FLUID EMULSION PURIFICATION PROCESSES USING MICROPOROUS MATERIALS HAVING FILTRATION AND ADSORPTION PROPERTIES

摘要

The present invention is directed to methods of separating a fluid emulsion stream into a hydrocarbon stream and an aqueous stream, by contacting the stream with a microporous membrane to yield a hydrocarbon product stream and an aqueous product stream. The membrane comprises a substantially hydrophobic, polymeric matrix, and substantially hydrophilic, finely divided, particulate, substantially water-insoluble filler distributed throughout the matrix. The polymeric matrix has a mean pore size less than 1.0 micron, and the purities of the product streams are independent of the flux rate of the aqueous product stream and the pore size of the membrane.

主权项

1. A method of separating a fluid emulsion stream having a continuous aqueous phase into a hydrocarbon stream and an aqueous stream, comprising passing the fluid emulsion stream through a microporous membrane to yield a hydrocarbon product stream and an aqueous product stream, wherein the membrane comprises a substantially hydrophobic, polymeric matrix and substantially hydrophilic, finely divided, particulate, filler distributed throughout said matrix, wherein the polymeric matrix has pores with a volume average diameter less than 1.0 micron, and wherein the membrane demonstrates a hydrocarbon retention rate of at least 90% that is independent of flux rate of the aqueous product stream and the pore size of the membrane.