Patent ID: 7947116
Filing Date: 2011-05-24
Classification: B01D,C01B,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method for separating a hydrogen-rich product stream from a feed stream comprising hydrogen and at least one carbon-containing gas, the method comprising: feeding the feed stream, at an inlet pressure greater than atmospheric pressure and a temperature greater than 200° C., to a hydrogen separation membrane system comprising a pretreated membrane that is selectively permeable to hydrogen, and producing a hydrogen-rich permeate product stream on the permeate side of the membrane and a carbon dioxide-rich product raffinate stream on the raffinate side of the membrane; wherein the pretreated membrane is pretreated by the steps comprising heating the membrane to a desired temperature and desired pressure in a flow of inert gas for a sufficient time to cause the membrane to mechanically deform, decreasing the pressure to approximately ambient pressure; and optionally, chemically treating the membrane before, during, or after deformation of the membrane; and wherein the hydrogen flux through the membrane is greater than 20 mL/min/cm