HIGH-TEMPERATURE, STEAM-SELECTIVE MEMBRANE
First Claim
1. A high-temperature, steam-selective membrane, the steam-selective membrane comprising:
- a polymer layer exhibiting a high selectivity to the transport of steam relative to other gas species, the polymer membrane sandwiched between substantially rigid porous layers that are steam permeable.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A high-temperature, steam-selective membrane for adding steam to or removing steam from various types of chemical reactions is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such a membrane includes a polymer layer (a Nafion or sulfonated PEEK polymer layer, for example) exhibiting high selectivity to the transport of steam relative to other gas species. The polymer layer is sandwiched between substantially rigid porous layers that are steam permeable. The rigid porous layers substantially immobilize the polymer layer and reduce the tendency of the polymer layer to shrink and/or expand in response to changes in temperature or humidity. The rigid porous layers may also retain water to keep the polymer layer moist. The physical support and moisture retention provided by the rigid porous layers enable the polymer layer to operate in a temperature range of about 100° C. to 500° C.
31 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A high-temperature, steam-selective membrane, the steam-selective membrane comprising:
a polymer layer exhibiting a high selectivity to the transport of steam relative to other gas species, the polymer membrane sandwiched between substantially rigid porous layers that are steam permeable. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for removing steam from a steam-laden gas stream, the method comprising:
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providing a steam-selective membrane comprising a steam-selective polymer layer sandwiched between rigid steam-permeable porous layers; conveying a steam-laden gas stream to a first side of the steam-selective membrane; transporting steam in the steam-laden gas stream through the steam-selective membrane from the first side to a second side of the steam-permeable membrane, thereby generating a steam-depleted gas stream at the first side; and conveying the steam-depleted gas stream away from the first side. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A high-temperature, steam-selective membrane, the steam-selective membrane comprising:
a polymer layer exhibiting a high selectivity to the transport of steam relative to other gas species, the polymer layer being physically adhered to at least one substantially rigid steam-permeable porous layer. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A high-temperature, steam-selective membrane, the steam-selective membrane comprising:
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a polymer layer exhibiting a high selectivity to the transport of steam relative to other gas species, the polymer layer being physically adhered to at least one substantially rigid steam-permeable porous layer comprising one of a porous ceramic layer and a porous metal layer; wherein the polymer layer comprises at least one of Nafion and sulfonated polyether ether ketone (PEEK); wherein the polymer layer operates in a temperature range of about 100°
C. to about 500°
C.; and
,wherein the steam-selective membrane is cured to achieve bonding between the polymer layer and the at least one substantially rigid steam-permeable porous layer. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27)
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Specification