Method for Operating Two Sub-Processes with Different Steam Requirements in an Overall Process with a Water Vapour Selective Membrane

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a method for optimizing processes that involve two subprocesses with different steam (water vapor) requirements, using a water vapor selective membrane. The invention allows the excess water vapor, not needed by the first subprocess, to be efficiently transferred through the membrane to a second subprocess where the vapor is required. This reduces the need for energy-intensive condensation and re-evaporation steps, leading to a more energy-efficient process overall.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants, especially where a physical wash (like desulfurization) is combined with gas turbine operation.
• Chemical plants involving processes such as synthesis gas (syngas) production where steam requirements vary between sub-processes like cold gas cleaning and turbines.
• Industrial processes with sequential units where one requires low or no steam while another benefits from additional steam, e.g., CO2 removal followed by turbine power generation.
• Any process industry application aiming to balance or optimize steam utilization between different stages without excessive cooling, condensation, or steam addition.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly increases the overall energy efficiency by minimizing condensation and re-evaporation of steam.
• Reduces equipment size and complexity by potentially eliminating or downsizing condensers and heat exchangers.
• Maintains water and energy at higher temperatures, supporting better exergy and system efficiency.
• Recovers and recycles water vapor within the process, optimizing the water balance—crucial for water-constrained operations.
• Lowers operational costs and reduces energy consumption required for steam generation and water management.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The method involves supplying a product flow, which leaves a subprocess, with a water vapor-partial vapor to a permeate side of a membrane module. The product flow is evacuated from the membrane module as a permeate with an increased water vapor-partial vapor, and subsequently supplied to another subprocess. Water vapor from a reactant flow on a retentate side of the membrane module is directly transferred to a product flow on the permeate side via a water vapor selective membrane in the membrane module due to a partial pressure drop for water of 10 millibars.