Gas Permeation Through Poly(Ether‐b‐amide) (PEBAX 2533) Block Copolymer Membranes

Abstract The development of polymeric membranes for gas separations provides an alternative to traditional energy intensive processes, especially for hydrocarbon separations. We investigated the permeation behavior of several gases through poly(ether‐b‐amide) PEBAX 2533 copolymer membranes over a range of operating temperatures and feed pressures. Permeability coefficients were determined at temperatures ranging from 25°C to 75°C, and feed pressures from 25 to 200 psig for ethane, ethylene, nitrogen, propane, and propylene. Carbon dioxide was also studied to better appreciate the interaction between a polar gas and the membrane. The PEBAX 2533 membranes showed high hydrocarbon permeabilities. Plasticization effects on the membrane were pronounced with propane and propylene at elevated pressures. Activation energies of permeation were determined, which showed a linear decreasing trend with pressure increases for hydrocarbons.