Grantee Research Project Results

Removal of Volatile Organic Compounds From Gaseous Effluent Streams by Novel Perfluoromembranes

EPA Contract Number: 68D40073
Title: Removal of Volatile Organic Compounds From Gaseous Effluent Streams by Novel Perfluoromembranes
Investigators: Nemser, Stuart
Small Business: Compact Membrane Systems Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: II
Project Period: September 1, 1994 through June 1, 1999
Project Amount: $165,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (1994) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , Air Quality and Air Toxics

Description:

New regulations are requiring the control (abatement or recovery) of dilute (1000 ppm) volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Conventional technologies (thermal oxidation, catalytic oxidation, carbon adsorption and first generation membrane technologies) have significant limitations applied to dilute VOC streams.

The object of this project is to develop a perfluoromembrane based module for controlling VOC emissions, especially dilute streams. These perfluoromembranes are based on unique permeation features which retain VOC while rapidly transporting air. These perfluoro-membranes will be able to operate on a wide range of VOCs. These membranes are uniquely qualified to handle both small volume streams (<30,000 scfh) and low concentration VOC (1000 ppm). They can be used as free-standing systems and are most attractive in combination with either first generation membranes or thermal or catalytic oxidation.

The Phase I research demonstrated:

1. feasibility of fabricating high productivity membranes,
   
2. the needed air/VOC selectivity, and
   
3. value versus conventional control technologies.

Using commercially available materials, the Phase II research will focus on:

1. scale-up of the membrane modules,
   
2. doing in-house pilot testing,
   
3. doing field testing, and
   
4. expanding the economic evaluation.

Supplemental Keywords:

VOC, Membrane, Emissions, Abatement., Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Air, Scientific Discipline, Toxics, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Chemical Engineering, Engineering, Civil Engineering, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Chemistry, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, VOCs, cleaner production/pollution prevention, air toxics, Environmental Engineering, perfluoromembranes, treatment, VOC removal, VOC recovery, abatement, gaseous effluent streams, perfluormembranes, membrane technology , Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Progress and Final Reports:

Final

SBIR Phase I:

Removal of Volatile Organic Compounds From Gaseous Effluent Streams by Novel Perfluoromembranes