Oxygen separation method using a ceramic membrane unit

摘要

A method of separating oxygen from an oxygen containing gas using an ceramic membrane unit having one or more ceramic membranes, preferably formed of a mixed conducting ceramic capable of conducting both oxygen ions and electrons. Oxygen is separated within the ceramic membrane unit under impetus of compressing the incoming feed. Sufficient power for such compression is created through expansion of a process stream composed in part of the retentate with interstage expansion reheating.