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Novel Membranes for In-Process Recycling of Hydrocarbon Feedstocks in Oxygen-Oxidation Processes

EPA Contract Number: 68D70023
Title: Novel Membranes for In-Process Recycling of Hydrocarbon Feedstocks in Oxygen-Oxidation Processes
Investigators: Wijmans, J. G.
Small Business: Membrane Technology and Research Inc.
EPA Contact: Manager, SBIR Program
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1997 through March 1, 1998
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1996)
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , SBIR - Pollution Prevention

Description:

Oxygen-oxidation processes are used to produce a number of important chemicals, including ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, terephthalic acid, and vinyl chloride. Approximately 450 million lbs/yr of the hydrocarbon feedstocks used in these processes are lost as part of an inert gas purge stream from the reactor. Currently, this gas is flared, which results in a loss of valuable chemicals and an increased environmental burden. This project involves the development of selective membranes that retain the hydrocarbon feedstock for recycling to the reactor while permeating the inert gases. The value of the recovered hydrocarbon leads to process payback times of 12 to 24 months. Preliminary work already has produced membranes with selectivities close to the target performance required. In the Phase I project, candidate polymers will be fabricated into thin composite membranes. Laboratory-scale membrane stamps then will be tested with model gas mixtures.

Supplemental Keywords:

small business, SBIR, air emissions, pollution prevention, recycling, engineering, chemistry. , Toxics, Air, Sustainable Industry/Business, Scientific Discipline, RFA, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, EPCRA, Chemical Engineering, Civil/Environmental Engineering, HAPS, air toxics, Environmental Engineering, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry and Materials Science, Vinyl chloride, membrane technology, clean technology, recovered hydrocarbon, ambient air quality, cleaner production, hydrocarbons, in-process changes, Propylene oxide, membrane technology , emission control strategies, industrial air pollution, hydrocarbon, in-process recycling, environmentally conscious manufacturing, novel membrames, membrane process, air pollutants, recycling, feedstocks, feedstock, emission controls, Ethylene oxide, pollution prevention

Progress and Final Reports:
Final Report

SBIR Phase II:

Novel Membranes for In-Process Recycling of Hydrocarbon Feedstocks in Oxygen-Oxidation Processes

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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