Moving shear membrane device and control method capable of effectively controlling membrane pollution

By using a moving shear membrane device and control method, the problem of uneven shear rate of vibrating membranes was solved, achieving high-efficiency anti-fouling and stable filtration of the membrane, reducing cleaning frequency and energy consumption, and improving filtration efficiency and organic matter retention rate.

CN113663525BActive Publication Date: 2026-05-12QINGDAO UNIV OF TECH
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
QINGDAO UNIV OF TECH
Filing Date
2021-09-06
Publication Date
2026-05-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vibrating membranes exhibit uneven shear rates during application, leading to reduced membrane antifouling ability and stability, affecting filtration efficiency and increasing cleaning frequency.

Method used

A mobile shear membrane device is used, which drives the membrane module to move through a gear set and chain to ensure that the surface of the filter membrane always maintains the maximum shear rate and reduces pollutant deposition. This includes setting up a fluid universal joint and a membrane module fixing structure, and using constant speed travel motion to generate uniform shear force.

Benefits of technology

It improves the membrane's antifouling ability and filtration stability, reduces the frequency of membrane cleaning and energy consumption, lowers operating costs, and increases membrane flux and organic matter rejection rate.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application discloses a mobile shearing membrane device and a control method, which can effectively control membrane pollution. The device comprises a gear set, a chain and at least one membrane assembly. The chain is installed on the gear set, and the membrane assembly is installed on the chain through a fixing structure. A fluid universal joint is arranged on an outlet pipeline of the membrane assembly. A power device drives the chain to rotate through the gear, and then drives the membrane assembly to move, so that a shearing force is generated on the surface of the filter membrane, and the deposition of pollutants on the filter membrane is reduced. The mobile shearing device enables the membrane assembly to always maintain filtering at the maximum shearing rate, so that the problem of uneven shearing rate generated in the application process of the vibrating membrane is solved, the membrane filtering efficiency and the anti-pollution performance of the membrane are further improved, the cleaning of the membrane is reduced, the damage to the membrane is reduced, and thus the operation cost can be saved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the fields of water treatment, aquaculture, environmental governance and remediation technology, specifically to a mobile shear membrane device and control method that can effectively control membrane fouling. Background Technology

[0002] The statements herein provide only background information in relation to this invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Microfiltration and ultrafiltration technologies are increasingly being used in water treatment and aquaculture. While membrane technology offers numerous advantages, including high separation precision, good effluent quality, high treatment efficiency, stability, and low energy consumption, the susceptibility of membranes to fouling limits its widespread adoption. Improving membrane antifouling capabilities can increase filtration efficiency, reduce membrane cleaning and replacement frequency, thereby lowering the overall cost and operating expenses of membrane filtration systems. Therefore, enhancing membrane antifouling performance in filtration is both necessary and meaningful. Membrane vibration, specifically using vibrating membranes, is highly effective in improving membrane antifouling capabilities. However, the inventors discovered that existing vibrating membranes produce an uneven shear rate, gradually increasing from zero to a maximum value and then decreasing back to zero in a cyclical pattern. This weakens the membrane's antifouling capabilities and reduces the stability of the filtration process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a mobile shear membrane device and control method that can effectively control membrane fouling. This mobile shear device enables the membrane module to maintain filtration at the maximum shear rate, thereby solving the problem of uneven shear rate caused by vibrating membranes during application, further improving membrane filtration efficiency and membrane antifouling performance, reducing membrane cleaning and damage, and thus saving operating costs.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling, comprising a gear set, a chain, and at least one membrane assembly, wherein,

[0007] The chain is mounted on the gear set, and the membrane module is mounted on the chain via a fixing structure;

[0008] A fluid universal joint is installed on the outlet pipe of the membrane module.

[0009] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for effectively controlling membrane fouling, comprising the following steps:

[0010] The power unit drives the chain to rotate via gears, which in turn moves the membrane module, generating shear force on the surface of the filter membrane and reducing the deposition of pollutants on the filter membrane.

[0011] The beneficial effects achieved by one or more embodiments of the present invention are as follows:

[0012] During the filtration process, this device can slow down membrane fouling by moving at a constant speed, thereby reducing the frequency of membrane cleaning.

[0013] During the filtration process, a low membrane flux will reduce filtration efficiency, while a high flux will easily cause membrane fouling. This device generates a shearing effect through constant velocity movement, which can effectively prevent pollutants from depositing on the membrane surface, thereby increasing membrane flux.

[0014] This device can maintain the maximum shear rate during operation, thereby significantly improving the membrane's antifouling ability and filtration stability.

[0015] When this device is in operation, it only drives the membrane module to move at a constant speed, without moving the aqueous solution in the reactor, thus reducing energy consumption.

[0016] As the travel speed increases, this device can improve the retention rate of organic matter in the membrane effluent, thereby reducing subsequent water treatment costs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view of the movable shearing membrane device of the present invention according to one or more embodiments;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a top view of the movable shearing membrane device of the present invention according to one or more embodiments;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the membrane assembly structure of the mobile shear membrane device of the present invention according to one or more embodiments.

[0021] The diagram exaggerates the spacing or dimensions between parts to show their positions; the diagram is for illustrative purposes only.

[0022] Among them, 1-adjustable speed motor, 1a-motor fixing platform, 2-filter tank, 3-drive chain, 4-gear, 5-isolation net support frame, 6-fluid universal joint, 7-rotating outlet pipe, 8-isolation net, 9-drainage pipe, 10-pump, 10a-pump fixing platform, 11-transmission chain, 12-membrane outlet, 13-membrane outlet branch pipe, 14-membrane module, 15-membrane module fixing groove, 16-connecting fixing plate, 17-membrane outlet main pipe, 18-gear support column, 19-membrane outlet main pipe outlet, 20-motor drive gear, 21-transmission gear. Detailed Implementation

[0023] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0024] To address the issue of uneven shear rates during the application of vibrating membranes, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling, comprising a gear set, a chain, and at least one membrane assembly, wherein...

[0025] The chain is mounted on the gear set, and the membrane module is mounted on the chain via a fixing structure;

[0026] A fluid universal joint is installed on the outlet pipe of the membrane module.

[0027] In some embodiments, the angle between the filter membrane and the chain in the membrane module is 0°-60°, preferably 0°-30°, more preferably 0°-15°, and even more preferably 0°-10°.

[0028] The filter membrane and the chain are at a certain angle. When the membrane module moves, the water exerts a shear force on the surface of the filter membrane. This shear force reduces the deposition of contaminants on the filter membrane surface. When the filter membrane and the chain are set to be almost parallel, the shear force is the largest at the same moving speed, thus making the filter membrane more resistant to fouling.

[0029] When the chain moves at a constant speed, the shear force on the surface of the filter membrane is uniform and will not affect the stability of filtration.

[0030] In some embodiments, each membrane module is connected to a membrane outlet branch pipe at its outlet, and each membrane outlet branch pipe is connected to a membrane outlet main pipe, with the fluid universal joint provided at the outlet of the membrane outlet main pipe.

[0031] The membrane outlet main pipe connects all the membrane outlet branch pipes, and can collect the filtered water flowing out of each membrane outlet branch pipe, which can then be discharged by a water pump.

[0032] Since the membrane module is constantly moving and rotates with the chain, a universal joint is installed at the outlet of the membrane outlet main pipe to prevent the pipe from twisting or deforming and to ensure smooth filtration.

[0033] In some embodiments, the gear set is divided into at least two rows, with at least two gears in each row, and each row of gears is mounted on the same gear support column.

[0034] Furthermore, the gears on the two rows of gears correspond one-to-one, and the two corresponding gears are connected by a chain.

[0035] Furthermore, the number of gears in each row is 1-50, preferably 2-50.

[0036] Furthermore, the diameter of the gears ranges from 0.01 to 10 meters.

[0037] Multiple gears are set on the same row of gears. The arrangement of multiple gear sets can ensure the number of membrane modules installed and the stability of operation.

[0038] Furthermore, the membrane module is mounted on the chain via a connecting fixing plate.

[0039] Furthermore, the connecting fixing plate is set perpendicular to the chain and fixed to multiple chains.

[0040] Fixing the connecting plate to multiple chains can effectively improve the installation stability of the connecting plate, thereby improving the operational stability of the membrane module.

[0041] Furthermore, the connecting fixing plate is provided with 1-100 membrane module fixing slots, and the membrane modules are installed in the membrane module fixing slots. Preferably, the connecting fixing plate is provided with 3-50 membrane module fixing slots, and more preferably, the connecting fixing plate is provided with 5-25 membrane module fixing slots.

[0042] Membrane module mounting slots are used to install and fix the membrane modules, which facilitates the installation and disassembly of the membrane modules.

[0043] Furthermore, the connecting and fixing plate is hollow, and the membrane outlet branch pipe of each membrane module is set in the cavity of the connecting and fixing plate.

[0044] Furthermore, the membrane outlet water main is installed around the chain.

[0045] In some embodiments, isolation nets are provided on both sides of the gear.

[0046] The installation of the isolation net can prevent the water outlet pipe from getting caught between the gears, which helps ensure the normal operation of the device.

[0047] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for effectively controlling membrane fouling, comprising the following steps:

[0048] The power unit drives the chain to rotate via gears, which in turn moves the membrane module, generating shear force on the surface of the filter membrane and reducing the deposition of pollutants on the filter membrane.

[0049] In some embodiments, the membrane module moves at a speed of 0.01-10 m / s.

[0050] In some embodiments, the power unit is activated before filtration to cause the membrane module to begin moving before filtration.

[0051] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling comprises an adjustable-speed motor 1, a motor mounting platform 1a, a filter tank 2, a drive chain 3, a gear 4, a mesh support frame 5, a fluid universal joint 6, a rotating outlet pipe 7, a mesh 8, a drain pipe 9, a pump 10, a pump mounting platform 10a, a transmission chain 11, a membrane outlet 12, a membrane outlet branch pipe 13, a membrane module 14, a membrane module mounting groove 15, a connecting mounting plate 16, a membrane outlet main pipe 17, a gear support column 18, a membrane outlet main pipe outlet 19, a motor drive gear 20, and a transmission gear 21. By rotating the transmission gear, the membrane module fixed on the transmission chain is driven, resulting in a stable shearing action on the membrane surface. This effectively and stably reduces the adhesion of pollutants to the membrane surface, thus effectively mitigating membrane fouling. The shear rate of the membrane surface can be changed by altering the transmission speed as needed.

[0053] The drive chain 11 is fixed to the membrane module fixing slot 15 via a connecting fixing plate 16. The membrane module is fixed in the membrane module fixing slot 15. Each connecting fixing plate 16 can simultaneously fix 1 to 100 membrane module fixing slots 15, that is, each connecting fixing plate 16 can simultaneously install 1 to 100 membrane modules, as detailed below. Figure 2 As shown, five membrane modules can be installed. The length of the connecting and fixing plate 16 and the number of drive chains 11 are determined according to the number and weight of the membrane modules to be installed on each connecting and fixing plate 16. The number of drive chains 11 can be set from 1 to 50, as detailed below. Figure 2 As shown, there can be two chains.

[0054] Each connecting plate 16 can be fixed to one drive chain 11, or simultaneously fixed to multiple parallel drive chains 11. The drive chain 11 is tightly engaged with the gear 4. The drive gear 21 is tightly engaged with the gear 4 on one side, and connected to the motor drive gear 20 through the drive chain 3 on the other side. The motor drive gear 20 rotates under the drive of the adjustable speed motor 1, and then drives the membrane module 14 to move through a series of transmissions, thereby generating a shearing action on the membrane surface.

[0055] The membrane module 14 is fixed on the membrane module fixing groove 15. This device can be filled with 1 to 10,000 flat sheet membrane modules 14 to improve filtration efficiency and reduce floor space. To reduce mutual interference between flat sheet membranes, the distance between any two membrane modules 14 should be greater than 0.1 cm. The membrane modules here can be traditional flat sheet membrane devices.

[0056] Gear 4 is fixed on gear support column 18. The number of gears 4 on each gear support column 18 is determined by the number of transmission chains, ranging from 1 to 50. Each gear 4 on each gear support column 18 constitutes a set of gears. To ensure the normal operation of this device, at least two gear support columns 18 must be installed at the front and rear positions of the device to fix the gears 4. That is, this device requires at least two sets of gears 4. The number of gear support columns 18 and the spacing between each pair of gear support columns 18 can be determined based on the length of the transmission chain 11 and the number of membrane components. The number of gear support columns 18 is 2 to 50, that is, the number of sets of gears 4 is 2 to 50, and the distance between each pair of gear support columns 18 is 0.1 to 20 meters.

[0057] The moving speed of the membrane device can be adjusted according to actual needs. The moving speed of the membrane device can be changed by adjusting the rotation speed of the adjustable speed motor 1 and the diameter of the gear 4. The moving speed can be adjusted from 0.01m / s to 10m / s as needed, and the diameter of the gear 4 can also be adjusted from 1cm to 10m as needed, thereby changing the shear rate of the membrane module 14.

[0058] During the operation of the device, the membrane module 14 will rotate together with the transmission chain. To prevent the rotating water outlet pipe 7 from getting caught in the gear 4, an isolation net 8 is installed between the rotating water outlet pipe 7 and the gear 4. The isolation net 8 is fixed on the isolation net support frame 5.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the membrane outlet 12 is connected to the membrane outlet branch pipe 13. The membrane outlet branch pipe 13 is located inside the hollow connecting and fixing plate 16 and is connected to the membrane outlet main pipe 17. The membrane outlet main pipe 17 is arranged along the chain direction on the connecting and fixing plate 16. The membrane outlet main pipe 17 is connected to the membrane outlet branch pipe 19 by a T-joint. One end of the fluid universal joint 6 is connected to the outlet 19 of the membrane outlet main pipe, and the other end is connected to the rotating outlet pipe 7 to ensure that the rotating outlet pipe 7 can rotate with the membrane module.

[0060] Pump 10 is fixed on pump fixing platform 10a. Pump 10 suction port is connected to rotating outlet pipe 7. The membrane filtration process is completed by pump 10 suction. During the membrane filtration process, membrane module 14 moves in an elliptical shape with the chain, generating a shearing effect on the membrane surface, thereby effectively controlling membrane fouling.

[0061] The drive chain 3 is connected to and rotates with the adjustable speed motor 1, which in turn drives the transmission gears 21 and 4. Gear 4 then drives the transmission chain 11 to rotate, causing the membrane module 14 to rotate accordingly. It is this movement of the membrane module that greatly reduces the rate of membrane fouling during filtration.

[0062] The drive chain 3 is connected to and rotates with the adjustable-speed motor 1, thereby driving the rotation of the transmission gears 21 and 4. Gear 4 then drives the transmission chain 11, causing the membrane module 14 to rotate accordingly. By changing the speed of the adjustable-speed motor 1 and the diameter of gear 4, the travel speed of the membrane module 14 is adjusted, thus changing the shear rate of the membrane surface. The movement of the membrane module generates a shear rate on the membrane surface; a certain shear rate can reduce the rate of membrane fouling during membrane filtration.

[0063] The device is fixed in the filter tank 2, completely immersing the membrane module 14. Before filtration begins, the motor speed can be adjusted, or it can be adjusted before or during operation according to the shear rate requirements. In filtration, if multiple flat sheet membrane modules 14 are used simultaneously, multiple flat sheet membrane modules 14 are placed side-by-side on each connecting and fixing plate 16. The parallel membrane modules are connected via membrane outlet branch pipes 13, and each membrane outlet branch pipe 13 is connected to the membrane outlet main pipe 17. The filtration process is then completed under the suction of the pump. The outlet of the membrane outlet main pipe 17 is connected to the rotating outlet pipe 7 via a fluid universal joint 6, ensuring that the rotating outlet pipe 7 can rotate freely with the membrane module 14.

[0064] Before filtration, the device is started to reduce membrane fouling at the start of filtration. A vacuum gauge is installed between the membrane module 14 and the pump to characterize the membrane fouling level through the transmembrane pressure difference. A high transmembrane pressure difference indicates severe membrane fouling, requiring cleaning. During membrane cleaning, the fouled membrane module is removed and subjected to physical or chemical cleaning. Finally, the cleaned membrane or a new membrane is reattached to the membrane module mounting slot 15.

[0065] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling, characterized in that: Includes a gear set, a chain, and at least one membrane module, wherein, The chain is mounted on the gear set, and the membrane module is mounted on the chain via a fixing structure; A fluid universal joint is installed on the outlet pipe of the membrane module; The angle between the filter membrane and the chain in the membrane module is 0°-60°; Each membrane module is connected to a membrane water outlet branch pipe at its outlet, and each membrane water outlet branch pipe is connected to a membrane water outlet main pipe. The outlet of the membrane water outlet main pipe is equipped with the fluid universal joint. The membrane module is mounted on the chain via a connecting fixing plate; The membrane outlet is connected to the membrane outlet branch pipe. The membrane outlet branch pipe is located inside the hollow connecting and fixing plate and is connected to the membrane outlet main pipe. The membrane outlet main pipe is arranged along the chain direction on the connecting and fixing plate. The membrane outlet main pipe is connected end to end using a tee. One end of the fluid universal joint is connected to the outlet of the membrane outlet main pipe, and the other end is connected to the rotating outlet pipe to ensure that the rotating outlet pipe can rotate with the membrane module. The pump is fixed on the pump mounting platform, and the pump inlet is connected to the rotating outlet pipe. The membrane filtration process is completed by the pump's suction. During the membrane filtration process, the membrane module moves in an elliptical shape along with the chain, generating a shearing effect on the membrane surface. The drive chain is fixed to the membrane module fixing slot via a connecting fixing plate. The membrane module is fixed in the membrane module fixing slot. Each connecting fixing plate is simultaneously fixed to 1 to 100 membrane module fixing slots. The length of the connecting plate and the number of drive chains are determined based on the number and weight of the membrane modules to be installed on each connecting plate, with the number of drive chains ranging from 1 to 50. Each connecting plate is fixed together with one drive chain, or simultaneously fixed together with multiple parallel drive chains. The membrane modules are fixed in the membrane module fixing slot, and the number of flat membrane modules filled ranges from 1 to 10,000. The spacing between any two membrane modules is greater than 0.1 cm; Fix this device in the filter tank and completely immerse the membrane module; When the device is working, it drives the membrane module to move at a constant speed; The connecting fixing plate is set perpendicular to the chain and fixed to multiple chains.

2. The mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle between the filter membrane and the chain in the membrane module is 0°-30°.

3. The mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gear set is divided into at least two rows, with at least two gears in each row, and each row of gears is mounted on the same gear support column.

4. The mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling according to claim 3, characterized in that: The gears on the two rows of gears correspond one-to-one, and the two corresponding gears are connected by a chain.

5. The mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling according to claim 4, characterized in that: The number of gears in each row ranges from 1 to 50.

6. The mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling according to claim 5, characterized in that: The number of gears in each row ranges from 2 to 50.

7. The mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling according to claim 6, characterized in that: The diameter of the gear is 0.01-10m.

8. The mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting fixing plate is provided with 1-100 membrane module fixing slots, and the membrane modules are installed in the membrane module fixing slots.

9. The mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling according to claim 8, characterized in that: The connecting plate has 3-50 membrane module fixing slots.

10. The mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling according to claim 9, characterized in that: The connecting plate has 5-25 membrane module fixing slots.

11. The mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting and fixing plate is hollow, and the membrane outlet branch pipe of each membrane module is set in the cavity of the connecting and fixing plate.

12. The mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling according to claim 11, characterized in that: The membrane outlet water main is installed around the chain.

13. The mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gear has isolation nets on both sides.

14. A method for effectively controlling membrane fouling, comprising the mobile shear membrane device for effectively controlling membrane fouling as described in any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: The power unit drives the chain to rotate via gears, which in turn moves the membrane module, generating shear force on the surface of the filter membrane and reducing the deposition of pollutants on the filter membrane.

15. The control method for effectively controlling membrane fouling according to claim 14, characterized in that: The membrane module moves at a speed of 0.01-10 m / s.

16. The control method for effectively controlling membrane fouling according to claim 14, characterized in that: Start the power unit before filtration to make the membrane module begin to move before filtration.