Gas permeation is increasingly considered for high capacity applications. This contribution discusses the commonly employed membrane module types for flat sheet membranes and suggests a new module concept. The applications considered are the separation of CO 2 from flue gas and hydrocarbon dewpointing of natural gas. Rigorous models for predicting the operating performance of the module types are described. Pilot plant experiments were conducted to validate the model for envelope type modules. Simulation studies were carried out to predict the performances of the different module types for the two examples and assess their advantages and disadvantages.

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A membrane unit in pilot scale is operated to provide a CO2‐enriched product stream from flue gas of a natural‐gas‐fuelled heating system. The CO2 stream is fed to a cultivation medium of photobioreactors that are integrated in the façade of the building project ‘BIQ – The Algae House’ (International Building Exhibition 2013/Hamburg), where CO2 is required as the carbon source for the growth of algae, which are cultivated in the bioreactors. This work presents a long‐term field test. Furthermore, a possibility for the usage of CO2 separated de‐centrally is given. The operational conditions for the membrane module cause additional mechanical stress on the membrane material since the pilot plant is operated with periodic start‐ups and shut‐downs. The occurrence of acidic water on the membrane generates additional potential damage of the material. The field test is planned to be carried out for several years to prove the reliability of this membrane technology in flue gas treatment. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

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