FAQ
The benefits of using a Permylene membrane system for olefin/paraffin separation are many, and include:
- Lower capital cost (capex) alternative to distillation
- Lower energy costs
- Reduced environmental impact from emissions (GHG)
- Recovery of valuable olefins from waste streams
- Olefin stream value upgrading
- New product opportunities
No. The membrane hydration system is a closed circulation system with the only losses being the water that leaves the membrane system in the permeate and retentate streams. There is no silver nitrate solution carryover in the permeate or the retentate streams.
The spiral wound elements employed in a Permylene membrane system are of a design that is commonly used in applications such as water purification. As such, Imtex estimates the life of the membrane elements to be at least five to seven years, which coincides with the typical timing of petrochemical operation maintenance turnarounds.
Imtex is involved with Permylene membrane system projects from start to finish. Starting with the initial opportunity evaluation, to basic engineering design, process hazard analysis reviews, P&ID reviews, to project installation, commissioning and start-up, Imtex will be involved and will support every aspect of a project.
While no Permylene installations are currently in commercial operation, Imtex is currently working on a number of projects that are in the initial design and plant site demonstration phase. Once demonstrations are completed, and the technology is validated to the customers’ satisfaction, Imtex expects commercial installations to take place.
All you have to do is ask us! The best way to initiate the process is to contact us with basic information on the opportunity to be evaluated. You will be then contacted by a member of the Imtex business development team to proceed with the evaluation. Imtex performs such initial evaluations on a complimentary basis.
Yes. C4 hydrocarbon separations (butenes from butanes) are particularly challenging for distillation due to the boiling point similarity between the C4 species. This makes C4 separations such as 1-butene/iso-butane and 2-butene/n-butane difficult. Permylene’s facilitated transport separation mechanism functions independent of relative volatility, allowing these separations to be easily achieved. Permylene membrane separation technology can replace and/or integrate with traditional C4 distillation and result in a more cost effective and operationally efficient system. Contact us to discuss your specific application and objectives.
Yes, Imtex has been asked to evaluate a number of different ways to integrate Permylene membrane systems into traditional ethylene production processes. Examples include debottlenecking C2 splitter operations, hybrid systems to enhance the purity of C2 splitter overhead streams, and systems to improve splitter efficiency, to name a few. Contact us to learn more.