US 5,707,423 A · Substituted polyacetylene separation membrane

Abstract

A separation membrane useful for gas separation, particularly separation of C.sub.2+ hydrocarbons from natural gas. The invention encompasses the membrane itself, methods of making it and processes for using it. The membrane comprises a polymer having repeating units of a hydrocarbon-based, disubstituted polyacetylene, having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is chosen from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl and phenyl, and wherein R.sub.2 is chosen from the group consisting of hydrogen and phenyl. In the most preferred embodiment, the membrane comprises poly(4-methyl-2-pentyne) PMP!. The membrane exhibits good chemical resistance and has super-glassy properties with regard to separating certain large, condensable permeant species from smaller, less-condensable permeant species. The membranes may also be useful in other fluid separations.

Claims35

Dependent claims

A process for separating a component of a first fluid mixture comprising the steps of:

(a) bringing said first fluid mixture into contact with a feed side of a separation membrane, said separation membrane comprising a polymer having repeating units of the formula:
##STR9## wherein R.sub.1 is chosen from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl and phenyl, and wherein R.sub.2 is chosen from the group consisting of hydrogen and phenyl, said polymer being characterized by an oxygen permeability at room temperature of at least about 500 Barrer;
(b) providing a driving force for transmembrane permeation;
(c) withdrawing from a permeate side of said separation membrane a second fluid mixture wherein said component is enriched, compared with said first fluid mixture.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Substituted polyacetylene separation membrane

Life of this patent

Substituted polyacetylene separation membrane

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims35