Grantee Research Project Results
Novel Membranes for In-Process Recycling of Hydrocarbon Feedstocks in Oxygen-Oxidation Processes
EPA Contract Number: 68D70023Title: Novel Membranes for In-Process Recycling of Hydrocarbon Feedstocks in Oxygen-Oxidation Processes
Investigators: Wijmans, J. (Hans) G.
Small Business: Membrane Technology and Research Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1997 through March 1, 1998
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1997) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Pollution Prevention , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
Oxygen-oxidation processes are used to produce a number of important chemicals, including ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, terephthalic acid, and vinyl chloride. Approximately 450 million lbs/yr of the hydrocarbon feedstocks used in these processes are lost as part of an inert gas purge stream from the reactor. Currently, this gas is flared, which results in a loss of valuable chemicals and an increased environmental burden. This project involves the development of selective membranes that retain the hydrocarbon feedstock for recycling to the reactor while permeating the inert gases. The value of the recovered hydrocarbon leads to process payback times of 12 to 24 months. Preliminary work already has produced membranes with selectivities close to the target performance required. In the Phase I project, candidate polymers will be fabricated into thin composite membranes. Laboratory-scale membrane stamps then will be tested with model gas mixtures.Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, air emissions, pollution prevention, recycling, engineering, chemistry., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Toxics, Sustainable Industry/Business, Chemical Engineering, air toxics, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Chemistry, HAPS, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Chemistry and Materials Science, EPCRA, Environmental Engineering, ambient air quality, emission control strategies, in-process changes, in-process recycling, air pollutants, cleaner production, environmentally conscious manufacturing, feedstock, hydrocarbon, membrane technology , clean technology, recovered hydrocarbon, emission controls, Propylene oxide, industrial air pollution, membrane process, feedstocks, recycling, hydrocarbons, novel membrames, Ethylene oxide, air emissions, pollution prevention, Vinyl chlorideProgress and Final Reports:
SBIR Phase II:
Novel Membranes for In-Process Recycling of Hydrocarbon Feedstocks in Oxygen-Oxidation ProcessesThe 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.