Effect of amine degradation products on the membrane gas absorption process

The effect of the presence of monoethanolamine (MEA) degradation products on membrane hollow fibers was investigated using untreated polypropylene (PP) as a model material. Common amine oxidative degradation products were added to MEA to simulate a degraded solution. The effect of these degradation products on the membrane gas absorption process using PP hollow fiber membrane was quantified. When PP membrane which has been exposed to amine degradation products is used in a membrane gas absorption contactor, the mass transfer rate of CO2 is reduced relative to the use of unexposed PP. It was found that the presence of oxalic acid reduced the mass transfer rate of CO2 in MEA most significantly followed by formic acid and then acetic acid. These acids are believed to adsorb into the PP, altering the surface properties and reducing the hydrophobicity of the membrane. This in turn increases the degree of wetting of the membrane pores. The membrane was characterized before and after use in a membrane gas absorption contactor containing degraded MEA solvent and studies showed that membrane pore wetting increased by 22–31% after 69 h of use. SEM images and XPS spectra of exposed PP membrane indicate that wetting may be due to both morphological and chemical changes in the membrane due to contact with the solvent. This study highlights the need to consider reductions in the mass transfer rate of membrane gas absorption processes associated with inevitable changes in the solvent composition that comes with prolonged use.