Membrane process and apparatus for removing vapors from gas streams

摘要

A membrane process and system for removing condensable vapors from gas streams is disclosed. The process includes a membrane separation step and a condensation or other recovery step. An auxiliary membrane module or set of modules is installed across the pump and condenser on the downstream side of the main membrane unit. This module takes as its feed the vent gas from the condenser, and returns a vapor-enriched stream upstream of the pump and condenser. The module can be sized to produce a discharge stream containing the vapor in about the same concentration as the feed to be treated. This discharge stream can then be mixed with the feed without diverse effect on the efficiency of the system.