Patent ID: 6179900
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: B01D,C01B

Abstract:
A process for the separation/recovery of gases with the aid of a membrane/PSA system from a stream where the desired component is present at low molar concentration and/or low pressure, which consists essentially of the following steps:compressing and directing the compressed feed stream containing the desired component at moderate temperature and pressure to a membrane unit of high permeability and medium selectivity whereby are separated a low pressure stream enriched in the desired component--the permeate stream--and a lean stream or retentate, enriched in non-desired component(s) at pressure close to that of the feed;saving energy by conveying the pressure inventory from the retentate stream to the permeate stream so as to elevate the permeate pressure;directing the permeate stream at elevated pressure to a PSA system which selectively adsorbs non-desired components, for purification of the desired component;recovering the desired component from the PSA system;desorbing and discarding the purge stream containing the non-desired components from the PSA system.