Patent ID: 6290756
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A membrane separation module for the separation of gaseous components at high pressure, said module comprising,a bundle of gas separation hollow fiber membranes, each of said membranes having at least one region which is encapsulated by a tubesheet, and an active membrane region which is not encapsulated by said tubesheet;said tubesheet comprising a cured epoxy resin having, when cured, a comparatively soft epoxy portion and a comparatively hard epoxy portion within said tubesheet, said comparatively hard epoxy portion having a hardness at least 10 shore D units greater than said comparatively soft epoxy portion at a temperature of 25.degree. C.;said comparatively soft epoxy portion being located at a first end defining an interface between the encapsulated region of said membranes and the active membrane region of said membranes, said comparatively soft epoxy portion being soft and flexible so as to protect the fibers from damage or sealing imperfections at said interface;said comparatively hard portion being located at a terminal end of said tubesheet located opposite of said first end, said comparatively hard epoxy portion providing durability and mechanical support required for high pressure and temperature separation of gases; andsaid comparatively hard epoxy portion being in intimate contact with said comparatively soft epoxy portion such that there are substantially no air gaps between said portions, so as to reduce the presence of tubesheet defects which may reduce the selectivity of a gas separation process conducted with said module.