Mathematical modelling of membrane gas separation using the finite difference method

Abstract

Membrane gas separation has been recognized as the main technology that is used in chemical engineering for hydrogen recovery, air separation, natural gas sweetening, helium recovery, natural gas dehydration, and so on. Membrane-based gas separation processes have great potential for these industrial applications because of their environmental friendliness, energy efficiency and ease of scale up. Mathematical modelling of the membrane-based gas separation process can be useful to predict the performance of such separation processes. An improved mathematical model has been implemented in this research for the separation of a binary gas mixture using a membrane separator. The finite difference method (FDM) is applied to predict the membrane gas separation behaviour. The method is helpful as it involves the least effort and computational time because algebraic equations are used instead of differential equations. Different configurations, such as single stage and double stage, are used in this study. The results of the FDM simulation are compared with the simulation results of the model and the experimental data of several membrane systems.