Gas-liquid membrane contactors for carbon dioxide separation: A review

Abstract

Membrane gas–liquid contactors have been developed to reduce the capital cost and energy consumption of conventional CO2 absorption and stripping columns. As a hybrid technology of membrane separation and amine absorption, these units can improve the gas absorption process by generating 400–1500% greater mass transfer area per unit volume leading to smaller equipment sizes. Regeneration of CO2 can occur within a membrane contactor below the boiling point of the solvent, leading to lower energy consumption. Over recent years, a vast array of polymeric and ceramic materials have been considered for membrane gas–liquid contactors and an array of solvents have been used including amines, potassi..