Apparatus and method for reducing concentration polarization and membrane fouling on membrane surface in a filter unit

Abstract

An apparatus for reducing concentration polarization and / or membrane fouling on a membrane surface in a filter unit (102) during a membrane separation process and / or a filter cleaning process. The apparatus includes (i) a signal generator (106) that generates electrical signals when there is a fluid flow in the filter unit (102) and (ii) an ultrasonic transducer assembly (108) that receives the electrical signal from the signal generator to generate ultrasonic waves using one or more ultrasonic transducers (604). The ultrasonic waves pass through the filter unit (102) during the membrane separation process and / or the filter cleaning process and generate at least one of a turbulence in the flow of fluid or a vibration on the membrane surface to dislodge particles clogging the membrane surface, thereby reducing the concentration polarization and / or the membrane fouling on the membrane surface of the filter unit (102), which in turn, increasing membrane permeability and efficiency.

Description

technical field [0001] Embodiments herein relate generally to membrane separation, and more specifically, to a method for reducing the amount of membrane in a filter unit by using a non-invasive and non-destructive vibrational energy source during the membrane separation process and / or filter cleaning process. Apparatus and methods for increasing the efficiency of membrane separation and / or filter cleaning processes by concentration polarization and / or membrane fouling on surfaces. Background technique [0002] The kidneys play a vital role in removing toxins and excess water from the body. Excreted toxins and excess water are excreted from the body through urination. Properly functioning kidneys prevent excess water, waste, and other impurities from building up in the body. [0003] According to the National Kidney Foundation, End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) occurs when a patient's kidney function is only 10 to 15 percent of normal. This can lead to inability to remove to...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Data show that these options only improve efficiency by 10%, which may not be enough to achieve the specified removal (Kt / V>1.2)

In addition, these solutions require a higher than normal rate of blood sampling from the patient

Furthermore, the higher cost of consumables and equipment required by these solutions may limit their application and scalability

[0009] Similar to dialysis, in all membrane separation processes using semi-permeable membranes, problems of reduced efficiency due to concentration polarization and membrane fouling are found

Reduced efficiency can also be caused by incomplete cleaning of the filter

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