WO2009105251A1 - Separation of methane from higher carbon number hydrocarbons utilizing zeolitic imidazolate framework materials - Google Patents
Separation of methane from higher carbon number hydrocarbons utilizing zeolitic imidazolate framework materials Download PDFInfo
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- WO2009105251A1 WO2009105251A1 PCT/US2009/001094 US2009001094W WO2009105251A1 WO 2009105251 A1 WO2009105251 A1 WO 2009105251A1 US 2009001094 W US2009001094 W US 2009001094W WO 2009105251 A1 WO2009105251 A1 WO 2009105251A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- zif
- feedstream
- adsorption
- pressure
- stream
- Prior art date
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- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 441
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 221
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 title claims abstract description 158
- 239000013153 zeolitic imidazolate framework Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 128
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 title abstract description 97
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 title abstract description 77
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 title abstract description 27
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title abstract description 23
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 320
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 304
- 125000004805 propylene group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([*:1])C([H])([H])[*:2] 0.000 claims abstract description 104
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 64
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 64
- QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N propylene Natural products CC=C QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 61
- ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propane Chemical compound CCC ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 50
- OTMSDBZUPAUEDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethane Chemical compound CC OTMSDBZUPAUEDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 47
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 239000001294 propane Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 238000001179 sorption measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 243
- 238000011068 loading method Methods 0.000 claims description 118
- 239000003463 adsorbent Substances 0.000 claims description 92
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims description 84
- 239000013172 zeolitic imidazolate framework-7 Substances 0.000 claims description 73
- 239000013173 zeolitic imidazolate framework-9 Substances 0.000 claims description 49
- 230000000274 adsorptive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 42
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 claims description 42
- 239000012466 permeate Substances 0.000 claims description 33
- IJDNQMDRQITEOD-UHFFFAOYSA-N n-butane Chemical compound CCCC IJDNQMDRQITEOD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 19
- 125000000383 tetramethylene group Chemical group [H]C([H])([*:1])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])[*:2] 0.000 claims description 14
- -1 imidazolate anion Chemical class 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000012465 retentate Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 229910021645 metal ion Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 125000004433 nitrogen atom Chemical group N* 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004593 Epoxy Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium oxide Inorganic materials [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000000219 ethylidene group Chemical group [H]C(=[*])C([H])([H])[H] 0.000 claims 2
- 239000007792 gaseous phase Substances 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 53
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 52
- ZMXDDKWLCZADIW-UHFFFAOYSA-N N,N-Dimethylformamide Chemical compound CN(C)C=O ZMXDDKWLCZADIW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 41
- 238000003795 desorption Methods 0.000 description 40
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 37
- 239000002156 adsorbate Substances 0.000 description 32
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 29
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 29
- 239000013175 zeolitic imidazolate framework-11 Substances 0.000 description 28
- MFLKDEMTKSVIBK-UHFFFAOYSA-N zinc;2-methylimidazol-3-ide Chemical compound [Zn+2].CC1=NC=C[N-]1.CC1=NC=C[N-]1 MFLKDEMTKSVIBK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 28
- 239000013154 zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 Substances 0.000 description 27
- 238000001144 powder X-ray diffraction data Methods 0.000 description 25
- 238000010926 purge Methods 0.000 description 24
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 23
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 22
- 238000000634 powder X-ray diffraction Methods 0.000 description 20
- WEVYAHXRMPXWCK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acetonitrile Chemical compound CC#N WEVYAHXRMPXWCK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 18
- OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methanol Chemical compound OC OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 18
- 238000004626 scanning electron microscopy Methods 0.000 description 18
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 17
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 17
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 16
- 238000003786 synthesis reaction Methods 0.000 description 16
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 15
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 15
- 239000010457 zeolite Substances 0.000 description 15
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 12
- HYZJCKYKOHLVJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1H-benzimidazole Chemical compound C1=CC=C2NC=NC2=C1 HYZJCKYKOHLVJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 11
- 229910021536 Zeolite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 11
- HNPSIPDUKPIQMN-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxosilane;oxo(oxoalumanyloxy)alumane Chemical compound O=[Si]=O.O=[Al]O[Al]=O HNPSIPDUKPIQMN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 11
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 10
- 238000002411 thermogravimetry Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 10
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 9
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000002336 sorption--desorption measurement Methods 0.000 description 9
- HEDRZPFGACZZDS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chloroform Chemical compound ClC(Cl)Cl HEDRZPFGACZZDS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000012452 mother liquor Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000012956 testing procedure Methods 0.000 description 7
- YXFVVABEGXRONW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Toluene Chemical compound CC1=CC=CC=C1 YXFVVABEGXRONW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 6
- 125000004432 carbon atom Chemical group C* 0.000 description 6
- RAXXELZNTBOGNW-UHFFFAOYSA-N imidazole Natural products C1=CNC=N1 RAXXELZNTBOGNW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000012071 phase Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 150000001450 anions Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 150000001768 cations Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000012299 nitrogen atmosphere Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000011541 reaction mixture Substances 0.000 description 5
- VXNZUUAINFGPBY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-Butene Chemical compound CCC=C VXNZUUAINFGPBY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- LXBGSDVWAMZHDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-methyl-1h-imidazole Chemical compound CC1=NC=CN1 LXBGSDVWAMZHDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229910002651 NO3 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 150000001721 carbon Chemical group 0.000 description 4
- 238000012512 characterization method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002178 crystalline material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000010432 diamond Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002737 fuel gas Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000003208 petroleum Substances 0.000 description 4
- SFYBRCJPMDQKHA-UHFFFAOYSA-N zinc;dinitrate;tetrahydrate Chemical compound O.O.O.O.[Zn+2].[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-][N+]([O-])=O SFYBRCJPMDQKHA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000001273 butane Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000012510 hollow fiber Substances 0.000 description 3
- 125000004435 hydrogen atom Chemical group [H]* 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 3
- OFBQJSOFQDEBGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N n-pentane Natural products CCCCC OFBQJSOFQDEBGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- XIOUDVJTOYVRTB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-(1-adamantyl)-3-aminothiourea Chemical compound C1C(C2)CC3CC2CC1(NC(=S)NN)C3 XIOUDVJTOYVRTB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- FXHOOIRPVKKKFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N N,N-Dimethylacetamide Chemical compound CN(C)C(C)=O FXHOOIRPVKKKFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- SUAKHGWARZSWIH-UHFFFAOYSA-N N,N‐diethylformamide Chemical compound CCN(CC)C=O SUAKHGWARZSWIH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000002441 X-ray diffraction Methods 0.000 description 2
- XLOMVQKBTHCTTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc monoxide Chemical compound [Zn]=O XLOMVQKBTHCTTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 2
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- 125000004122 cyclic group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007667 floating Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005380 natural gas recovery Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910017119 AlPO Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 241000269350 Anura Species 0.000 description 1
- 101100545272 Caenorhabditis elegans zif-1 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 229910021094 Co(NO3)2-6H2O Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- QGUAJWGNOXCYJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N cobalt dinitrate hexahydrate Chemical compound O.O.O.O.O.O.[Co+2].[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-][N+]([O-])=O QGUAJWGNOXCYJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010924 continuous production Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012864 cross contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001351 cycling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004807 desolvation Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008246 gaseous mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- JBFYUZGYRGXSFL-UHFFFAOYSA-N imidazolide Chemical compound C1=C[N-]C=N1 JBFYUZGYRGXSFL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009533 lab test Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007791 liquid phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000010943 off-gassing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000399 optical microscopy Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000003348 petrochemical agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004375 physisorption Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007670 refining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008929 regeneration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011069 regeneration method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012216 screening Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004904 shortening Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000004760 silicates Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002594 sorbent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013168 zeolitic imidazolate framework-2 Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011787 zinc oxide Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D71/00—Semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus characterised by the material; Manufacturing processes specially adapted therefor
- B01D71/02—Inorganic material
- B01D71/028—Molecular sieves
- B01D71/0281—Zeolites
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
- B01D53/02—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
- B01D53/22—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by diffusion
- B01D53/228—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by diffusion characterised by specific membranes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D67/00—Processes specially adapted for manufacturing semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus
- B01D67/0039—Inorganic membrane manufacture
- B01D67/0051—Inorganic membrane manufacture by controlled crystallisation, e,.g. hydrothermal growth
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D69/00—Semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus characterised by their form, structure or properties; Manufacturing processes specially adapted therefor
- B01D69/14—Dynamic membranes
- B01D69/141—Heterogeneous membranes, e.g. containing dispersed material; Mixed matrix membranes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D69/00—Semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus characterised by their form, structure or properties; Manufacturing processes specially adapted therefor
- B01D69/14—Dynamic membranes
- B01D69/141—Heterogeneous membranes, e.g. containing dispersed material; Mixed matrix membranes
- B01D69/1411—Heterogeneous membranes, e.g. containing dispersed material; Mixed matrix membranes containing dispersed material in a continuous matrix
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D71/00—Semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus characterised by the material; Manufacturing processes specially adapted therefor
- B01D71/02—Inorganic material
- B01D71/028—Molecular sieves
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J20/00—Solid sorbent compositions or filter aid compositions; Sorbents for chromatography; Processes for preparing, regenerating or reactivating thereof
- B01J20/22—Solid sorbent compositions or filter aid compositions; Sorbents for chromatography; Processes for preparing, regenerating or reactivating thereof comprising organic material
- B01J20/223—Solid sorbent compositions or filter aid compositions; Sorbents for chromatography; Processes for preparing, regenerating or reactivating thereof comprising organic material containing metals, e.g. organo-metallic compounds, coordination complexes
- B01J20/226—Coordination polymers, e.g. metal-organic frameworks [MOF], zeolitic imidazolate frameworks [ZIF]
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2253/00—Adsorbents used in seperation treatment of gases and vapours
- B01D2253/10—Inorganic adsorbents
- B01D2253/106—Silica or silicates
- B01D2253/108—Zeolites
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2256/00—Main component in the product gas stream after treatment
- B01D2256/24—Hydrocarbons
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2257/00—Components to be removed
- B01D2257/70—Organic compounds not provided for in groups B01D2257/00 - B01D2257/602
- B01D2257/702—Hydrocarbons
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2325/00—Details relating to properties of membranes
- B01D2325/12—Adsorbents being present on the surface of the membranes or in the pores
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the selective separation of methane (“CH 4 ") from higher carbon number hydrocarbons (“HHC's) in streams containing both methane and higher carbon number hydrocarbons (e.g. ethylene, ethane, propylene, propane, etc.) utilizing a zeolitic imidazolate framework (“ZIF") material.
- CH 4 methane
- HHC's higher carbon number hydrocarbons
- ZIF zeolitic imidazolate framework
- the stream to be separated is fed to the present process in a substantially gaseous phase.
- the current invention is utilized in a process to separate methane from higher carbon number hydrocarbons present in natural gas streams.
- Gas separation is an important process utilized in various industries, particularly in the production of fuels, chemicals, petrochemicals and specialty products.
- a gas separation can be accomplished by a variety of methods that, assisted by heat, solids, or other means, generally exploits the differences in physical and/or chemical properties of the components to be separated.
- gas separation can be achieved by partial liquefaction or by utilizing a solid adsorbent material that preferentially retains or adsorbs a more readily adsorbed component relative to a less readily adsorbed component of the gas mixture, or by several other gas separation techniques known in the industry.
- One such commercially practiced gas separation process is pressure swing adsorption ("PSA").
- PSA processes when operated under certain conditions, allow a selective component or components in a gas mixture to be preferentially adsorbed within the pore structure of porous adsorbent materials relative to a second component or components in the gas mixture.
- the total amount adsorbed of each component in the material i.e., the adsorption capacity
- the selectivity of the adsorption for a specific component over another component may often be improved by operating the process under specific pressure and temperature conditions since both pressure and temperature influence the adsorption loading of the components to a different extent.
- the efficiency of the PSA process may be further improved by the implementation of processing steps, such as the use of purge stream(s) that have optimally chosen composition, pressures and temperatures.
- adsorbent materials have separation selectivities, adsorption capacities and other beneficial properties (such as chemical and physical inertness and durability) so as to be able to function as commercially viable and cost-efficient adsorbents in a PSA process.
- Some adsorbent materials are able to adsorb a greater amount of one component than another component under certain conditions. Certain components may not be selectively adsorbed or may not be adsorbed to an acceptable level that would lead to an economically viable process.
- PSA processes can be used to effectively separate certain component gases from a mixture. For example, if a gas mixture such as air is passed at some pressure and temperature through a vessel containing an adsorbent material that selectively adsorbs more oxygen than nitrogen, at least a portion of the oxygen contained in the feedstream will stay in the adsorbent and the gas coming out of the vessel will be enriched in nitrogen.
- the bed When the bed reaches a selected fraction of its total capacity to adsorb oxygen, it can be regenerated by various pressure swing techniques, thereby releasing the adsorbed oxygen (and any other associated gas components), which can then be captured and isolated as a separate product stream.
- the adsorbent material which has now been "desorbed” of the oxygen can then be reutilized and the various steps of the PSA process cycle are repeated so as to allow a continuous operation.
- TSA temperature swing adsorption
- a stream containing components to be separated flows through an adsorbent material wherein one or more of the components are selectively adsorbed over another component or components.
- An effluent stream, reduced in concentration of the selectively adsorbed component(s) is obtained during this adsorption "stage" or "step" of the TSA process.
- TSA processes can be used to separate components in a mixture when used with an adsorbent that selectively adsorbs one or more of the stream components in the feed mixture relative to one or more different stream components comprising the feed mixture.
- PSA and TSA processes do not need to be mutually exclusive.
- a combined PSA/TSA process may be utilized, for example, by increasing the temperature of the adsorbent materials during the lower pressure purge step of a conventional PSA process to improve the desorption of the selectively adsorbed component(s) in the process.
- the bed temperature can then be reduced (or allowed to be reduced) during the adsorption portion of the PSA cycle to improve the adsorption characteristics and/or adsorption capacity of the material.
- the adsorbent can be regenerated with a purge that is flowed through the adsorbent bed in a manner that displaces adsorbed molecules from the adsorbent.
- Processes that are conducted with this type of adsorbent regeneration technique are often called partial pressure purge displacement processes ("PPSA").
- PPSA partial pressure purge displacement processes
- Processes such as PSA, TSA, purge displacement, and combination thereof are referred to herein as swing adsorption processes.
- swing adsorption processes can be conducted with rapid cycles (i.e., cycles of short duration) in which case they are referred to as rapid cycle thermal swing adsorption ("RCTSA”), rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption (“RCPSA”), and rapid cycle partial pressure swing or displacement purge adsorption (“RCPPSA”) technologies.
- RCTSA rapid cycle thermal swing adsorption
- RCPSA rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption
- RCPPSA rapid cycle partial pressure swing or displacement purge adsorption
- membrane separation processes can be used for the separation of gas components in a mixture.
- one or more components of the mixed stream contact one side of a membrane material and a portion of the mixed stream permeates through the membrane and is retrieved from the other side of the membrane material as a "permeate" stream.
- the permeate stream has a higher concentration (in mole% , weight %, or volume % as defined by the process) of a select component than the mixed stream that initially contacts the membrane.
- a "retentate" stream is also obtained from the first side of the membrane which has a lower concentration (in mole% , weight %, or volume % as defined by the process) of a select component than the mixed stream that initially contacts the membrane.
- a separation of components is made resulting in a higher value for the two separated streams (i.e., the retentate and the permeate streams) than the original mixed stream that is fed to the membrane separations process.
- the physical conditions on the permeate side of the membrane for example pressure, temperature, and purge conditions are chosen so that there is a gradient of chemical potential across the membrane that is favorable to drive the select component from the feed side to the permeate side of the membrane.
- United States Patent Publication No. US2007/0202038A1 discloses a family of materials which shall be referred to herein as zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (or "ZIF"s) materials.
- ZIF zeolitic imidazolate frameworks
- This publication describes in detail the synthesis and structural and pore volume characterization of various ZIF materials. It includes the low temperature physisorption characterization (N 2 and H 2 at 77K and Ar at 87K) of selected ZIF structures but it does not disclose adsorption properties of these materials at pressure and temperature conditions that would be relevant to separation processes of gases and hydrocarbons of interest in industrial applications.
- the present invention is a separation process utilizing ZIF-containing materials to effectively separate methane ("CH 4 "), from higher carbon number hydrocarbons ("HHCs") in process feedstreams comprised of both components.
- methane is defined as a methane molecule of composition CH 4 which compound contains only one carbon atom.
- higher carbon number hydrocarbons are considered as equivalents and are defined herein as any hydrocarbon compound containing two or more carbon atoms and at least four hydrogen atoms.
- a process for separating CH 4 from a process feedstream comprising: a) contacting an adsorbent material comprised of a zeolitic imidazolate framework material with a process feedstream comprising CH 4 and at least one C 2+ hydrocarbon compound at a first pressure and first temperature; b) adsorbing at least a portion of the C 2+ hydrocarbon compound in the adsorbent material; c) producing a CHrrich product stream, wherein the CH 4 -rich product stream has a higher concentration of CH 4 by mol% than the process feedstream; and d) producing a CH 4 -lean product stream at a second pressure and second temperature, wherein the CH 4 -lean product stream has a lower concentration of CH 4 by mol% than the process feedstream; wherein the zeolitic imidazolate framework material has a framework structure wherein each vertex of the framework structure is comprised of a single metal ion and each pair
- the zeolitic imidazolate framework material is selected from ZIF-7, ZIF-9, and ZIF-I.
- the C 2+ hydrocarbon compound is selected from C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), C 3 H 6 (propylene), C 3 H 8 (propane), C 4 H 8 (1-butene), and C 4 Hj 0 (n-butane).
- process is a swing adsorption process wherein the difference between the maximum and minimum - o -
- C 2+ hydrocarbon compound partial pressures achieved in the adsorbent bed during a cycle is less than 43.5 psia (300 kPa).
- a process for separating CH 4 from a process feedstream comprising: a) contacting a first side of a membrane comprised of a zeolitic imidazolate framework material with a process feedstream comprising CH 4 and at least one C 2+ hydrocarbon compound at a first pressure and first temperature; b) retrieving a first permeate stream from a second side of the membrane at a second pressure and second temperature, wherein the first permeate stream consists of components that selectively permeate through the membrane and the first permeate stream has a lower concentration of CH 4 by mol% than the process feedstream; and c) retrieving a first retentate stream; wherein the zeolitic imidazolate framework material has a framework structure wherein each vertex of the framework structure is comprised of a single metal ion and each pair of connected adjacent vertices of the framework structure is linked by nitrogen atoms of an imidazolate anion or its derivative, and where
- FIGURE 1 is the experimental powder X-ray diffraction ( 11 PXRD") patterns of the as-synthesized and acetonitrile-exchanged ZIF-7 samples of Example 1 herein.
- the calculated PXRD pattern (shown as the vertical stick patterns in the figure) for ZIF-7 based on the single crystal structure of ZIF-7 reported in the "Park Reference” as referenced herein is also shown in the figure.
- FIGURE 2 shows the thermogravimetric analyses ("TGA"s) for the as-synthesized and acetonitrile-exchanged ZIF-7 samples of Example 1 herein.
- FIGURE 3 is the experimental powder X-ray diffraction ("PXRD") patterns of the as-synthesized and acetonitrile-exchanged ZIF-9 samples of Example 2 herein.
- the calculated PXRD pattern (shown as the vertical stick patterns in the figure) for ZIF-9 based on the single crystal structure of ZIF-9 reported in the "Park Reference” as referenced herein is also shown in the figure.
- FIGURE 4 shows the thermogravimetric analyses ("TGA”s) for the as-synthesized and acetonitrile-exchanged ZIF-9 samples of Example 2 herein.
- FIGURE 5 is the experimental powder X-ray diffraction ("PXRD") patterns of the as-synthesized, the acetonitrile-exchanged and the toluene- exchanged ZIF-I samples of Example 3 herein.
- the calculated PXRD pattern (shown as the vertical stick patterns in the figure) for ZIF-I based on the single crystal structure of ZIF-I reported in the "Park Reference” as referenced herein is also shown in the figure.
- FIGURE 6 shows the thermogravimetric analyses ("TGA”s) for the as-synthesized, the acetonitrile-exchanged and the toluene-exchanged ZIF- 1 samples of Example 3 herein.
- FIGURE 7 is the experimental powder X-ray diffraction ("PXRD") patterns of the purified and methanol-exchanged ZIF-11 samples of Example 4 herein.
- the calculated PXRD pattern (shown as the vertical stick patterns in the figure) for ZIF-11 based on the single crystal structure of ZIF-11 reported in the "Park Reference” as referenced herein is also shown in the figure. - -
- FIGURE 8 shows the thermogravimetric analyses ("TGA”s) for the purified and methanol-exchanged ZIF-11 samples of Example 4 herein.
- FIGURE 9 is the experimental powder X-ray diffraction ( 11 PXRD") patterns of the purified and methanol-exchanged ZIF-8 samples of Example 5 herein.
- the calculated PXRD pattern shown as the vertical stick patterns in the figure) for ZIF-8 based on the single crystal structure of ZIF-8 reported in the "Park Reference” as referenced herein is also shown in the figure.
- FIGURE 10 shows the thermogravimetric analyses ("TGA”s) for the purified and methanol-exchanged ZIF-8 samples of Example 5 herein.
- FIGURE 11 is a Scanning Electron Microscopy ("SEM”) image of a ZIF-7 sample of Example 6.
- FIGURE 12 shows the C 2 H 4 (ethylene) adsorption isotherm at 301 K for a ZIF-7 sample of Example 6.
- FIGURE 13 shows the CH 4 (methane) adsorption isotherm and the C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), and C 3 H 6 (propylene) adsorption isotherms at 301 K for a ZIF-7 sample of Example 6.
- FIGURE 14 is a bar graph comparing the adsorption loadings of a ZIF-7 sample of Example 5 for CH 4 (methane), C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), C 3 H 6 (propylene), C 3 H 8 (propane), C 4 H 8 (1-butene), and C 4 Hi 0 (n-butane) at 301 K and 106.6 kPa.
- FIGURE 15 shows the C 2 H 4 (ethylene) adsorption isotherms at 301 K, 323 K, and 348 K for a ZIF-7 sample of Example 6.
- FIGURE 16 is a Scanning Electron Microscopy ("SEM”) image of a ZIF-9 sample of Example 7.
- FIGURE 17 shows the C 2 H 4 (ethylene) adsorption isotherm at 301 K for a ZIF-9 sample of Example 7.
- FIGURE 18 shows the CH 4 (methane) adsorption isotherm and the C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), and C 3 H 6 (propylene) adsorption isotherms at 301 K for a ZIF-9 sample of Example 7.
- FIGURE 19 is a bar graph comparing the adsorption loadings of a ZIF-9 sample of Example 7 for CH 4 (methane), C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), C 3 H 6 (propylene), C 3 H 8 (propane), C 4 H 8 (l-butene), and C 4 H] 0 (n-butane) at 301 K and 106.6 kPa.
- FIGURE 20 is a Scanning Electron Microscopy ("SEM”) image of a ZIF-I (acetonitrile-exchanged) sample of Example 8.
- FIGURE 21 is a Scanning Electron Microscopy ("SEM”) image of a ZIF-I (toluene-exchanged) sample of Example 8.
- FIGURE 22 shows the CH 4 (methane) adsorption isotherm and the C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), and C 3 H 6 (propylene) adsorption isotherms at 301 K for a ZIF-I (acetonitrile-exchanged) sample of Example 8.
- FIGURE 23 is a bar graph comparing the adsorption loadings of a ZIF-I (acetonitrile-exchanged) sample of Example 8 for CH 4 (methane), C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), C 3 H 6 (propylene), C 3 H 8 (propane), C 4 H 8 (l-butene), and C 4 Hi 0 (n-butane) at 301 K and 106.6 kPa.
- FIGURE 24 is a Scanning Electron Microscopy ("SEM”) image of a ZIF-11 sample of Example 9.
- FIGURE 25 shows the CH 4 (methane) adsorption isotherm and the C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), and C 3 H 6 (propylene) adsorption isotherms at 301 K for a ZIF-11 sample of Example 9.
- FIGURE 26 is a bar graph comparing the adsorption loadings of a ZIF-11 sample of Example 9 for CH 4 (methane), C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), C 3 H 6 (propylene), C 3 H 8 (propane), C 4 H 8 (l-butene), and C 4 H 10 (n-butane) at 301 K and 106.6 kPa.
- FIGURE 27 is a Scanning Electron Microscopy ("SEM”) image of a ZIF-8 sample of Example 10.
- FIGURE 28 shows the CH 4 (methane) adsorption isotherm and the C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), and C 3 H 6 (propylene) adsorption isotherms at 301 K for a ZIF-8 sample of Example 10.
- FIGURE 29 is a bar graph comparing the adsorption loadings of a ZIF-8 sample of Example 10 for CH 4 (methane), C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), C 3 H 6 (propylene), C 3 H 8 (propane), C 4 H 8 (l-butene), and C 4 H 10 (n-butane) at 301 K and 106.6 kPa.
- FIGURE 30 is a simplified diagram showing a process embodiment of the current invention which utilizes a swing adsorption process with a ZIF- containing adsorbent material for the selective separation of a heavy hydrocarbon component ("HHC") from methane (CH 4 ).
- FIGURE 31 is a simplified diagram showing a process embodiment of the current invention which utilizes a membrane separations process with a ZIF-containing selective membrane for the selective separation of a heavy hydrocarbon component ("HHC") from methane (CH 4 ). .
- the present invention is directed to processes for the separation of methane (“CH 4 ) from higher carbon number hydrocarbons ("HHCs”) in process feedstreams comprised of both components with a process utilizing adsorbents comprised of zeolitic imidazolate framework (“ZIF") materials.
- methane is defined as a methane molecule of composition CH 4 which compound contains only one carbon atom.
- higher carbon number hydrocarbons “heavy hydrocarbons”, “HHCs”, “C 2+ hydrocarbons”, and “C 2+ components” are considered as equivalents and are defined herein as any hydrocarbon compound containing two or more carbon atoms and at least four hydrogen atoms.
- the zeolitic imidazolate frameworks are utilized in a swing adsorption process.
- the general term "swing adsorption process” as used herein shall be taken to include Pressure Swing Adsorption ("PSA”) processes, Temperature Swing Adsorption (“TSA”) processes, Pressure Purge Displacement Processes (“PPSA”), Rapid Cycle Pressure Swing Adsorption (“RCPSA”) processes, Rapid Cycle Temperature Swing Adsorption (“RCTSA”) processes, Rapid Cycle Pressure Purge Displacement Processes (“RCPPSA”) as well as combinations of these swing adsorption processes.
- PSA Pressure Swing Adsorption
- TSA Pressure Purge Displacement Processes
- RCPSA Rapid Cycle Pressure Swing Adsorption
- RCTSA Rapid Cycle Temperature Swing Adsorption
- RCPPSA Rapid Cycle Pressure Purge Displacement Processes
- the stream to be separated is fed to the process in a substantially gaseous state.
- zeolitic imidazolate framework (“ZIF") adsorbent materials are incorporated into a membrane material for the selective separation of higher carbon number hydrocarbons ("HHCs") from methane (“CH 4 ”) in streams containing both components.
- the ZIF materials will preferably be utilized in a matrixed membrane material to facilitate the separation of HHCs from CH 4 .
- the feedstream to be separated will contact the membrane wherein the HHCs and the CH 4 in the feedstream will be substantially in a gaseous phase.
- Zeolitic imidazolate framework (or "ZIF") materials are defined herein as microporous crystalline structures having framework topologies commonly found in zeolites and/or in other crystalline materials wherein each vertex of the framework structure is comprised of a single metal ion and each pair of connected adjacent vertices of the framework structure is linked by nitrogen atoms of an imidazolate anion or its derivative.
- micropore or “microporous” as utilized herein is defined as a pore diameter or a material containing pore diameters of less than or equal to 2.0 nm (20 A), respectively. Descriptions and the synthesis of some of the ZIF materials that can be utilized in the present invention are disclosed in United States Patent Publication No. US 2007/0202038Al to Yaghi et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- ZIF materials can selectively separate HHCs from CH 4 in streams containing both of these components. Furthermore, this may be accomplished at conditions of pressure, temperature and compositions that are relevant to industrial processes.
- the adsorption loading (e.g., in mmole/g) for the first component must be greater than the adsorption loading (e.g., in mmole/g) for the second component.
- process schemes can be designed to operate at low ratios of adsorption loading (in minole/g) for the first component vs. the adsorption loading (in mmole/g) for the second component, it is preferred that this "adsorptive loading ratio for an HHC component over CH 4 " of the ZIF material utilized be at least 5.
- the ZIF material utilized in the present invention has an adsorptive loading ratio for at least one C 2+ hydrocarbon (or "HHC") component over CH 4 of at least about 10, even more preferably at least about 15, and most preferably at least about 20.
- the ZIF material utilized in the present invention is selected from ZIF-7, ZIF-9, and ZIF-I.
- the ZIF material utilized in the present invention is selected from ZIF-7 and ZIF-9.
- the C 2+ hydrocarbon (or "HHC") component is selected from ethylene (C 2 H 4 ), ethane (C 2 H 6 ), and propylene (C 3 H 6 ).
- the C 2+ hydrocarbon (or "HHC") component is ethylene (C 2 H 4 ).
- the C 2+ hydrocarbon (or "HHC") component is ethane (C 2 H 6 ).
- carbon number when utilized herein as referred to a hydrocarbon compound is defined as referring to the total number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon compound referenced.
- a hydrocarbon compound referenced herein to have a carbon number of "3" means that the compound contains three carbon atoms.
- C x means that the compound referenced has X carbon atoms.
- a hydrocarbon contains three carbon atoms may be referred to herein as - o -
- Hydrocarbons are compounds comprised of at least one carbon atom and at least one hydrogen atom.
- the ratio described above is a property for a specific adsorbate- adsorbent pair, at given conditions of pressure and temperature. This ratio is referred to herein as the "adsorptive loading ratio". This ratio is defined herein as a unitless quantity that is equal to the adsorption loading (in mmole/g) for the first component divided by the adsorption loading (in mmole/g) for the second component for a specific adsorbent material at a specific pressure and temperature.
- the adsorptive loading ratio for two components can be measured at either operating partial pressure for the specific components and operating temperature conditions for the feedstream contacting the ZIF-containing adsorbent, or at single component testing conditions chosen herein to be 301 K (28 0 C) and 106.6 kPa (800 torr). Unless stated otherwise, these latter conditions were used in the testing of the samples in the examples herein, which can be readily duplicated in a laboratory test facility.
- ZIF materials that exhibit significantly large adsorptive loading ratios may be used in swing adsorption processes of the present invention to effectively and economically separate HHC components from CH 4 in streams containing both components.
- Each of these swing adsorption processes are comprised of a number of "steps” that include a variety of adsorption and desorption steps that in combination lead to a complete swing adsorption "cycle” that is periodically repeated. Since multiple adsorbent beds are typically used, their appropriate - -
- a complete swing adsorption cycle on a particular adsorbent bed therefore, comprises all of the adsorption and desorption steps that are taken, beginning with the very first contacting of the feed gas mixture with the adsorbate-free or substantially adsorbate-free adsorbent and continuing through the last desorption stage that regenerates the adsorbent into its adsorbate-free or substantially adsorbate-free state and further including any additional repressurizing and/or purging steps that may occur thereafter to bring the "cycle” back to the first contacting of the feed gas mixture with the adsorbate-free or substantially adsorbate-free adsorbent which has begun the "cycle". At this point, the next swing adsorption "cycle" is started and the cycle is subsequently repeated.
- process feedstream or "inlet stream” as used herein in swing adsorption embodiments of the present invention is the mixed component stream comprising at least two components to be separated which is contacted with the adsorbent material during the adsorption cycle.
- the process feedstream contacts the adsorbent material under certain process temperature and pressure conditions and as the process feedstream flows through the adsorbent material at least a portion of the "first component" (or “strongly adsorbed component") of the process feedstream is preferentially adsorbed by the adsorbent material with respect to a "second component” (or “weakly adsorbed component”).
- an "effluent stream” (or "CH 4 -rich product stream” herein) is drawn from the swing adsorption process wherein the total number of moles of the first component into the swing adsorption process is higher than the total number of moles of the first component out of the swing adsorption process during this adsorption step.
- first component in the process feedstream be greater than the molar concentration of the first component in the effluent stream.
- the swing adsorption process is also comprised of at least one desorption step wherein at least a portion of the first component that has been preferentially adsorbed by the adsorbent material is recovered in what is termed herein as a "desorbed stream" (or "CH 4 -lean product stream” herein).
- a desorption step wherein at least a portion of the first component that has been preferentially adsorbed by the adsorbent material is recovered in what is termed herein as a "desorbed stream" (or "CH 4 -lean product stream” herein).
- This step can be changed to allow at least a portion of the first component to be desorbed from the adsorbent material and collected as a "desorbed stream".
- This desorption can be induced by a pressure swing, a temperature swing, the introduction of a partial pressure purge displacement stream, or a combination thereof.
- the molar concentration of the first component in the desorbed stream is greater than the molar concentration of the first component in the process feedstream. In another preferred embodiment, the molar concentration of the first component in the desorbed stream is greater than the molar concentration of the first component in the effluent stream.
- steps i.e., adsorption and desorption
- additional steps may be utilized in the swing adsorption processes. These steps include, but are not limited to, concurrent purge steps, counter-current purge steps, and/or multiple partial pressurization or depressurization steps. These additional steps may be utilized to improve first and/or second component recovery, improve first or second component purity, and/or obtain multiple product streams in addition to the effluent stream and desorbed stream described above.
- One embodiment of the swing adsorption process of the present invention utilizes a Pressure Swing Adsorption ("PSA") process wherein the adsorbent material is comprised of a ZIF material and the "first component" as described above is a C 2+ hydrocarbon (or "HHC") compound (e.g., ethylene, ethane, or propylene) and the "second component" as described above is CH 4 .
- PSA Pressure Swing Adsorption
- the partial pressure of the first component during the adsorption step is higher than the partial pressure of the first component during the desorption step which allows at least a portion of the adsorbed first component to be recovered in the desorption step and the adsorbent material to be regenerated by depletion of the adsorbed components for reuse in a subsequent adsorption step.
- This is accomplished in part by exposing the adsorbent material to lower partial pressure conditions in the desorption step than the partial pressure conditions in the adsorption step.
- This desorption can be further assisted by utilizing a purge gas (as in a "Pressure Purge Displacement" process) to lower the partial pressure of the first component during the desorption step, a purge step, a partial pressurization step, or a partial depressurization step as described above.
- a purge gas as in a "Pressure Purge Displacement" process
- the swing adsorption process described herein may include PSA, TSA, PPSA, RCPSA, RCTSA, RCPSA processes or combinations therein wherein the pressure is lowered to below atmospheric pressure (i.e., to a vacuum pressure) during at least one of a desorption step, a purge step, a partial pressurization step, or a partial depressurization step in the swing adsorption process cycle.
- FIG 30 shows a schematic of a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein a process feedstream (101) comprising CH 4 and at least one C 2+ hydrocarbon is fed to a process of the present invention wherein a Pressure Swing Adsorption ("PSA") unit (105) is utilized wherein the PSA unit is comprised of an adsorbent material wherein the adsorbent material is comprised of a ZIF material that has an adsorptive loading ratio for the at least one C 2+ hydrocarbon component (preferably C 2 H 4 ) over CH 4 of greater than 5.
- the C 2+ component preferably C 2 H 4
- other C 2+ components are preferentially adsorbed by the ZIF material in the PSA unit with respect to CH 4 .
- a CH 4 -rich stream (110) is drawn from the PSA unit (105) wherein the CH 4 -rich stream (110) has a higher content OfCH 4 by mol% than the process feedstream (101).
- a CH 4 -lean stream (115) is drawn from the PSA unit (105) wherein the CH 4 -lean stream (115) has a lower content of CH 4 by mol% than the process feedstream (101).
- the CH 4 -lean stream (115) also has a higher content of C 2+ component by mol% than the process feedstream (101).
- a purge stream (120) may optionally be fed to the PSA unit (as in the "Pressure Purge Displacement" processes described prior) during at least one desorption stage of the overall PSA cycle to assist in removing the adsorbed process feedstream components from the adsorbent material.
- purge stream (120) is shown in Figure 30 to be co- current with the flow of the desorbed CH 4 -lean stream (115), it is known to those of skill in the art that the flow arrows as drawn in Figure 30 are not meant to show directional flow within the PSA unit, but that the flow directions of the various streams may be designed as co-current, counter-current, cross-current, or otherwise in order to maximize the functionality of the process.
- a process with a "near continuous" flow can be achieved.
- This simulated continuous flow can also be achieved by utilizing a multitude of stage PSA units (e.g., multiple parallel PSA units) or a combination of multiple PSA units each with multiple alternating beds/stages. This is true for all process embodiments as described herein and is within the skills of one of skill in the art to design with the information as disclosed herein.
- the CH 4 -rich stream contains at least 70 mol% of the CH 4 present in the feedstream to the PSA process. More preferably, the CH 4 -rich stream contains at least 80 mol% of the CH 4 present in the feedstream to the PSA process, and even more preferably, the CH 4 -rich stream contains at least 85 mol% of the CH 4 present in the feedstream to the PSA process.
- TSA Temperature Swing Adsorption
- the TSA processes operate similar to the PSA processes above wherein the partial pressure of the first component during the adsorption step is higher than the partial pressure of the first component during the desorption step which allows at least a portion of the adsorbed first component to be recovered in the desorption step and the adsorbent material to be regenerated by depletion of the adsorbed components for reuse in a subsequent adsorption step.
- this is accomplished in part by exposing the adsorbent material to higher temperature conditions in the desorption step than the temperature conditions in the adsorption step.
- This desorption can be further assisted by utilizing a purge gas to lower the partial pressure of the first component and/or provide heating of the adsorbent material during the desorption step, a purge step, a partial pressurization step, or a partial depressurization step as described above.
- FIG. 30 An embodiment of the basic TSA process of the present invention is also illustrated by Figure 30, except that the basic difference is that instead of raising the partial pressures of the stream/adsorbed components during to the adsorption step(s) and lowering the partial pressures of the stream/adsorbed during to the desorption step(s) via a change in pressure, these component partial pressures are raised and lowered, respectively, by lowering and raising the temperature of the components in contact with the adsorptive media.
- steps of the PSA and TSA processes can also be combined in a PSA/TSA process of the present invention.
- both pressure and temperature changes or "swings" are made between the adsorption steps and desorption steps of the process, resulting in a desired separation of at least a portion of the first component from the second component of the mixed component process feedstream fed to the inlet of the PSA/TSA process.
- the ZIF materials may be incorporated into the adsorption swing process in many structural forms and/or in combination with additional components.
- the ZIF materials may be incorporated as crystallites of preferred size and shape of substantially uniform dimensions or with dimensions suitably distributed according to a preferred distribution.
- the crystallites may be used directly as produced in the synthesis steps or be more preferably formulated into larger aggregates or incorporated into a structured or matrix material to provide form, stability, and/or in combination with other complementary co-adsorbent materials that can fulfill a variety of other beneficial functions to the overall process.
- Non-limiting examples include incorporating the ZIF material with a binder material to form a matrix comprising a binder material selected from a crystalline polymer, a non-crystalline polymer, an epoxy, a thermoplastic, a clay, a silica-containing material, an alumina-containing material, and a titania- containing material.
- the binder material may also exhibit either a microporous or a mesoporous structure. Additionally, it may be advantageous to add suitably chosen additives into this binder material. These additives can be used to improve the adsorption/desorption and transport properties of the selected components within the ZIF materials.
- Non-limiting examples of these additional additives include zeolites and microporous crystalline materials such as pure silicates, silicoaluminophosphates ("SAPO"s), aluminophosphates ("AlPO 11 S).
- SAPO silicoaluminophosphates
- AlPO 11 S aluminophosphates
- the additional additive is a zeolite.
- Other additives such as metals or other high heat capacity and high heat conductivity materials may also be incorporated into the matrix to assist in the capture and transfer of at least a portion of the heat that is generated during the exothermic adsorption step(s) of the swing adsorption process, thereby shortening the duration of the cycling process, increasing throughput, and further improving the overall efficiency of the ZIF material for adsorbing the select component or components.
- the adsorbent material can be formulated into optimal geometric shapes or be applied onto supporting substrates which further improve the durability of the adsorbent and the rate at which the selected adsorbing components are brought into contact with the adsorption sites of the ZIF material.
- Non-limiting examples include beads, extrudates, formed pellets, structured beds, monoliths and hollow fibers, as well as coatings applied to plates or monolithic structures fibers or hollow fibers.
- inlet stream composition as well as product stream compositions, process conditions and equipment design for the process of the present invention certain structures and/or matrix compositions can provide improved separation efficiencies and/or selectivities for the overall process.
- any of the steps described above i.e., structuring, additives, co- adsorbents, etc
- steps described above i.e., structuring, additives, co- adsorbents, etc
- simply "cycle” are of utmost practical importance since shorter cycle times result in higher throughputs and/or can reduce equipment cost.
- conventional swing adsorption processes typically operate at cycles with durations of the order of minutes, with the materials of the present - -
- the ZIF material is utilized in a swing adsorption process wherein the cycle time is less than about 1 minute, and more preferably, the ZIF material is utilized in a swing adsorption process wherein the cycle time is less than about 30 seconds. In an even more preferred embodiment of the present invention, these short cycle times are incorporated into a rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption ("RCPSA") process embodiment of the present invention.
- RPSA rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption
- the ZIF material can be incorporated into a membrane separations process for the selective separation of a C 2+ hydrocarbon (or "HHC") compound (e.g., ethylene, ethane, or propylene) from methane, CH 4 , in streams comprising a mixture of these components.
- a ZIF material is incorporated within or coated onto an inorganic substrate or a polymer material and utilized in a membrane separation process, thereby producing a "ZIF-containing membrane".
- the ZIF material of the membrane has a net permeation affinity for a C 2+ hydrocarbon (compound over CH 4 .
- the permeation rate can be typically described in terms of two multiplicative factors, one related to the diffusion rate and another related to the adsorption loadings of the components of the mixture on the ZIF material.
- a ZIF material incorporated into the membrane which has a higher adsorptive loading ratio for a C 2+ hydrocarbon compound over CH 4 , improves the concentration gradient for the HHCC 2+ hydrocarbon compound either at the membrane surface (if coated onto the membrane surface) and/or in the membrane (if incorporated into the membrane matrix). This improved concentration gradient enhances the selective - 2 -
- a process feedstream comprising a C 2+ hydrocarbon (or "HHC") compound and CH 4 contacts a first side of a ZIF-containing membrane and at least a portion of the process feedstream permeates through the membrane and is retrieved from a second side of the membrane material as a permeate stream.
- the permeate stream (or "CH 4 - lean product stream”) is obtained from the second side of the membrane and the permeate stream thus obtained has a lower mol% of CH 4 than the process feedstream.
- process feedstream is the mixed component stream comprising at least two components to be separated which is contacted with the first side of the ZIF-containing membrane.
- a "sweep stream” may be utilized on the permeate side of the ZIF-containing membrane in the membrane separation process of the present invention.
- permeate stream as used herein and its composition properties are measured based solely upon the composition of the stream that permeates through the ZIF-containing membrane. For purposes of this invention, if any additional stream, such as a sweep stream, is added on the permeate side of the membrane process, the composition of this sweep stream must be excluded from the compositional analysis of the permeate stream.
- At least one retentate stream (or "CH 4 -rich product stream”) is also obtained from the first side of the membrane which has a higher mol% of CH 4 than the process feedstream that initially contacts the membrane. In this manner, a separation of components is made resulting in a higher value for the two separated streams - -
- FIG 31 illustrates this concept in a schematic of a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein a process feedstream (201) comprising CH 4 and at least one C 2+ hydrocarbon is fed to a process of the present invention wherein a membrane separations unit (205) is utilized wherein the membrane separations unit contains a selective membrane material (210) which is comprised of a ZIF material that has an adsorptive loading ratio for the at least one C 2+ component (preferably C 2 H 4 ) over CH 4 of greater than 5.
- the C 2+ component preferably C 2 H 4
- other C 2+ components are preferentially adsorbed by the ZIF material in the selective membrane with respect to CH 4 .
- a CH 4 -rich stream (215) is continuously drawn as a "retentate" from the membrane separations unit (205) wherein the CH 4 -rich stream (215) has a higher content Of CH 4 by mol% than the process feedstream (201).
- a CH 4 -lean stream (220) that is comprised of selective components that permeate through the ZIF-containing membrane is continuously drawn as a "permeate” from the membrane separations unit (205) wherein the CH 4 -lean stream (220) has a lower content Of CH 4 by mol% than the process feedstream (201).
- the CH 4 -lean stream (220) also has a higher content of C 2+ component by mol% than the process feedstream (201).
- a sweep stream (225) may optionally be fed to the membrane separations unit during the process to assist in removing the CH 4 -lean stream components that have permeated from the selective membrane from the permeate (or "back") side of the selective membrane. This may be utilized to improve the concentration gradient of the selectively permeated materials across the membrane thus improving the overall process benefits.
- a sweep stream is utilized which can be easily separated from the CH-j-lean stream components of the process and be recycled for reuse as a sweep stream.
- the ZIF material utilized in the membrane separations process of the present invention has an adsorptive loading ratio for at least one C 2+ component hydrocarbon component over CH 4 of at least about 5; more preferably, the adsorptive loading ratio is at least about 10, and even more preferably, at least about 20.
- the ZIF material utilized in the present invention is selected from ZIF- 7, ZIF-9, and ZIF-I. In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ZIF material utilized in the present invention is selected from ZIF-7 and ZIF- 9.
- the C 2+ hydrocarbon (or "HHC") component in the process feedstream to the membrane separation process is selected from ethylene (C 2 H 4 ), ethane (C 2 H 6 ), and propylene (C 3 H 6 ).
- the C 2+ hydrocarbon (or "HHC") component is ethylene (C 2 H 4 ).
- the C 2+ hydrocarbon (or "HHC") component is ethane (C 2 H 6 ).
- the membranes utilized in embodiments of the present invention can be asymmetric and can be comprised of several layers of different materials. To improve the mass transfer characteristics of these asymmetric membrane structures one or more of these layers can be a porous material.
- a thin selective layer imparts most of the molecular selectivity in the asymmetric membrane structure and in a preferred embodiment this selective layer contains the ZIF material.
- On the feed side molecules are selectively adsorbed in the selective layer and on the permeate side the molecules are desorbed.
- the selective ZIF- containing layer can optionally include other materials.
- One of the materials that can be present in the ZIF-containing layer is a polymer. When the ZIF containing layer contains more than 10 vol% of another material the selective layer is called a mixed matrix.
- a reparation coating or reparation layer can be incorporated in the membrane structure.
- the ZIF-containing membrane will typically be part of a membrane module that includes a pressure housing.
- Non-limiting examples of ZIF- containing membrane structures that can be incorporated into the membrane module are hollow-fiber membrane structures, flat sheet membrane structures, and monolithic membrane structures.
- the membrane module will typically contain seals to isolate the retentate and permeate zones of the module and to prevent flow bypass or cross-contamination of the retentate stream(s) to the permeate stream(s). The seals may also serve as a device for holding the membrane in place within the membrane module.
- HHCs heavy hydrocarbons
- the present invention may be utilized to separate HHCs from CH 4 in a natural gas stream either at or near the wellhead, prior to bulk transportation of the natural gas and other hydrocarbon products, or to provide a very efficient cleanup of natural gas streams at points in the market chain downstream from the wellhead.
- Natural gas is often produced from wells under very high wellhead pressures. Typical natural gas recovery pressures usually range from about 500 psig (3,447 kPa) to up to about 5,000 psig (34,474 kPa). Since most PSA and - -
- TSA processes can be designed to produce a better separation at lower operating pressures (typically below about 500 psig (3,447 kPa) for the inlet stream in the adsorption step in the process), it is desirable to have adsorbent materials with high adsorptive loading ratios that can perform separations efficiently at higher pressures than conventionally performed.
- the natural gas is comprised of a significant content of methane, CH 4 .
- methane content be greater than about 70 mol%, more preferably greater than about 80 mol% and for commercial sales and residential uses, more preferably greater than about 90 mol%.
- the raw natural gas often contains significant amounts of water and heavy hydrocarbons.
- HHC components it is desired to remove these HHC components because they can usually be sold as higher value hydrocarbon products such as ethylene, ethane, propylene, propane, butylene, and butane, etc. than they are worth as natural gas components. Additionally, these components often need to be removed to meet natural gas standards. These HHC components, if recoverable by economically viable means, generally have a higher value of product for use as separate fuels or chemical feeds than as components of natural gas.
- the process feedstream as exemplified by the swing processes (PSA or TSA) of Figure 30 is comprised of a natural gas wherein the CH 4 in the process feedstream is selectively separated from the HHC components in the process feedstream.
- the process feedstream as exemplified by the membrane separations process of Figure 31 is comprised of a natural gas wherein the CH 4 in the process feedstream is selectively separated from the HHC components in the process feedstream.
- the CH 4 -rich stream contains at least 70 mol% of the CH 4 present in the natural gas feedstream. More preferably, the CH 4 -rich stream contains at least 80 mol% of the CH 4 present in the natural gas feedstream, and even more preferably, the CH 4 -rich stream contains at least 85 mol% of the CH 4 present in the natural gas feedstream.
- Another preferred process embodiment of the current invention is utilizing a PSA, TSA, or similar unit containing a ZIF material as described herein for removal of methane, CH 4 , contaminants from the product stream of ethylene or propylene steam crackers.
- a PSA, TSA, or similar unit containing a ZIF material as described herein for removal of methane, CH 4 , contaminants from the product stream of ethylene or propylene steam crackers.
- another preferred process embodiment of the current invention is utilizing a PSA, TSA, or similar unit containing a ZIF material as described herein for removal of methane, CH 4 , contaminants from polymer production feedstreams.
- a PSA, TSA, or similar unit containing a ZIF material as described herein for removal of methane, CH 4 , contaminants from polymer production feedstreams.
- methane, CH 4 (undesired component) from the ethylene, C 2 H 4 (desired component) in a hydrocarbon feedstream for a polyethylene production plant.
- methane, CH 4 (undesired component) from the propylene, C 3 H 6 (desired component) in a hydrocarbon feedstream for a polypropylene production plant it is beneficial to the industry to separate methane, CH 4 (undesired component) from the propylene, C 3 H 6 (desired component) in a hydrocarbon feedstream for a polypropylene production plant.
- the process feedstream as exemplified by the swing processes (PSA or TSA) of Figure 30 is comprised of methane, CH 4 , and propylene, C 3 H 6 , wherein the methane, CH 4 , in the process feedstream is selectively separated from the propylene, C 3 H 6 , in the process feedstream.
- the process feedstream as exemplified by the membrane separations process of Figure 31 is comprised of methane, CH 4 , and propylene, C 3 H 6 , wherein the methane, CH 4 , in the process feedstream is selectively separated from the propylene, C 3 H 6 , in the process feedstream.
- the CH 4 -HcIi stream contains at least 70 mol% of the CH 4 present in the process feedstream. More preferably, the CH 4 - rich stream contains at least 80 mol% of the CH 4 present in the process feedstream, and even more preferably, the CH 4 -rich stream contains at least 85 mol% of the CH 4 present in the process feedstream.
- Another very valuable process embodiment of the present invention involves the use of a PSA unit containing a ZIF material for the separation and recovery of hydrocarbon components in what is commonly known in the petroleum/petrochemical industry as an LPG (Light Plant Gas) recovery system.
- LPG Light Plant Gas
- an LPG recovery system light hydrocarbon gas streams (usually comprising mostly C 5 and lower carbon number hydrocarbon components, including methane) that are generated by individual process units in petroleum and/or petrochemical plants are sent to an LPG recovery system for processing.
- the goal of the LPG recovery system is to separate the valuable light gases (C 2 , C 3 , and higher carbon number hydrocarbons) from the methane (CH 4 ) in the LPG recovery system feedstream.
- These valuable light gases can then be sent for further processing, used as feedstocks to conversion units, or even segregated for saleable products (such as propane and butane). It is generally desired to separate the methane from these more valuable heavier hydrocarbon products and send the CH 4 -enriched product stream to a "fuel gas" system where the methane enriched product can be used as a fuel supply to the petroleum and/or petrochemical plant units.
- This methane containing fuel gas is often used to fire steam boilers, hydrocarbon heaters, or can also be used to generate power via steam turbines or other power recovery devices.
- the recovered methane can also be sent to a flare disposal system.
- the LPG recovery systems are comprised of a compression and condensation system where the LPG recovery feedstream is compressed and then cooled to a point wherein most of the C 2 and heavier (or conversely C 3 and heavier) hydrocarbon components form a liquid phase while the methane component is still in a gas phase, thereby allowing the separation of these components by subsequent liquid/gas separation.
- this conventional recovery technique requires a significant amount of energy to compress and cool the gas stream as well as a significant cost in compression machinery and related hardware. It would be desirable to make such a separation in a significantly gas phase regime through the molecular separation process as per an embodiment of the present invention.
- LPG feedstream is defined as a hydrocarbon-containing stream comprised of C 1 , C 2 , and C 3 hydrocarbons.
- the process feedstream as exemplified by the swing processes (PSA or TSA) of Figure 30 is comprised of an LPG feedstream wherein the CH 4 in the process feedstream is selectively separated from the HHC components in the process feedstream.
- the process feedstream as exemplified by the membrane separations process of Figure 31 is comprised of an LPG feedstream wherein the CH 4 in the process feedstream is selectively separated from the HHC components in the process feedstream.
- the CH 4 -rich stream contains at least 70 mol% of the CH 4 present in the LPG feedstream. More preferably, the CH 4 -rich stream contains at least 80 mol% of the CH 4 present in the LPG feedstream, and even more preferably, the CH 4 -rich stream contains at least 85 mol% of the CH 4 present in the LPG feedstream.
- a significant benefit in the separations process of the present invention can be achieved over convention PSA processes by utilizing adsorbent, materials comprised of certain ZIFs. It has been discovered herein that some of the ZIF materials exhibit a valuable feature in the design and operation of PSA processes, as well as a high adsorptive loading ratio for HHC components over CH 4 .
- Figure 13 shows the adsorption isotherms for ZIF-7 for CH 4 (methane) adsorption isotherm as well as C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), and C 3 H 6 (propylene) adsorption isotherms at 301 K.
- the overall adsorption loading of these components at standard test conditions of 301 K and 106.6 kPa is shown in the bar graph of Figure 14.
- ZIF-7 has an adsorption loading for C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), and C 3 H 6 (propylene) of about 2.60 mmole/g, 2.66 mmole/g, and 2.79 mmole/g, respectively.
- ZIF-7 has an adsorption loading for CH 4 of only about 0.08 mmole/g.
- ZIF-7 (as well as ZIF-9) exhibits a unique isotherm shape not typically found in microporous crystalline materials such as zeolites. As described herein, this unique isotherm shape for hydrocarbons in ZIF-7 has important implications and distinctively enables embodiments of the present invention.
- Figure 13 shows that the isotherms for the C 2+ hydrocarbons C 2 H 4 , C 2 H 6 , and C 3 H 6 at 301 K display a hysteretic behavior characterized by unique adsorption (solid squares) and desorption (open squares) branches.
- the present invention can allow the employment of very small pressure swings to achieve the significant loading and unloading of propylene in the ZIF-7 material which is very advantageous in a PSA process cycle.
- working capacity of an adsorbate material is defined herein as the difference between the adsorbate loading in the adsorption step and the adsorbate loading in the desorption step of the "strongly adsorbed component" (which unless otherwise defined herein is the highest molecular weight C 2+ hydrocarbon compound in the feedstream). Larger values of the working capacity are desirable.
- the ZIF material is utilized in a swing adsorption process, wherein the applied pressure swing is less than about - -
- the ZIF material is utilized in a swing adsorption process wherein the applied pressure swing is less than about 200 kPa; and even more preferably, the ZIF material is utilized in a swing adsorption process wherein the applied pressure swing is less than about 100 kPa. In an even more preferred embodiment of the present invention, these narrow applied pressure swings are incorporated into a pressure swing adsorption ("PSA") process embodiment of the present invention.
- PSA pressure swing adsorption
- the term "applied pressure swing” as utilized herein is defined as the difference in the maximum and minimum partial pressures of the highest molecular weight C 2+ hydrocarbon compound to be separated from CH 4 that are experienced in the adsorbent bed during a swing adsorption cycle.
- the ZIF material is utilized in a swing adsorption process wherein the partial pressure of the C 2+ hydrocarbon compound in the gas mixture to be separated is less than about 200 kPa, and more preferably, the ZIF material is utilized in a swing adsorption process wherein the partial pressure of the C 2+ hydrocarbon compound in the gas mixture to be separated is less than about 100 kPa.
- the processing of these process streams with low C 2+ hydrocarbon component partial pressures are incorporated into a pressure swing adsorption ("PSA") process embodiment of the present invention.
- PSA pressure swing adsorption
- the C 2+ hydrocarbon (or "HHC") compound is selected from the group consisting OfC 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), and C 3 H 6 (propylene).
- HHC hydrocarbon
- the C 2+ hydrocarbon (or "HHC") compound is ethylene.
- the C 2+ hydrocarbon (or "HHC") compound is ethane.
- the C 2+ hydrocarbon (or "HHC") compound is propylene.
- both the adsorption and desorption branches remain and are even further displaced to higher C 4 H 10 pressures, thus confirming the temperature-activated nature of the adsorption process on solid adsorbents such as the ZIFs materials of the present invention.
- the temperature can be increased to displace or even prevent the low to high adsorption loading transition for an adsorbate in a given pressure range (as shown above)
- the temperature can be alternatively decreased to cause such a low to high adsorption loading transition to take place for an adsorbate in a given pressure range or to displace such transition from a higher pressure to a lower pressure.
- the temperature of the process feedstream is reduced prior to contacting the ZIF-containing adsorbent material.
- This embodiment is particularly beneficial when it is desired to separate a HHC compound from CH 4 in low pressure process feedstreams, especially when the temperatures of the process feedstream may be significant enough to appreciably shift the adsorption and desorption branches to higher pressures for the HHC compound to be separated from CH 4 than those experienced at lower temperatures.
- ZIF- 7, for example can achieve a significant separation Of C 2 H 4 from CH 4 at near ambient temperatures of about 28 0 C (301 K) under low C 2 H 4 partial pressures conditions of less than about 60 kPa.
- Figures 17 and 18 show that the transition from low to high adsorption loading occurs at a slightly higher C 2 H 4 pressure in ZIF-9 (i.e., about 50 to 60 kPa) than in ZIF-7 (i.e., about 40 to 60 kPa) at the same temperature of 301 K.
- This difference between ZIF-9 and ZIF-7 primarily reflects some small differences in energetics between the corresponding adsorbate-adsorbent pairs but the overall adsorption characteristics are substantially the same.
- composition of the natural gas field streams produced from wells will vary from field to field, many of these natural gas field streams contain a large amount of methane, typically with methane concentrations of greater than about 25 mol%. In some instances these natural gas field streams can have a methane content greater than about 35 mol%, and in some instances the methane content can be even greater than about 50 mol%. In these latter instances, it is very economically attractive to be able to operate a cost efficient process for the separation of large volumes of methane from the natural gas field streams . Unless otherwise noted, all component concentrations expressed herein are on a water- free (dry) basis.
- a significant problem that exists in the separation of HHC components from CH 4 in natural gas streams is that the natural gas streams are usually obtained from the gas fields under very high wellhead pressures.
- Typical natural gas recovery pressures usually range from about 500 psig (3,447 kPa) to up to about 5,000 psig (34,474 kPa). Since most PSA and TSA processes can be designed to produce a better separation at lower operating pressures (typically below about 500 psig (3,447 kPa) for the inlet stream in the adsorption step in the process), it is desirable to have adsorbent materials with high adsorptive loading ratios that can perform separations efficiently at higher pressures than conventionally performed.
- swing adsorption processes of the present invention can run efficiently at inlet stream pressures of less than 250 psig (1,724 kPa), in other embodiments, PSA and TSA processes of the present invention can be operated at inlet stream pressures in excess of about 500 psig (3,447 kPa), or even about 1000 psig (6,895 kPa).
- effluent stream pressures of less than about 250 psig (1,724 kPa) will normally be desired to maintain a good selectivity of the separation made
- effluent stream pressures of greater than about 250 psig (1,724 kPa), or even greater than about 500 psig (3,447 kPa) may be obtained especially when utilizing a ZIF material with adsorptive loading ratios for a HHC component over CH 4 of greater than about 10. Maintaining the effluent stream at these higher pressures is economically desired to minimize the repressurization equipment and energy required to ship the purified natural gas via pipeline.
- Pipeline pressures for transport of the purified natural gas product stream are typically in the range of about 800 (5,516 kPa) to about 2000 psig (13,790 kPa).
- the processes of the present invention can utilize the ZIF adsorption materials at these higher pressures by designing the swing adsorption processes to operate at higher temperatures to capture the benefits between the adsorption and desorption of HHCs (i.e., C 2+ hydrocarbons) in the ZIF material relative to CH 4 .
- HHCs i.e., C 2+ hydrocarbons
- high adsorptive loading ratios can be maintained at increasing CH 4 partial pressures by operating the processes at higher temperatures that ensure operation of the system in the HHC transition from a low to a high adsorption loading state while simultaneously preventing such transition for CH 4 .
- the PSA adsorption process can be operated at very low pressures if required.
- the hydrocarbon feed streams contact the ZIF or ZIF-containing adsorbent material at a suitably chosen temperature and process feedstream pressures of less than about 100 psia (690 kPa). In other embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed streams contact the ZIF or - -
- ZIF-containing adsorbent material at a suitably chosen temperature and process feedstream pressures of less than about 50 psia (345 kPa) or even less than about 30 psia (207 kPa).
- process feedstream pressures less than about 50 psia (345 kPa) or even less than about 30 psia (207 kPa).
- the temperature level is also critical to the designing a swing adsorption process for optimum separation.
- the temperature can also be optionally decreased in order to ensure a significant loading of the adsorbate on the adsorbent material.
- this characteristic of the ZIF-containing adsorbent materials can be significant in low-pressure applications of the present invention such as separating HHCs from CH 4 present in hydrocarbon feed streams where the pressures may be relatively low as noted above.
- the temperatures at which these hydrocarbon feed streams are produced may be significantly high enough to shift the adsorption/desorption branches to HHC partial pressures above those required for optimum separations at low pressures.
- the temperature of hydrocarbon feed stream is reduced prior to contacting the ZIF-containing adsorbent material.
- the compression required to raise the hydrocarbon feed stream to optimum separation conditions for the present invention can be minimized, and in certain embodiments, the need for compression equipment to raise the pressure of the feedstream to the processes of the present invention may be completely eliminated.
- a hydrocarbon feed stream is provided to a swing adsorption process wherein the adsorbent material in the swing adsorption process is comprised of a ZIF material that has adsorptive loading ratio for an HHC component over CH 4 of at least about 5 to remove at least a portion of the HHC from the hydrocarbon feed stream.
- a hydrocarbon feed stream is provided to a swing adsorption process wherein the adsorbent material in the swing adsorption process is comprised of a ZIF material that has adsorptive loading ratio for an HHC component over CH 4 of at least about 10 to remove at least a portion of the HHC component from the hydrocarbon feed stream.
- the ZIF material utilized in this process has an adsorptive loading ratio for an HHC component over CH 4 of at least about 20.
- the HHC component is selected from ethylene, ethane, and propylene.
- the HHC component is ethylene.
- the HHC component is ethane.
- the ZIF-containing membranes described above may also be utilized under similar process inlet conditions to selectively separate HHC compounds from CH 4 , and produce similar composition product streams as disclosed in the swing adsorption process embodiments above.
- At least one CH 4 -lean permeate stream is also produced by the process wherein the CH 4 -lean permeate stream has a lower mol% of CH 4 than the process feedstream.
- the stream compositions, separations selectivities and properties of the final products produced by the ZIF-containing membrane process embodiments of the present invention are similar to those identified in the swing adsorption process embodiments described above.
- ZIFs Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks
- the X-ray diffraction pattern can be altered upon solvent- exchange or desolvation.
- the ZIF materials used in the gas adsorption screening studies were prepared according to published procedures with slight modifications in reaction scale and/or sample activation; see reference Park, K. S.; Ni, Z.; Cote, A. P.; Choi, J. Y.; Huang, R.; Uribe-Romo, F. J.; Chae, H. K.; O'Keeffe, M.; Yaghi, O. M. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2006, 103, 10186- 10191, which is incorporated herein by reference and herein referred to as the "Park Reference".
- Example 1 Detailed synthesis procedures are described below in Examples 1 through 5 for selected ZIF materials.
- Example 1
- a ZIF-7 material was synthesized.
- SOD is a three-letter framework type code as defined by the International Zeolite Association (“IZA") in the "Atlas of Zeolite Framework Types" (Ch. Baerlocher, L.B. McCusker, D.H. Olson, Sixth Revised Edition, Elsevier Amsterdam, 2007).
- the as-synthesized solid was heated under vacuum at 473 K for 24 hours, transferred to a 120 ml vial, immersed in acetonitrile (c.a. 100 ml) and soaked at 348 K for 48 hours.
- acetonitrile- exchanged ZIF-7 was loaded in a glass tube and evacuated on a vacuum line apparatus at room-temperature for 16 hours to remove the solvent molecules residing in its pores.
- 2.1O g of activated ZIF-7 was obtained, corresponding to 55% yield (based on Benzimidazole).
- FIG. 1 shows a comparison of the experimental powder X-ray diffraction ("PXRD") patterns of the as-synthesized and the acetonitrile- exchanged ZIF-7 samples and the calculated PXRD pattern (shown as the stick pattern) based on the single crystal structure of ZIF-7 reported in the "Park Reference” as referenced herein.
- the PXRD patterns as shown in Figure 1 are plotted as the diffraction intensity (in arbitrary units) against the diffraction angle two theta (in degrees).
- FIG. 2 shows the thermogravimetric analyses ("TGA") for the as- synthesized and the acetonitrile-exchanged ZIF-7 samples in nitrogen atmosphere.
- TGA thermogravimetric analyses
- Figure 11 is a Scanning Electron Microscopy ("SEM”) image of a sample of ZIF-7 produced.
- ZIF-9 material was synthesized.
- SOD is a three-letter framework type code as defined by the International Zeolite Association (“IZA") in the "Atlas of Zeolite Framework Types” (Ch. Baerlocher, L.B. McCusker, D.H. Olson, Sixth Revised Edition, Elsevier Amsterdam, 2007).
- IZA International Zeolite Association
- the as-synthesized solid was heated under vacuum at 473 K for 24 hours, transferred to a 20 ml vial, immersed in acetonitrile (c.a. 15 ml) and soaked at 348 K for 48 hours.
- acetonitrile- exchanged ZIF-9 was loaded in a glass tube and evacuated on a vacuum line apparatus at room-temperature for 16 hours to remove the solvent molecules residing in its pores. 0.07 g of activated ZIF-9 was obtained, corresponding to 15% yield (based on Benzimidazole).
- Figure 3 shows a comparison of the experimental powder X-ray diffraction ("PXRD") patterns of the as-synthesized and the acetonitrile- exchanged ZIF-9 samples and the calculated PXRD pattern (shown as the stick pattern) based on the single crystal structure of ZIF-9 reported in the "Park Reference” as referenced herein.
- the PXRD patterns as shown in Figure 3 are plotted as the diffraction intensity (in arbitrary units) against the diffraction angle two theta (in degrees).
- FIG. 4 shows the thermogravimetric analyses ("TGA") for the as- synthesized and the acetonitrile-exchanged ZIF-9 samples in nitrogen atmosphere.
- TGA thermogravimetric analyses
- Figure 16 is a Scanning Electron Microscopy ("SEM”) image of a sample of ZIF-9 produced.
- a ZIF-I material was synthesized.
- BCT is a three-letter framework type code as defined by the International Zeolite Association (“IZA") in the "Atlas of Zeolite Framework Types" (Ch. Baerlocher, L.B. McCusker, D.H. Olson, Sixth Revised Edition, Elsevier Amsterdam, 2007).
- the as-synthesized solid was immersed in acetonitrile (c.a. 15 ml) for a total of 72 hours. The solvent volume was replaced every 24 hours.
- the acetonitrile-exchanged ZIF-I was loaded in a glass tube and evacuated on a vacuum line apparatus at room temperature for 16 hours to remove the solvent molecules residing in its pores. 0.13 g of activated ZIF-I was obtained, corresponding to 14% yield (based on zinc nitrate tetrahydrate).
- the as-synthesized ZIF-I was activated by exchanging with toluene followed by heating under vacuum at 443 K for 2 hours.
- Figure 5 shows a comparison of the experimental powder X-ray diffraction ("PXRD") patterns of the as-synthesized, the acetonitrile-exchanged and the toluene-exchanged ZIF-I samples and the calculated PXRD pattern (shown as the stick pattern) based on the single crystal structure of ZIF-I reported in the "Park Reference” as referenced herein.
- the PXRD patterns as shown in Figure 5 are plotted as the diffraction intensity (in arbitrary units) against the diffraction angle two theta (in degrees).
- FIG. 6 shows the thermogravimetric analyses ("TGA") for the as- synthesized, the acetonitrile-exchanged and the toluene-exchanged ZIF-I samples in nitrogen atmosphere.
- TGA thermogravimetric analyses
- Figure 20 is a Scanning Electron Microscopy ("SEM”) image of a sample of ZIF-I (acetonitrile-exchanged) produced.
- Figure 21 is a Scanning Electron Microscopy (“SEM”) image of a sample of ZIF-I (toluene-exchanged) produced.
- SEM Scanning Electron Microscopy
- a ZIF-11 material was synthesized.
- RHO is a three-letter framework type code as defined by the International Zeolite Association (“IZA") in the "Atlas of Zeolite Framework Types" (Ch. Baerlocher, L.B. McCusker, D.H. Olson, Sixth Revised Edition, Elsevier Amsterdam, 2007).
- the solid crystallized on the side wall and the bottom part of the vial was collected and washed with DMF (N,N-Dimethylformamide) repeatedly to , remove any residual mother liquor and an amorphous by-product.
- the product was then transferred to a 20 ml vial and the DMF solvent was decanted.
- chloroform c.a. 15 ml
- the vial was capped and the mixture was immersed in an ultrasonic bath for 30 minutes to mechanically detach an unidentified dense-phase from the surfaces of ZIF-11 crystals.
- Two layers of solids appeared after the vial sat on a level surface undisturbed for 30 minutes.
- the solid layer floating on the surface of chloroform was carefully collected using a pipette and transferred to another 20 ml vial. The solid was washed with and stored in DMF and labeled "purified ZIF-11".
- the purified solid was immersed in methanol (c.a. 15 ml) for a total of 72 hours. The solvent volume was replaced every 24 hours. The methanol-exchanged ZIF-11 was loaded in a glass tube and - -
- Figure 7 shows a comparison of the experimental powder X-ray diffraction ("PXRD") patterns of the purified and the methanol-exchanged ZIF- 11 samples and the calculated PXRD pattern (shown as the stick pattern) based on the single crystal structure of ZIF-11 reported in the "Park Reference” as referenced herein.
- the PXRD patterns as shown in Figure 7 are plotted as the diffraction intensity (in arbitrary units) against the diffraction angle two-theta (in degrees).
- FIG 8 shows the thermogravimetric analyses ("TGA") for the purified and the methanol-exchanged ZIF-11 samples in nitrogen atmosphere.
- TGA thermogravimetric analyses
- Figure 24 is a Scanning Electron Microscopy ("SEM”) image of a sample of ZIF-11 produced.
- SEM Scanning Electron Microscopy
- a ZIF-8 material was synthesized.
- SOD is a three-letter framework type code as defined by the International Zeolite Association (“IZA") in the "Atlas of Zeolite Framework Types" (Ch. Baerlocher, L.B. McCusker, D.H. Olson, Sixth Revised Edition, Elsevier Amsterdam, 2007).
- the product was then transferred to a 120 ml vial and the DMF solvent was decanted.
- chloroform c.a. 100 ml
- the vial was capped and the mixture was immersed in an ultrasonic bath for 30 minutes to mechanically detach zinc oxide particles from the surfaces of ZIF-8 crystals.
- Two layers of solids appeared after the vial sat on a level surface undisturbed for 30 minutes.
- the solid layer floating on the surface of chloroform was carefully collected using a pipette and transferred to another 120 ml vial. The solid was washed with and stored in DMF and labeled "purified ZIF-8".
- the purified solid was immersed in methanol (c.a. 100 ml) for a total of 72 hours. The solvent volume was replaced - -
- the methanol-exchanged ZIF-8 was loaded directly in the sample holder of the gravimetric gas adsorption unit and activated in-situ by using the conditions described in Example 10.
- Figure 9 shows a comparison of the experimental powder X-ray diffraction ("PXRD") patterns of the purified and the methanol-exchanged ZIF-8 samples and the calculated PXRD pattern (stick pattern) based on the single crystal structure of ZIF-8 reported in the "Park Reference” as referenced herein. The high purity of the sample is evidenced by the coincidence of experimental and calculated PXRD patterns.
- the PXRD patterns as shown in Figure 9 are plotted as the diffraction intensity (in arbitrary units) against the diffraction angle two theta (in degrees).
- FIG 10 shows the thermogravimetric analyses ("TGA") for the purified and the methanol-exchanged ZIF-8 samples in nitrogen atmosphere.
- TGA thermogravimetric analyses
- Figure 27 is a Scanning Electron Microscopy ("SEM”) image of a sample of ZIF-8 produced.
- Examples 6-10 [00160] In Examples 6 through 10 herein, a Cahn ® microbalance apparatus (TG121, 0.1 ⁇ g) was used to gravimetrically characterize the adsorption/desorption properties of gases and hydrocarbons (i.e., adsorbates) in various zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (i.e., adsorbents). Experiments were carried out on various adsorbate-adsorbent pairs to determine the adsorption isotherms for the various ZIF materials synthesized in Examples 1 through 5 above. At a constant temperature, the equilibrium adsorbate loading was measured at various adsorbate pressures up to 106.6 kPa.
- TG121 0.1 ⁇ g
- the adsorbate feed was brought into the feed manifold from lecture bottles or from house supply lines containing high purity gases and hydrocarbons.
- the feed manifold was in contact with the adsorbent located in the sample holder of the microbalance.
- the adsorbate pressure within the feed manifold was controlled between vacuum and 106.6 kPa by a MKS® Type 146 Measurement and Control System, which was connected to the computer via RS232 communications.
- the feed manifold was equipped with three MKS® 120A pressure transducers (0-0.0133 kPa, 0-1.33 kPa and 0-133 kPa) that provided the adsorbate pressure information to the controller.
- the controller actuated two electronic valves to adjust the adsorbate pressure within the feed manifold.
- One valve (MKS 0248A, Type OOIOORK) was connected to the adsorbate feed supply and the other valve (MKS 0248A, Type 10000RV) was - o -
- a Pfeiffer® TSU 261 turbomolecular pump was used to achieve the vacuum conditions.
- adsorbent typically, prior to the adsorption isotherm measurements, about 15- 90 mg of adsorbent was loaded in the microbalance at 301 K. In order to avoid the contacting of the adsorbent with ambient air, the adsorbent was fully immersed in an excess of a specified solvent (i.e., an amount well in excess of that required to fill its internal pore volume). The solvent was removed through the use of dynamic vacuum. In some cases, where the solvent was held more strongly within the interior of the adsorbate, heating was also used.
- a specified solvent i.e., an amount well in excess of that required to fill its internal pore volume
- the following steps were applied: (a) out-gassing at 301 K for a prescribed duration, (b) heating to a prescribed temperature and kept there for a prescribed duration, (c) cooling to 301 K. Because the microbalance was tare just prior to loading the sample, the dry weight was directly obtained from the microbalance upon completion of the clean-up procedure. The type of solvent, the heating temperature as well as the duration of the steps was dependent on the particular ZIF material under study. For a given ZIF sample, the same clean-up steps were repeated each time a new successive experiment was conducted. Prior to removing the sample from the microbalance, the first and/or second adsorption experiments were repeated. These repeat experiments revealed excellent reproducibility, confirming the adequacy of the experimental adsorption isotherm procedures as well as the stability of the samples throughout the adsorption experiments. X-ray measurements of the removed samples further confirmed their integrity.
- the upper abscissa displays the relative C 2 H 4 pressure, where the normalizing pressure P 0 corresponds to the C 2 H 4 saturation pressure at 301 K.
- the filled and open symbols identify the corresponding adsorption and desorption branches, respectively (the adsorption branch is shown with filled diamond legend and the desorption branch is shown with open diamond legend).
- Figure 14 is a bar graph comparing the corresponding adsorption loadings of the ZIF-7 material for CH 4 (methane), C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), C 3 H 6 (propylene), C 3 H 8 (propane), C 4 H 8 (l-butene), and C 4 Hi 0 (n- butane) at test conditions of 301 K and 106.6 kPa obtained from the tests as described above.
- the adsorption loadings of the ZIF-7 material for the C 2+ hydrocarbon compounds at 106.6 kPa @ 301 K were all greater than approximately 2.60 mmole/g while the adsorption loading for CH 4 was only approximately 0.09 mmole/g.
- the adsorptive loading ratio for the C 2+ hydrocarbon compounds over CH 4 are greater than approximately 28.9, illustrating the high selectivity of the ZIF-7 material for the C 2+ hydrocarbon compounds over CH 4 , making ZIF-7 a suitable material for use in the present invention.
- the upper abscissa displays the relative C 2 H 4 pressure, where the normalizing pressure P 0 corresponds to the C 2 H 4 saturation pressure at 301 K.
- the filled and open symbols identify the corresponding adsorption and desorption branches, respectively (the adsorption branch is shown with filled diamond legend and the desorption branch is shown with open diamond legend).
- Figure 19 is a bar graph comparing the corresponding adsorption loadings of the ZIF-9 material for CH 4 (methane), C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), CsH 6 (propylene), C 3 H 8 (propane), C 4 H 8 (l-butene), and C 4 Hi 0 (n- butane) at test conditions of 301 K and 106.6 kPa obtained from the tests above.
- the adsorption loading of the ZIF-9 material for the C 2+ hydrocarbon compounds at 106.6 kPa @ 301 K were all greater than approximately 2.62 mmole/g while the adsorption loading for CH 4 was only approximately 0.08 mmole/g.
- the adsorptive loading ratio for the C 2+ hydrocarbon compounds over CH 4 is approximately 32.8 (similar to ZIF-7), illustrating the high selectivity of the ZIF-9 material for C 2+ hydrocarbon compounds over CH 4 , making ZIF-9 a suitable material for use in the present invention.
- Example 3 For the testing of the toluene-exchanged ZIF-I sample, a portion of the ZIF-I sample produced and activated as in Example 3 was loaded with toluene as the solvent. It was out-gassed for 6 hrs at 301 K under dynamic vacuum, heated to 443 K for 2 hrs and then cooled to 301 K. The dry weight was 46.21 mg. The same clean-up procedure was applied to the toluene- exchanged ZIF-I prior to all subsequent experiments with other adsorbates. A Scanning Electron Microscopy (“SEM”) image of toluene-exchanged ZIF-I sample is shown in Figure 21.
- SEM Scanning Electron Microscopy
- Figure 22 shows the adsorption isotherms of the acetonitrile- exchanged ZIF-I for CH 4 (methane), C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), and C 3 H 6 (propylene) at 301 K.
- the ordinate displays the equilibrium adsorption loading in typical units of mmole/g.
- the abscissa displays the absolute pressure of the adsorbate in kPa.
- the adsorption loadings for the C 2+ hydrocarbon compounds were higher than the adsorption loading for methane, CH 4 , on the acetonitrile- exchanged ZIF-I material.
- Figure 23 is a bar graph comparing the corresponding adsorption loadings of the acetonitrile-exchanged ZIF-I material for CH 4 (methane), C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), C 3 H 6 (propylene), C 3 H 8 (propane), C 4 H 8 (l-butene), and C 4 H 10 (n-butane) at test conditions of 301 K and 106.6 kPa obtained from the tests above.
- the adsorption loadings of the acetonitrile-exchanged ZIF-I material for the C 2+ hydrocarbon compounds at 106.6 kPa @ 301 K were all greater than approximately 1.72 mmole/g while the adsorption loading for CH 4 was only approximately 0.30 mmole/g. At these conditions, the adsorptive loading ratio for the C 2+ hydrocarbon compounds over CH 4 was approximately 5.7.
- This example illustrates that the acetonitrile- exchanged ZIF-I possesses an adsorptive loading ratio high enough to meet the requirements of the present invention.
- the toluene-exchanged ZIF-I material exhibits similar adsorption loading characteristics as the acetonitrile-exchanged ZIF-I material. - -
- the ordinate displays the equilibrium adsorption loading in typical units of mmole/g.
- the abscissa displays the absolute pressure of the adsorbate in kPa.
- the adsorption loading for the C 2+ hydrocarbon compounds were higher than the adsorption loading for methane, CH 4 , on the ZIF-11 material.
- Figure 26 is a bar graph comparing the corresponding adsorption loadings of the ZIF-11 material for CH 4 (methane), C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), C 3 H 6 (propylene), C 3 H 8 (propane), C 4 H 8 (l-butene), and C 4 Hi 0 (n- butane) at test conditions of 301 K and 106.6 kPa obtained from the tests above.
- the adsorption loadings of the ZIF-11 material for the C 2+ hydrocarbon compounds at 106.6 kPa @ 301 K were all greater than approximately 1.59 mmole/g while the adsorption loading for CH 4 was only approximately 0.43 mmole/g.
- the adsorptive loading ratio for the C 2+ hydrocarbon compounds over CH 4 was only - OJ -
- the ordinate displays the equilibrium adsorption loading in typical units of mmole/g.
- the abscissa displays the absolute pressure of the adsorbate in kPa.
- the adsorption loading for C 2+ hydrocarbon compounds were higher than the adsorption loading for methane, CH 4 , on the ZIF-8 material.
- Figure 29 is a bar graph comparing the corresponding adsorption loadings of the ZIF-8 material for CH 4 (methane), C 2 H 4 (ethylene), C 2 H 6 (ethane), C 3 H 6 (propylene), C 3 H 8 (propane), C 4 H 8 (l-butene), and C 4 Hi 0 (n- - OO -
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CN2009801133559A CN102036734B (en) | 2008-02-21 | 2009-02-20 | Separation of methane from higher carbon number hydrocarbons utilizing zeolitic imidazolate framework materials |
AT09711779T ATE535297T1 (en) | 2008-02-21 | 2009-02-20 | SEPARATION OF METHANE FROM HIGHER CARBON NUMBER HYDROCARBONS USING ZEOLITICAL IMIDAZOLATE FRACKWORK MATERIALS |
ES09711779T ES2378131T3 (en) | 2008-02-21 | 2009-02-20 | Separation of methane from higher carbon hydrocarbons using zeolitic imidazolate shell materials |
AU2009215786A AU2009215786B2 (en) | 2008-02-21 | 2009-02-20 | Separation of methane from higher carbon number hydrocarbons utilizing zeolitic imidazolate framework materials |
CA2716322A CA2716322C (en) | 2008-02-21 | 2009-02-20 | Separation of methane from higher carbon number hydrocarbons utilizing zeolitic imidazolate framework materials |
EP09711779A EP2254683B1 (en) | 2008-02-21 | 2009-02-20 | Separation of methane from higher carbon number hydrocarbons utilizing zeolitic imidazolate framework materials |
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US12/321,752 US8142746B2 (en) | 2008-02-21 | 2009-01-23 | Separation of carbon dioxide from methane utilizing zeolitic imidazolate framework materials |
US12/322,364 | 2009-01-30 | ||
US12/322,364 US8192709B2 (en) | 2008-02-21 | 2009-01-30 | Separation of methane from higher carbon number hydrocarbons utilizing zeolitic imidazolate framework materials |
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