SSZ-13Molecular Sieve Membrane
SSZ-13 molecular sieve membranes are high-performance zeolite membranes with a characteristic CHA framework topology. The aluminosilicate skeleton can be modified by heteroatom incorporation (e.g., Fe, Cu), while the well-defined eight-member-ring micropore structure constrains the pore aperture to approximately 0.38 nm - delivering pronounced shape-selective sieving. These membranes combine excellent thermal and chemical stability for demanding process environments. By tuning the Si/Al ratio, crystallite size, and membrane-layer densification, separation selectivity and permeation flux can be optimized. The synergy of structural regularity, tunable performance, and operational stability positions SSZ-13 as a leading platform material in advanced separation membranes.
Performance Snapshot
Pore Aperture
0.38 nm
CHA eight-member ring
CO2/CH4 Selectivity
>=150
Reference binary pair
CO2 Permeance
500-1000 GPU
Tubular configuration
Core Engineering Features
Advanced technological implementations defining the next generation of membrane performance.
CHA Topology and Shape Selectivity
The ordered CHA framework with ~0.38 nm eight-member-ring apertures enables precise molecular discrimination - particularly effective for separating gas pairs such as CO2/CH4, N2/CH4, and H2/CH4
Heteroatom-Modifiable Framework
The aluminosilicate skeleton supports incorporation of heteroatoms such as Fe and Cu, allowing framework chemistry to be tailored for target separations and catalytic membrane applications.
Thermal and Chemical Stability
SSZ-13 zeolite membranes maintain structural integrity under elevated temperature and chemically aggressive feeds - supporting reliable operation in complex industrial gas-separation environments.
Tunable Separation Performance
Separation selectivity and permeation flux can be optimized by controlling Si/Al ratio, crystallite size, and membrane-layer densification - balancing permselectivity with industrial throughput requirements.
Process Architecture
Module Architecture and Gas-Separation Mechanism
Separation is governed by size- and adsorption-based sieving through the CHA micropore network. Tubular and multi-channel module formats address laboratory-to-industrial scale requirements, with installed membrane areas from 0.7 to 16.2 m2 - deployed across gas upgrading, LPG refining, and petrochemical pretreatment trains.
- check_circle~0.38 nm pore aperture; CHA (SSZ-13) framework topology
- check_circleTubular: 0.037 m2 membrane area per element; packing density 50-80 m2/m3
- check_circleMulti-channel: 19 / 37 / 61 channels; packing density 200-400 m2/m3
Technical Specifications
Standard specifications for tubular and multi-channel SSZ-13 molecular sieve membranes under reference test conditions.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Membrane dimensions (ID / OD / length), mm | 8 / 12 / 500-1000 |
| Membrane dimensions (ID / OD / length), mm | 2-4 / 30-40 / 500-1000 |
| Number of channels | Single channel |
| Number of channels | 19 / 37 / 61 |
| Membrane area per element, m2 | 0.037 |
| Membrane area per element, m2 | 0.2-0.45 |
| Installed membrane area, m2 | 0.7-1.9 |
| Installed membrane area, m2 | 3.8-16.2 |
| Packing density, m2/m3 | 50-80 |
| Packing density, m2/m3 | 200-400 |
| CO2 permeance | 500-1000 GPU |
| CO2 permeance | 300-800 GPU |
| CO2/CH4 selectivity | >=150 |
| Applicable systems | Alkylate gasoline feed pretreatmentLPG refininglight naphtha upgradingsolvent recovery and refininghigh-octane gasoline blending-stock purificationfine-chemical solvent productionpolyester feedstock purificationaromatics complex refiningsynthetic rubber feedstock purificationfine-chemical synthesis pretreatment |
Technical FAQ & Resources
Common engineering inquiries and essential documentation for integration planning.
Primary target separations include CO2/CH4, N2/CH4, and H2/CH4 among other light-gas pairs where the ~0.38 nm CHA aperture and adsorption properties provide high permselectivity.
Incorporation of Fe or Cu into the aluminosilicate framework can alter adsorption affinity and catalytic activity at the membrane surface, enabling performance tuning for specific feed compositions and operating objectives beyond pure size-exclusion sieving.
Tubular modules suit laboratory, pilot, or particulate-containing feeds with simpler cleaning requirements. Multi-channel configurations deliver higher membrane area per element (0.2-0.45 m2) and packing densities of 200-400 m2/m3 - preferred for industrial-scale continuous gas separation.
Typical deployments include alkylate gasoline feed pretreatment, LPG refining, light naphtha upgrading, solvent recovery, high-octane blending-component purification, polyester feedstock purification, aromatics complex refining, synthetic rubber feedstock purification, and pretreatment for fine-chemical synthesis.