ExxonMobil collaboration signals breakthrough in membrane technology

ExxonMobil collaboration signals breakthrough in membrane technology

Scientists from ExxonMobil, the Georgia Institute of Technology and Imperial College of London have published joint research on potential breakthroughs in a new membrane technology that could reduce emissions and energy intensity associated with refining crude oil. Laboratory tests indicate the patent-pending membrane could be used to replace some heat-intensive distillation at refineries in the years ahead.

Results of the research were published today in the international peer-reviewed journal, Science.

"Through collaboration with strong academic institutions like Georgia Tech and Imperial, we are constantly working to develop the lower-emissions energy solutions of the future," said Vijay Swarup, vice president of research and development at ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company.

"Inspired by reverse osmosis technology that has reduced energy intensity tenfold for water purification, we decided to look into ways to use new materials for liquids separation, which if brought to industrial scale, could significantly reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions,“ said Swarup. "This is one of many new materials ExxonMobil is researching to reduce energy intensity and CO 2 in our operations.“

The research successfully demonstrated that naphtha and kerosene“”the primary components of gasoline and jet fuel“”can be separated from light crude oil using pressure instead of heat, reducing emissions and