Multiobjective Optimization Based on “Distance-to-Target” Approach of Membrane Units for Separation of CO2/CH4

The effective separation of CO2 and CH4 mixtures is essential for many applications, such as biogas upgrading, natural gas sweetening or enhanced oil recovery. Membrane separations can contribute greatly in these tasks, innovative membrane materials are being developed this separation. aim work the evaluation potential two types highly CO2-permeable membranes (modified commercial polydimethylsiloxane non-commercial ionic liquid–chitosan composite membranes) whose selective layers possess different hydrophobic hydrophilic characteristics CO2/CH4 mixtures. study technical performance selected provide a better understanding their potentiality. optimization hollow fiber modules both was carried out by “distance-to-target” approach that considered multiple objectives related to purities recovery gases. results demonstrated improved other membranes, with purity percentage values 86 95%, respectively, permeate stream, 97 92% retentate stream. multiobjective allowed determination optimal process design parameters, area, pressure ratio stage cut required achieve maximum component terms Since recoveries obtained were not enough fulfill requirements imposed on streams be directly valorized, more complex multi-stage systems also proposed application methodology, which useful tool advance implementation processes.