New Products

A fluoropolymer facilitated transport membrane for capturing carbon dioxide out of flue gas. This is the third addition to CMS’s Optiperm™ product portfolio (after separating olefins from paraffins and upgrading biogas) and is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Early results show promise, with the high flow membrane consistent with a $20/ton cost of carbon capture. These results position Optiperm™ carbon as more cost-effective than many alternative CO₂ capture methods and in an economically attractive range for current projects and incentives. Optiperm™ carbon will scale up on CMS’ existing Optiperm™ technology and manufacturing platform.

A new custom amorphous fluoropolymer for the separation of methane from carbon dioxide. Optiperm™ biogas holds the potential to create pipeline ready gas with a simpler and less expensive product. Such a technology solution would enable local farms, landfills, and other sites to process and use their own biogas product or to sell it. Like the original Optiperm™ solution, Optiperm™ biogas is a modular solution with excellent chemical resistance.

Optiperm™ biogas is currently in pilot testing at the Dickinson College Farm. The membrane has shown stable performance with a raw biogas feed directly from the digester with no pretreatment. The spiral wound design is easily scalable, while delivering optimum membrane area in a small module design. Results from the pilot test will be available soon.

An ethylene-selective membrane for extending the shelf life of post harvest produce. This membrane can be used anywhere produce is stored to remove ethylene and slow the ripening of fruits and vegetables. A membrane patch or unit can be added to existing storage containers or modified atmosphere environments as a modular and cost effective ethylene removal solution.

Best practices for using the CMS ethylene permeation membranes for venting ethylene from fruit, vegetable and flower packaging or controlled atmosphere storage is described below.  Locate membrane for enhanced ethylene transport between the inside of the package or storage area (where ethylene is generated) and the outside (where ethylene is vented). Ethylene generated on the inside should have direct and easy access to the membrane. Equally important, on the outside of the membrane, any ethylene that permeates should have easy diffusion away from the membrane in order to reduce ethylene concentration on the permeate side of the membrane.