Energy Efficient Olefin-Paraffin Separations with OptipermTM membrane System

Robert Somich

Process Technology Engineering

Braskem

Jacob Wargo

Membrane Development Engineer

Compact Membrane Systems

Kenneth Pennisi

Sr Process Design Engineer

Compact Membrane Systems

Abstract: Compact Membrane Systems has developed the novel Optiperm™ membrane platform for decarbonizing today’s industry across two applications: olefin paraffin separation and carbon capture. The separation of light olefins from paraffins is one of the most energy intensive in the world. The state of the art separation method is distillation, a technology that has remained unchanged over decades. Membranes hold the promise of a more modular, energy efficient and capital efficient method for separation. However, they have historically been hampered by low performance and stability. CMS has developed a transformational membrane technology that is being demonstrated at commercial scale with Braskem.

The first Optipermâ„¢ membrane utilizes a silver embedded polymeric material to selectively transport olefins. This material has demonstrated over 3 years of longevity in laboratory operation and has shown high selectivity and permeance under realistic operating conditions. Additionally, Optipermâ„¢ membranes were first trialed at the Delaware City Refining Company in over 300 days of field operations validating the robustness and capability of the technology in an operating plant environment.

In continuing the commercialization of Optipermâ„¢ Membranes, CMS’ has partnered with Braskem to jointly develop and fabricate a multistage pilot unit to test commercial scale spiral wound membranes in in a mixed C₃ process stream. This talk will discuss results from the pilot unit that was deployed in a Braskem Polymer facility in January 2022 and was brought on stream in May 2022. This is the first commercial scale operation of Optipermâ„¢ membrane modules under field conditions using actual process streams. While the membrane as the technical unlock, the engineering system allows this novel technology to cross the chasm from the lab to commercial applications. We will describe the pilot unit design which incorporates all the process equipment of a commercial scale unit including an advanced process control system that enables the unit to simultaneously produce two high quality product streams.

Learning from our field testing with Braskem will be shared with effects of the process operating conditions and membrane operating window. Updates will also be presented on the scale up of our flat sheet spiral wound commercial membrane cartridges, second generation hollow fiber membrane configuration development, and the progress on our joint development project with Braskem.