Support Layer for Composite Gas Separation Membranes to Separate Nitrogen from Light Hydrocarbons: Fabrication and Investigation

This study looked at the production of the support layer that is utilized in composite membranes to separate nitrogen gas from light hydrocarbons such as methane gas. A constant pressure membrane permeation setup was used to evaluate the performance of the produced layer. In composite membranes, with a smooth surface of the support layer and by reducing its roughness, it is possible to coat the separating layer with the minimum possible thickness. AFM testing took place on the manufactured membranes for this reason. Viscosity was measured as a determining factor in the non-penetration of the support layer solution beneath the non-woven polyester fabric. At room temperature (25°C), the polymeric solution, with a viscosity of 3 Pa.s, did not penetrate under the non-woven fabric when dried at ambient temperature . Eventually, it was shown that the created support layer can be utilized at low pressures to create composite membranes for gas separation with high permeance.