Biohydrogen purification using a commercial polyimide membrane module: Studying the effects of some process variables

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2013-11, Vol.38 (35), p.15092-15099
• Main Authors: Bakonyi, P., Kumar, G., Nemestóthy, N., Lin, C.Y., Bélafi-Bakó, K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Biohydrogen; Boundaries; Carbon dioxide; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Fuels; Hydrogen; Membrane; Membranes; Mixed gas; Modules; Polyimide resins; Purification; Selectivity; Separation
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2013.09.133

In this work the purification of biohydrogen was attempted in mixed gas measurements using a commercial polyimide membrane module. The impact of several process variables (gas composition, temperature, ratio of retentate and feed flows) on the real separation efficiency was statistically studied applying a 3-level full-factorial experimental design. The results showed that all the factors examined could significantly affect the achievable selectivity and it was observed that the theoretical and real separation factors were remarkably different. It was also found that – in comparison with other commercially available membranes – the module reflected potential for hydrogen enrichment. Considering the design boundaries, the highest H2/CO2 gas selectivity (1.62) could be achieved at feed pressure, separation temperature and recovery value of ∼2.2 bar, 55 °C and 0.6, respectively, using a 65 vol% hydrogen/35 vol% carbon-dioxide binary mixture. •Application of membrane gas separation for biohydrogen enrichment.•Study on the significant parameters affecting membrane performance by experimental design.•Discussion on the impacts of the statistically important process variables.