Thin-film composite hollow fiber membranes for ethylene/ethane separation in gas-liquid membrane contactor

Abstract The novel highly permeable composite membranes with a thin selective layer made of poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) (PTMSP) on polysulfone hollow fiber support were proposed for application in gas-liquid membrane contactor for ethylene/ethane separation. The effects of AgNO 3 concentration in aqueous absorbent and its velocity on the ethylene mass transfer coefficient were evaluated. High ethylene permeance (83 GPU) at ethylene recovery of 44% was achieved. Six months of membrane contactor operation revealed only 24% drop in the overall mass transfer coefficient. The contributions of membrane and liquid phase to the overall mass transfer resistance were estimated. The contributions were found to be comparable values.