Hydrogen recovery in a combined natural gas-hydrogen distribution network using carbon molecular sieve membranes

In the EU 6. FWP, NaturalHy, the use of existing natural gas networks to distribute hydrogen is being investigated. Hydrogen would be injected into the network at the source and be recovered from the natural gas mixture at the site of use. Membranes have been identified as a promising means of separating the hydrogen and are under development by several partners in the project. The Membrane Research Group at NTNU is developing carbon molecular sieve membranes, which are based on abundant and cheap wood pulp, for this application. These membranes can, when properly prepared, achieve good separation of hydrogen from the network with low energy consumption, feasible fluxes and a relatively pure product (greater than 90 vol% hydrogen). (authors)