Hybrid membrane/solvent process optimization

Membranes are being used more frequently in gas processing applications, particularly in Enhanced Oil Recovery. The process selection advantages which membranes have are maximized when bulk removal is required. There are situations where a process flowscheme combining membranes with a solvent polishing system is the best choice. This paper deals with an Enhanced Oil Recovery project and demonstrates an approach which can optimize the major process parameters to be combined in a hybrid membrane solvent processing arrangement. The background and major contributing factors to process optimization are reviewed. The major process parameters are presented and the optimum process load for membrane separation and solvent separation is determined. This approach can be used on other similar processing situations.