TARGETING THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEMBRANES FOR GAS SEPARATION

This paper presents the new concept of 'Targeting' the properties of n ew membrane materials. Cost parameters are defined in terms of effecti ve selectivity and cost permeability. These new parameters, obtained f rom the analysis of membrane plant suppliers' bids, are used in a proc edure which determines the optimal degree of separation and recovery. The use of the targeting methods is illustrated here in the developmen t of new membranes for the separation of CO from an H-2/CO syngas for the large-scale manufacture of acetic acid. The targeting approach can be extended to include other gas separation technologies and will aid the development of a generic methodology for the design of gas separa tion processes.