Membranes are used to separate fluids for the production of
oxygen-enriched air, nitrogen-enriched-air, for the separation of carbon
dioxide from hydrocarbons, and the separation of hydrogen from various
petrochemical and oil refining streams. Membranes are discussed that
provide a resistance to interaction with process components or
contaminants, which can lead to plasticizing of the membrane, while
providing the mechanical strength required to withstand high membrane
differential pressures and high process temperatures. Membranes of
blended polymers are used to improve the mechanical strength of the
polymers used to make separation membranes. Specifically, polyimide
polymers are combined with a blend polymer that is a polyamide and/or a
polyamide-imde polymer. The resulting polymer mix is used to produce
various forms of high strength, chemically resistant membranes, including
hollow-fiber membranes that are suitable for high pressure, high
temperature applications.