LTA & CHA Membrane Dehydration for Mineral Oils
Depth removal of trace dissolved water (50-100 ppm) from lubricating, transformer, hydraulic, and refined petroleum oils. LTA (NaA/3A) and CHA molecular sieve membranes deliver sub-100 ppm dryness at ambient pressure - without distillation heating or desiccant regeneration cycles.
Application Overview
Petrochemical mineral oils - including lubricants, transformer oil, hydraulic fluids, and diesel/gasoline - typically carry 50-100 ppm dissolved water. LTA (NaA/3A) and CHA molecular sieve membranes use precise molecular sieving and hydrophilic selectivity to reduce moisture below 100 ppm (as low as 50 ppm), meeting stringent production, storage, and in-service dryness requirements.
Conventional Process Pain Points
Separation Mechanism
Both membrane types separate via pore-size matching combined with hydrophilic selectivity. Water molecules (kinetic diameter ~0.26 nm) permeate rapidly; hydrocarbon fractions in mineral oil (n-paraffins, naphthenes, >=0.4 nm) are fully rejected.
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LTA Pore
0.41 nm / Si/Al 1- / exchangeable Na+ strong hydrophilic adsorption
- texture
CHA Pore
0.38 nm / tunable Si/Al (2-infinity) / 8-ring channels, high hydrothermal stability
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No Phase Change
Ambient/low-pressure operation - no thermal oxidation or component loss
- eco
Zero Oil Loss
Chemically inert membrane - no additives or impurities introduced
Core Performance Parameters
Industrial-grade LTA and CHA molecular sieve membranes - side-by-side specification comparison.
LTA vs. CHA - General Industrial Specifications
| Parameter | LTA (NaA/3A) | CHA |
|---|---|---|
| Dehydration Precision | Min. 20 ppm (typ. <=50 ppm) | Min. 50 ppm (typ. <=100 ppm) |
| Membrane Flux | 1.5 kg/(m2/h) @ 75 C, 0.3 MPa | 1.2 kg/(m2/h) @ 120 C, 0.3 MPa |
| Temperature Range | 20-80 C | 20-120 C |
| Pressure Range | 0.1-1.0 MPa | 0.1-1.5 MPa |
| Media Resistance | Hydrocarbons, weak acid/base (pH 4-10) | Hydrocarbons, acid/base (pH 3-11) |
| Module Life | >=2 years (routine duty) | >=3 years (complex duty) |
| Regeneration | Hot air 120-250 C or water wash | Hot air 150-300 C or chemical clean |
| Water/Oil Selectivity | >99.7% permeate water | >99.8% permeate water |
Petrochemical Application Scenarios
LTA Membrane Applications
- check_circlePremium lubricants (aviation lube, industrial gear oil): strict <=100 ppm dryness, viscosity <=100 mm2/s @ 40 C
- check_circleTransformer & insulating oil: dehydration without dielectric property degradation
- check_circleLarge continuous lines: diesel/gasoline finishing - single module >=1 m3/h throughput
CHA Membrane Applications
- check_circleHigh-viscosity oils (>=150 mm2/s @ 40 C): heavy lube and hydraulic fluids, anti-fouling channels
- check_circleComplex feeds: trace acids (pH 3-5), solids <=10 um, temperature swings 50-200 C
- check_circleRemote or continuous duty: extended regeneration intervals >=6 months
Industrial Deployment
Pretreatment and modular installation guidelines for reliable long-term membrane operation.
vs. Traditional Dehydration
LTA/CHA membrane technology compared with desiccant adsorption and distillation dehydration.
Process Comparison Matrix
| Dimension | LTA/CHA Membrane | Desiccant Adsorption | Distillation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dehydration Precision | 50-100 ppm (deep dry) | 20-50 ppm (limited) | 10-30 ppm (oil carryover risk) |
| Energy Consumption | Low (pressurization only) | Medium (replacement/regeneration) | High (heat to boiling point) |
| Continuity | Continuous, no shutdown | Intermittent, shutdown for changeover | Continuous but needs condenser |
| Oil Loss | None (full oil retention) | Minor (adsorbent carryover) | Significant (distillation losses) |
| Environmental Impact | No waste stream | Solid waste (spent desiccant) | Wastewater / exhaust emissions |
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