensity (CI) of 5.31 [2.60–8.71] kg CO 2 -eq·kg –1 , which could enable financially viable, low-CI production of sorbic acid and polydiketoenamines. To drive down costs and CI, we explored the theoretical fermentation space (titer, yield, productivity combinations), operation scheduling and capacity expansion strategies (e.g., integrated sorghum processing), and potential separation improvements (mitigating TAL loss through pH control). Advancements in key design and technological parameters could further reduce MPSP by 51% to $\$2.26$·kg –1 [$\$1.97$–2.80·kg –1 ] and CI by 43% to 3.05 [1.91–4.15] kg CO 2 -eq·kg –1 . This research highlights the ability of agile TEA-LCA to screen promising designs, navigate sustainability trade-offs, prioritize research needs, and chart quantitative roadmaps to advance bioproducts and biofuels.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Gate-to-Gate Life Cycle Analysis Model of Enhanced Oil Recovery [Slides]
A gate-to-gate life cycle analysis (LCA) model was created to quantify the environmental impacts of the various processes associated with enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The following unit processes are accounted for in this analysis: injection and recovery, bulk separation and storage, gas separation, supporting processes, and land use. This analysis used an LCA approach for developing data and EOR and gas processing. The energy and material flows for key processes within the gate-to-gate boundaries of the EOR site were calculated. These processes were then compiled in a model that scaled the flows between processes to arrive at an inventory of environmental burdens on a common basis (e.g., 1 barrel of crude produced via EOR).
02 PETROLEUM↗