Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Solvent Nanofiltration Using Low-Cost Inorganic Membrane Modules
EPA Contract Number: 68D99037Title: Solvent Nanofiltration Using Low-Cost Inorganic Membrane Modules
Investigators: Higgins, Richard J.
Small Business: CeraMem Corporation
EPA Contact:
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1999 through March 1, 2000
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1999) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Pollution Prevention , Nanotechnology , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
The overall objective of this Phase I SBIR program was to fabricate prototype inorganic nanofiltration (NF) membrane modules and demonstrate their separation capabilities for solutes of ca. 1,000 D molecular weight. The ultimate objective of the program is development and demonstration of large-scale, low-cost fully inorganic NF membrane modules using SiC monoliths. Such modules would have associated costs that are several times lower than commercialized inorganic NF membrane modules and would be suitable for a broader range of applications (especially those involving organic solvents) than polymeric NF modules.Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
Underlying membrane structures consisting of MF, coarse UF, and fine UF layers were identified to be suitable to provide the desired surface characteristics for deposition of thin, defect-free NF membranes. The NF membranes synthesized on tubular supports have a retention of 83% and a permeate flux of ~5 l/[m2-h-bar] for solutions containing PEG of 1000 D molecular weight, approaching the technical objectives of this Phase I program.Conclusions:
The results of this Phase I program demonstrated strong feasibility for the fabrication of low-cost inorganic solvent nanofiltration membrane modules with high-performance properties. Such modules, when scaled up to large-area supports, would have associated costs significantly less than competing inorganic NF membrane devices. They would have significant impact for separations involving many low molecular weight organic streams, to provide in-process recycling (e.g., printing ink vehicles, low-volatility "green" solvents), and could replace distillation processes that have significant fugitive emissions problems (e.g., in oilseed extraction and fractionation).Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 2 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Solvent nanofiltration., Sustainable Industry/Business, Scientific Discipline, Economic, Social, & Behavioral Science Research Program, Toxics, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Economics & Decision Making, Engineering, HAPS, Chemistry and Materials Science, Market mechanisms, cleaner production/pollution prevention, New/Innovative technologies, cost reduction, carbon bond formation, pollution prevention, recycling, membrane technology, in-process recycling, Hexane, solvent recovery, cost effective, cost effectiveness, solvents, recovery, nanofiltration, green solvent, organic solventsThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.