A prototype for producing oxygen-rich air using novel magnetic separation cell and magnetic mixed poly(etheresulfone) matrix membranes

TL;DR

A new prototype uses magnetic membranes to efficiently separate oxygen from air, improving oxygen content and permeability.

Contribution

A novel magnetic separation cell and magnetic mixed matrix membrane design for enhanced oxygen enrichment.

Findings

The prototype achieved a 55% increase in permeability and a 40% enhancement in oxygen content.

The magnetic Fe10Ni90 alloy in the ribbed structure optimized gas permeation rates.

The membrane preparation method enabled linear filler alignment without sedimentation.

Abstract

A meticulously designed prototype for the production of oxygen-rich air was developed, focusing on the separation of oxygen and nitrogen gases through a bespoke magnetic gas separation cell utilizing magnetic mixed matrix membranes. The nanostructured Fe10Ni90 and Fe20Ni80 alloys were fabricated by simple reduction and were embedded in a Poly(ethersulfone) (PES) matrix. The separation mechanism exploits the divergent magnetic properties of the gases—oxygen being paramagnetic and nitrogen diamagnetic—whereby magnetic attraction facilitates the extraction of oxygen molecules from the gas stream, enriching the permeate. Central to this study are three pivotal areas: first, the membrane preparation method employs an innovative attraction mechanism between permanent magnetic alloys and an iron casting knife, enabling a linear alignment of fillers without sedimentation and eliminating the need for a magnetic field during casting. This significantly enhances the integrity and performance of the fabricated mixed PES matrix membrane. Second, the flat sheet gas separation cell features a unique ribbed structure on the permeate side, filled with a magnetic Fe10Ni90 alloy, poised to optimize gas permeation rates by augmenting the separation force on both the membrane and permeate side. Third, the robust stainless-steel construction and specific dimensions of the cell, providing an effective area of 95 cm², stand in stark contrast to older, more complex geometries. This comprehensive approach resulted in a remarkable 55% increase in permeability and a 40% enhancement in oxygen content.

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