Poly (1-trimethysilyl-1-propyne) membrane regeneration process

The present invention relates to a process for regenerating a poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) membrane. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process for regenerating a poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) membrane used in a pervaporation process for recovering volatile organic compound...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors Fadeev, Andrei G, Meagher, Michael M
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 23.07.2002
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Summary:The present invention relates to a process for regenerating a poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) membrane. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process for regenerating a poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) membrane used in a pervaporation process for recovering volatile organic compounds such as n-butanol from aqueous solutions and/or fermentation broths. A novel process for the regeneration of PTMSP membranes is disclosed. The regeneration process includes washing a fouled PTMSP membrane with a solution containing at least about 50% butanol in water for a time sufficient to increase the flux and/or selectivity of the membrane. This regeneration process with a butanol containing solution significantly improves both the flux and selectivity of the PTMSP membrane and can regenerate the flux of the PTMSP membrane to the level of a previously unused membrane.