Ion-Transport Membrane Oxygen Separation Modules

Advanced gas separation research supported
by NETL offers the potential for substantial improvements in environmental and cost performance of gasification systems. These technologies will also enhance process efficiency. Numerous novel approaches are being investigated for O₂, H₂, and CO₂ separation under varying operating conditions.

Oxygen Separation
A major program objective is the development of cost-effective oxygen-separation membranes. These can provide substantial cost reduction for O₂ separation compared to conventional cryogenic methods. There are several major process advantages to using oxygen-blown gasifiers, and many existing and future gasification plants are or will be oxygen-blown. Since the air separation unit typically can be 12 to 15 percent of the capital cost of a plant, there is a substantial opportunity to improve the overall cost and efficiency of the plant with improved air separation technologies.

Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide Separation
Improved H₂ recovery and CO₂ removal from the synthesis gas (syngas) product stream are also important. The gasification program, in concert with the Hydrogen and Clean Fuels program, is developing membranes and other novel methods for H₂ recovery from gas streams that will minimize the cost and efficiency losses for H₂ and CO₂ separation. For more information on H₂ and CO₂ separation, go to the Hydrogen and Clean Fuels program web site. Click here to see the Hydrogen Posture plan.

Active Gas Separation Projects include the following:

• A Synergistic Combination of Advanced Separation and Chemical Scale Inhibitor Technologies for Efficient Use of Impaired Water as Cooling Water in Coal-Based Power Plants
• ITM Oxygen Technology for Integration in IGCC and Other Advanced Power Generation Systems
• Scale-Up of Hydrogen Transport Membranes for IGCC and FutureGen Plants
• Sorbents for Air Separation

Other program elements within Gasification Technologies include:

• Advanced Gasification
• Gas Cleaning and Conditioning
• Systems and Industry Analyses