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John L. Falconer
Transient Gas Phase Permeation

We developed a transient vapor permeation method that allows non-destructive characterization of zeolite membranes. By combing mathematical modeling and transient measurements with mass spectrometric detection, we have measured adsorption isotherms on MFI and MEL zeolite membranes. These measurements also yield the effective membrane thickness non-destructively. The heats of adsorption measured were in good agreement with zeolite powders . This method has been used for CO₂, CH₄, N₂, n-butane, and i-butane. It is being extended to C₆ hydrocarbons and to other zeolite structures.

Sample Publications

Gardner, T.Q., J.L. Falconer, and R.D. Noble, “Characterization of ZSM-5 and

     ZSM-11 Zeolite Membranes by Transient Permeation of Butanes”, AIChE

     Journal 50, 2816-2834 (2004).

Gardner, T. Q., J.L. Falconer, R.D. Noble, and M. Zieverink, “Analysis of

     Transient Permeation Fluxes into and out Membranes for Adsorption

     Measurements” Chem. Eng. Science 58, 2103-2112 (2003).

Gardner, T. Q., A. I. Flores, R. D. Noble, and J. L. Falconer, "Measurement of Adsorption and Diffusion Properties of H-ZSM-5 Zeolite Membranes by a Transient Technique", AIChE Journal 48, 1155-1167 (2002).

Gardner, T. Q., J. B. Lee, R. D. Noble, and J.L. Falconer, "Adsorption and Diffusion Properties of Butanes in ZSM-5 Zeolite Membranes" Ind. Eng. Chem. Research 41, 4094-4105 (2002).

Gardner, T.Q., J.L. Falconer, and R.D. Noble, "Characterization of ZSM-5 and ZSM-11 Zeolite Membranes by Transient Permeation of Butanes", AIChE Journal 50, in press (2004).