Membrane Technology
Membrane Composition
The membranes in our system are composed of hundreds of hollow fibers. These fibers are made from specially designed polymers that are optimized for gas separation.
Gas Separation Process
The separation of methane and carbon dioxide occurs due to the difference in their diffusivity rates. Carbon dioxide molecules can pass through the polymer material faster than methane molecules due to their molecular structure. The biogas enters the membrane inside the hollow fibers, resulting in a carbon dioxide-rich stream at the permeate side and a methane-rich stream at the retentate side of the membrane.
Membrane Stages
Each membrane in our system contains hundreds of hollow fibers. Depending on the raw biogas inlet flow, the number of membranes varies. We refer to one set of membranes as a stage. While a two-stage membrane configuration can achieve a methane recovery of up to 97%, the most common configuration is a three-stage membrane configuration which can reach 99.5% methane recovery. This is crucial in most biogas upgrading projects.
Why Choose Membrane Technology?
COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN
Membrane technology systems are designed to be compact and lightweight. This makes them easy to install and integrate into existing facilities, even when space is limited. This compactness also reduces the costs associated with transportation and installation.
LOW MAINTENANCE
Membrane systems require minimal maintenance compared to other biogas upgrading technologies. The membranes are durable and have a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Additionally, because the process is dry, there are no waste streams that require treatment, further reducing maintenance requirements.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Membrane technology is highly energy-efficient. The separation process relies on the physical properties of the gases rather than on chemical reactions or temperature changes, which can consume significant amounts of energy. This results in lower energy consumption and, consequently, lower operating costs.
In conclusion, membrane technology offers a compact, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient solution for biogas upgrading. These advantages make it an attractive choice for businesses looking to optimize their biogas production processes.
