The hindering effect of adsorbed components on the permeation of a non-adsorbing component through a microporous silicalite membrane: The potential barrier theory

A potential barrier model is proposed to describe the hindering effect of l ight hydrocarbons on the permeation of hydrogen through a microporous silic alite membrane. The model, which only requires independent data on the perm eance of pure hydrogen and the adsorption equilibrium isotherms of the ligh t hydrocarbons has been tested on binary experimental systems that include H-2/CH4, H-2/C2H6, H-2/C3H8 and H-2/n-C4H10. The substantial reduction in t he permeance of hydrogen in the presence of the light hydrocarbons is descr ibed successfully over a temperature range of 20-60 degrees C and with feed pressures up to 850 kPa. The model is also capable of predicting the subst antial reduction in the permeance of hydrogen in an experimental system tha t included the three lightest hydrocarbons. (C) 1949 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.