Patent attributes
An apparatus and process for separating a gas mixture is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of membrane separation stages comprising a first membrane stage, a second membrane stage, and a third membrane stage. Each of the first, second, and third membrane stages are designed to separate a gas stream provided to them into a permeate stream and a retentate stream. The retentate stream provided from the third membrane stage is configured to be withdrawn as a product, further processed, or discarded. The apparatus further includes a gas transport device with an inlet in communication with the gas mixture and an outlet in communication with the first membrane stage. The controller is in communication with at least one measuring device, and the controller adapts a behavior of the gas transport device in response to a measurement of the at least one measuring device.
