Effect of fiber variation on the performance of cross-flow hollow fiber gas separation modules

A quantitative analysis of the effects of variable fiber properties on the performance of a cross-flow hollow fiber gas separation module is presented . The effects of variations in size, permeance, and selectivity are conside red. Fiber variability is detrimental to performance. The recovery and flow rate of an enriched retemtate stream decrease as variability increases. So me fibers may actually stop producing product as purity increases. Addition ally, performance is poorer if the permeate from all fibers is not well mix ed. The results of this work can be used to determine quality control guide lines for fiber manufacture and evaluate process enhancements. (C) 1999 Els evier Science B.V. All rights reserved.