Grantee Research Project Results
Novel Membranes for In-Process Recycling of Hydrocarbon Feedstocks in Oxygen-Oxidation Processes
EPA Contract Number: 68D98156Title: 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: II
Project Period: September 1, 1998 through September 1, 2000
Project Amount: $225,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (1998) 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 lb/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, leading to a loss of valuable chemicals and an increased environmental burden. In the Phase I project, a novel poly (propylene oxide-allylglycidyl ether) membrane was developed with an excellent ethylene/argon selectivity. An economic analysis showed that feedstock hydrocarbons can be recovered with payback times between 12 and 24 months. In the Phase II project, Membrane Technology and Research, Inc. (MTR) will optimize the novel membrane and prepare spiral-wound modules. Bench-scale modules will be tested at MTR in a closed-loop system with synthetic gas mixtures and commercial-scale modules will be tested in the field with a real argon purge stream.Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, pollution prevention, engineering, chemistry, EPA., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Toxics, Sustainable Industry/Business, Chemical Engineering, air toxics, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Chemistry, HAPS, Chemistry, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemistry and Materials Science, Environmental Engineering, EPCRA, Engineering, in-process changes, in-process recycling, ambient air quality, emission control strategies, air pollutants, hydrocarbon, cleaner production, environmentally conscious manufacturing, feedstock, membrane technology , clean technology, Propylene oxide, recovered hydrocarbon, emission controls, industrial air pollution, recycling, feedstocks, membrane process, hydrocarbons, Ethylene oxide, novel membrames, air emissions, Vinyl chloride, pollution preventionProgress and Final Reports:
SBIR Phase I:
Novel Membranes for In-Process Recycling of Hydrocarbon Feedstocks in Oxygen-Oxidation Processes | Final ReportThe 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.