Final Year Project

Title: Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Mixed Matrix Membrane for the Gas Separation

This study investigates the effect of addition of functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using beta cyclodextrin (β-CD) in polyimide (PI) mixed matrix membrane (MMMs) for gas separation. The synergistic combinations of organic polymers for separation applications with inorganic substances such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have resulted in a new class of membrane material called mixed matrix membrane for the gas separation. However, weak interfacial interaction between CNT and polymer and strong van der waals forces in CNTs were major problems for the CNTs based MMMs.  Therefore, functionalization of CNTs with β-CD is proposed as inorganic filler in MMMs. PI mixed matrix membrane was fabricated through simple dry/wet phase inversion process. The mixed matrix membrane will be characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Pure gases of carbon dioxide and methane will be applied for the gas performance testing. The permeability and selectivity of the gases will be evaluated. Functionalization of CNTs by using β-CD will produce a better performance of the MMMs due to a better interaction between CNTs and polymer. For more details, please download the attachment below:

            There are two types of fuel gases that are normally piped or reticulated to end-users which are liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas. Due to its very low boiling point, natural gas is transported in pressurised vapour state from gas processing plants or terminals via pipelines to end-user appliances. There is no natural gas storage at the consumer’s premises. LPG, due to its relatively higher boiling point, is transported by road tankers in the liquid state from refineries or terminals and stored at consumer’s premises in storage vessels before it is vaporised and piped to end-user appliances. Hence, in LPG systems there is a risk of liquid being leaked or released from the system. Small volume of liquid LPG leaks from the storage system will expand to become an enormous volume of flammable vapour/air mixture, which may give rise to BLEVE (boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion). Since there is no natural gas liquid at the consumer’s premises, similar leakage of natural gas will give rise to a much smaller volume of flammable vapor and air mixture. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to study the piping installation and distribution in the real application. Comply of MS 930 and MS 830 standards during pipe system installation, performing leak test, pressure test and purging process as stated in Code of Practices and Safety should be taken would be cover in this project. For more details, please download the attachment below: