Spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation module

Abstract

The present application discloses a distillation apparatus and a method for manufacturing the distillation apparatus, wherein the distillation apparatus comprises at least one spirally wound multi-effect membrane distillation (MD) assembly; the spirally wound multi-effect membrane distillation (MD) assembly comprises a perforated central tube concentric with a cylindrical outer shell and a plurality of effect members spirally wound around the central tube; each of the effect members comprises a vapor permeation membrane, a feed spacer net arranged on the vapor permeation membrane, a permeate spacer net and a heat exchange membrane; the permeate spacer net is arranged between the vapor permeation membrane and the heat exchange membrane, and the feed fluid is distilled through the plurality of effect members to deposit the condensed fluid into the central tube.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 052,355 (Attorney Docket No. 191170-000100US), filed on July 15, 2020, for a spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] This invention was made with government support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) under NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Program Award No. EEC 1449500. The U.S. Government has certain rights in this invention. Background Art

[0003] Existing multi-effect membrane distillation (MD) technologies can require highly complex membrane module configurations, which may include separate membranes and heat exchange surfaces; structural supports; separate feed and / or permeate inlets; and fluid transport conduits for the feed. Furthermore, the complex paths for both the feed and permeate (vapor and condensate) streams can result in large head losses due to friction, and thus, can require higher pumping energy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a distillation apparatus comprising a cylindrical outer shell and a spirally wound multi-effect membrane distillation (MD) module. The spirally wound multi-effect membrane distillation module comprises a perforated central tube concentric with the cylindrical outer shell and a plurality of effect members spirally wound around the central tube. Each effect member comprises a vapor permeation membrane, a feed spacer mesh disposed on the vapor permeation membrane, a permeate spacer mesh, and a heat exchange membrane. The permeate spacer mesh is disposed between the vapor permeation membrane and the heat exchange membrane. The feed fluid is distilled through the plurality of effect members, and the condensed fluid is deposited into the central tube. The distillation apparatus may comprise two flow distribution devices disposed at each end of the spirally wound multi-effect membrane distillation module. The distillation apparatus further comprises a first end cap located at one end of the cylindrical outer shell and a second end cap located at the other end of the cylindrical outer shell, the first end cap comprising a liquid inlet, and the second end cap comprising a distillate outlet and a concentrate outlet attached to the central tube.

[0005] In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a distillation apparatus comprising a cylindrical outer shell and a plurality of spirally wound multi-effect membrane distillation (MD) modules connected in series. Each of the spirally wound MD modules comprises a perforated central tube concentric with the cylindrical outer shell and a plurality of effector elements spirally wound around the central tube. Each effector element comprises a feed spacer mesh, a vapor permeation membrane, a permeate spacer mesh, and a heat exchange membrane. The permeate spacer mesh is disposed between the vapor permeation membrane and the heat exchange membrane. Feed fluid is distilled by the plurality of effector elements in each of the spirally wound MD modules, and condensed fluid is deposited into the central tube. The distillation apparatus may comprise two flow distribution devices disposed at each end of the plurality of spirally wound MD modules. The distillation apparatus further comprises a first end cap located at one end of the cylindrical outer shell and a second end cap located at the other end of the cylindrical outer shell. The first end cap comprises a liquid inlet, and the second end cap comprises a distillate outlet and a concentrate outlet attached to the central tube.

[0006] In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method for manufacturing a distillation apparatus, comprising sealing a rectangular vapor membrane film on three edges to a rectangular heat exchange membrane and placing a permeate spacer mesh between the vapor membrane film and the heat exchange membrane. The method further comprises placing a feed spacer mesh on the vapor membrane film. The unsealed edges are attached to a perforated central tube, wherein the permeate spacer mesh coincides with the perforations of the central tube. The central tube is rotated to form a spirally wound membrane distillation (MD) module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Certain embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings only illustrate certain aspects or implementations of the present invention by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0008] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A single unit device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a membrane leaf before rolling according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 A flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing a spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0011] Figure 4A A first cross-section of a spiral wound distillation unit is shown, according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0012] Figure 4B Shown is a second cross-section of a spiral wound distillation unit according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0013] Figure 5 Schematic examples of multi-unit devices are shown in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0014] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A schematic diagram of a multi-unit device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0015] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A schematic diagram of a multi-unit device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Specific embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous details are set forth as examples of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details, and that numerous variations or modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Certain details known to those skilled in the art have been omitted to avoid obscuring the description.

[0017] Throughout this application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) may be used as adjectives for elements (i.e., any nouns in this application). The use of ordinal numbers does not imply or create any particular ordering of the elements, nor does it limit any element to being just a single element, unless explicitly disclosed, such as through the use of the terms "before," "after," "single," and other such terms. Rather, ordinal numbers are used to distinguish elements. For example, a first element is different from a second element, and a first element may include more than one element and come after (or before) a second element in the ordering of elements.

[0018] In the following description of Figures 1 to 7, in various embodiments of the present technology, any component described with respect to a figure may be equivalent to one or more similarly named components described with respect to any other figure. For the sake of brevity, the description of these components will not be repeated for each figure. Therefore, each embodiment of the components of each figure is incorporated by reference and is assumed to be optionally present in each other figure having one or more similarly named components. In addition, according to various embodiments of the present technology, any description of a component of a figure should be interpreted as an optional embodiment implemented in addition to, in combination with, or in place of the embodiments described with respect to the corresponding similarly named components in any other figure.

[0019] In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to a module for membrane distillation and a method of making the module. More specifically, embodiments describe a novel membrane reactor design that enables multi-effect membrane distillation in a simple, compact, cross-flow spiral-wound module.

[0020] Embodiments of the components and methods of making the components disclosed herein may include a novel spiral-wound configuration of a layered structure having layers comprising a feed spacer mesh, a vapor permeation membrane, a heat exchange membrane, and a permeate spacer mesh. Embodiments may provide fluid delivery conduits or separate inlets and outlets for each effector without the need for additional physical structures, as each spiral in the spiral-wound membrane unit forms an effector.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, heat input from the first effector or heat recovered from condensation of vapor in the previous effector evaporates the feed liquid in each effector and serves as a coolant to condense the vapor generated in the previous effector. Efficient heat recovery in successive stages results in a gain-to-output ratio (GOR) many times greater than that of single-stage multi-effect membrane distillation (MD), and can provide higher thermal efficiency and water production rates.

[0022] The embodiments disclosed herein can utilize different heat sources. For example, embodiments can include a film surface for photothermal heating when exposed to light. Embodiments can also include a film surface for electrothermal coatings that generate heat by applying an electric current. In some embodiments, heat can be provided by heating some or all of the feed liquid using a heater. Other embodiments can include combinations of the heating elements described herein.

[0023] Figure 1A A single unit device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is shown. The single unit device (100a) includes a cylindrical module housing (102a) having a liquid inlet (f) for receiving a feed liquid, a distillate outlet (c), and a concentrate outlet (b). The distillate outlet (c) is aligned with and attached to a central tube (104a) for permeate collection. The central tube for permeate collection is a perforated tube that can be positioned on the central axis of the module housing (102a). As will be explained in more detail below, a spirally wound multi-effect membrane distillation module (106a) surrounds the central tube (104a) for permeate collection and is disposed between the flow distribution assembly and the anti-telescoping assembly (108a and 109a). In Figure 1A In the embodiment described, a thermal coating (110) is provided around the spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation module (106a). The thermal coating (110) is used to apply heat to the device (100a), and the thermal coating (110) can be photothermal or electrothermal.

[0024] For solar thermal embodiments, portions of the component housing (102a) may be transparent to allow light to penetrate. For example, a transparent housing made of materials such as quartz, borosilicate glass, and / or poly(methyl methacrylate) (such as Plexiglas) may be used in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. Solar thermal embodiments utilizing solar radiation may also include additional collectors / concentrators to facilitate heating. For example, parabolic troughs, linear Fresnel reflectors, and solar tower collectors may be used to focus solar radiation. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other configurations may be used to facilitate the collection and focusing of radiation in solar thermal embodiments.

[0025] For an electric heating embodiment, the thermal coating (110) can be heated using an applied voltage. In such an embodiment, the thermal coating element of the membrane would be connected to a power source via heat carrier wires (not shown). When a certain voltage is applied, the thermal heating element will generate Joule heat, which is conducted to the adjacent feed liquid. The heated feed liquid evaporates at the interface, and the vapor is transferred to the permeate side.

[0026] According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, a feed liquid is supplied through the liquid inlet (f) while heat is supplied by the thermal coating (110), causing the spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module (106a) to distill the feed liquid, depositing the distillate in the central tube (104a) for permeate collection. The distillate is then released through the distillate outlet (c). The resulting concentrate is released through the concentrate outlet (b).

[0027] Figure 1B Another single unit device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is shown. Figure 1A The single unit device (100b) comprises a component housing (102b), a flow distribution component and an anti-telescoping component (108b and 109b), a liquid inlet (f), a distillate outlet (c), a concentrate outlet (b), a central tube for permeate collection (104b) and a spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation component (106b). Figure 1B In the described embodiment, instead of a thermal coating, a feed liquid or a portion of the feed liquid is supplied to a single unit device (100b) via a heater (112). The heater (112) heats the feed liquid and flows into the module housing (102b) using an additional inlet (f') positioned in a radial direction of the housing (102b). The additional inlet (f') can be positioned on the housing (102b) between the flow distribution assembly near the liquid inlet (f) and the anti-telescoping assemblies (108b and 109b). The embodiment may also include an additional concentrate outlet (b') positioned in a radial direction of the housing (102b) between the flow distribution assembly and the anti-telescoping assemblies (108b and 109b) near the distillate outlet (c) and the concentrate outlet (b).

[0028] In by Figure 1B In one or more embodiments described herein, sealing gaskets (114, 115) may be disposed around the flow distribution assembly and the anti-telescoping assembly (108b and 109b) such that the flow distribution assembly and the anti-telescoping assembly (108b and 109b) substantially cover the ends of the spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation assembly (106b). The sealing gaskets (114, 115) help maintain the heated feed liquid from the additional inlet (f') primarily contained near the surface of the spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation assembly (106b).

[0029] In one or more embodiments, there may be two separate flow paths for the feed liquid. A first path is located inside the spiral wound unit (106b) via inlet (f), and a second path is located in the space between the spiral wound unit (106b) and the module housing (102b) via inlet (f'). Different flow rates between the paths, combined with different feed liquid temperatures in the paths, can aid in device performance according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the cooler feed liquid in the paths inside the spiral wound unit (106b) can act as a coolant and thus aid in permeate condensation.

[0030] According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, a feed liquid is supplied through a liquid inlet (f), and additional feed liquid is heated by a heater (112) and supplied through an inlet (f'). The heated feed liquid provides the necessary heat, causing the spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module (106b) to distill the feed liquid, resulting in distillate being deposited in the central tube (104b) and released through a distillate outlet (c). The resulting concentrate can be released through the concentrate outlet (b) and / or the additional concentrate outlet (b').

[0031] According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, concentrate from concentrate outlet (b) and / or concentrate outlet (b') may be fed back into heater (112). This concentrate may still contain heat that can be used for further distillation and / or additional distillate may be distilled. Furthermore, by feeding back previously heated concentrate output, the strain on heater (112) may be reduced.

[0032] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The fabrication of the embodiments disclosed herein is described. Figure 2 depicting the plurality of layers comprising the spirally wound unit prior to forming the collection of layers into a spiral shape; and Figure 3 A flow chart outlining the steps for making a spiral-wound multiple-effect membrane distillation module according to embodiments disclosed herein is described.

[0033] refer to Figure 2The plurality of layers (220) is rectangular in shape and includes a heat exchange membrane (222), a permeate spacer mesh (224), a vapor permeation membrane (226), and a feed spacer mesh layer (228). The plurality of layers (220) includes a seal (231) that seals three edges of the rectangular plurality of layers (220). In some embodiments, the plurality of layers (220) may also include a thermal element (232).

[0034] Embodiments of the heat exchange membrane (222) can include any thermally conductive film. Examples of materials for the heat exchange membrane include, but are not limited to, aluminum foil, polymer-reinforced aluminum foil, polymer-coated Cu film, and / or thermally conductive polymer film. Embodiments of the heat exchange membrane (222) can be corrosion-resistant on at least one side. For example, the side of the heat exchange membrane (222) that can be in contact with the feed solution can be designed to be corrosion-resistant. Embodiments of the heat exchange membrane (222) can also be designed such that the side of the heat exchange membrane (222) that is in contact with the leachate has rough features and / or a superhydrophobic coating to promote condensation.

[0035] The leachate spacer mesh (224) may be any porous thermally conductive material. Examples of leachate spacer mesh materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum and other metal meshes, metal wool, and / or thermally conductive polymer meshes.

[0036] Examples of vapor permeable membranes (226) include any membrane that is impermeable to liquid water but permeable to water vapor. Exemplary materials for vapor permeable membranes include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, PTFE, PVDF, polyethylene, and inorganic membranes such as carbon membranes.

[0037] Embodiments of the feed spacer screen (228) include any mesh spacer screen made of a corrosion resistant material. Exemplary materials for the feed spacer screen include, but are not limited to, different types of polymers, such as polypropylene and / or nylon.

[0038] As previously mentioned, embodiments may further include a thermal element (232). The size and location of the thermal element (232) are selected such that upon completion of fabrication according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the thermal element (232) is located on the outermost radius of the spiral-wound unit (106).

[0039] As previously described, the thermal element (232) can be a photothermal or electrothermal material. In some photothermal embodiments, a black porous fine polymer mesh or a porous polymer membrane coated with a carbon nanomaterial (e.g., carbon black nanoparticles) can be used. In other photothermal embodiments, a porous polypropylene membrane coated with carbon black nanoparticles or a porous polypropylene membrane coated with a polydopamine coating can be used. The thermal element (232) of the photothermal embodiment can be made of any known material that absorbs radiation and generates heat and will not degrade in the feed liquid.

[0040] In electrothermal embodiments, any material that can be heated using an applied voltage and that does not degrade in the feed fluid can be used in accordance with embodiments herein. For example, stainless steel mesh with a corrosion-resistant, insulating nanocoating or a carbon nanotube-based membrane can be used in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0041] refer to Figure 3 In step 300, the rectangular vapor film is sealed to the heat exchange membrane on three edges. In some embodiments, the films can be sealed using an adhesive. In some embodiments, the films can be heat sealed. In such embodiments, a hot metal rod can be used to heat seal the rectangular vapor film to the heat exchange membrane by melting the layers together. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other methods of sealing the layers can be used.

[0042] In step 302, a permeate spacer mesh is placed in the pocket formed between the rectangular vapor membrane and the heat exchange membrane using the unsealed edges of the rectangular membrane. In step 304, a feed spacer mesh film is deposited onto the vapor membrane film.

[0043] The unsealed edges of the set of layers from the previous step are attached to the perforated base pipe in step 306. The layers may be attached to the base pipe using an adhesive so that the leachate spacer mesh layer coincides with the perforations in the base pipe.

[0044] In step 308, the perforated base tube is rotated to wrap the collection of layers around the base tube. In this disclosure, each complete wrap of the collection of layers around the base tube is referred to as an effector. That is, an effector refers to a layer along the radial direction of the base tube of the collection (220) of multiple layers.

[0045] As previously described, embodiments of the spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module (106a) may include a heat element (232). In such embodiments, the heat element (232) may be disposed on the vapor permeable membrane film (226) before the central tube (204) is wound. In some embodiments, the heat element (232) may be disposed on the vapor permeable membrane film (226) before the feed spacer web (228) is deposited.

[0046] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, one or more spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules may be disposed in a housing and secured to a cover including inlets / outlets, flow distribution anti-telescoping devices, seals, etc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such assembly can be performed according to known techniques.

[0047] FIG4 shows a cross-section of a device according to embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 4A The diagram shows a schematic diagram corresponding to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 1AA first cross-section of the device in the AA plane. Figure 4A The invention comprises a module housing (402), a central tube (404) for permeate collection, and four effector elements. According to the embodiments disclosed herein, each effector element comprises a heat exchange membrane (422), a permeate spacer mesh (424), a vapor permeation membrane (426), and a feed spacer mesh layer (428).

[0048] The liquid gap (430) is the space between the module housing (402) and the spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module (406). The size of the liquid gap significantly affects the volume of the feed system. A larger liquid gap can increase the maximum feed residence time because the energy capacity of the feed system will increase. In addition, a larger gap may also require an increase in the feed liquid flow rate to avoid boiling in the device, which may cause the device to pressurize. A larger liquid gap may also result in a lower membrane surface temperature because the energy in the device can be further dispersed. However, the gap must be large enough to avoid contamination of the feed chamber.

[0049] exist Figure 4A In the example of FIG. 4 , a thermal element ( 410 a ) is shown. Figure 2 As explained, the thermal element (410a) is designed to cover the outer surface of the spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation module (406).

[0050] Figure 4B The diagram shows a schematic diagram corresponding to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 4A The second cross section of the BB plane. Figure 4B The invention comprises a component housing (402), a central tube (404) for collecting leachate, and four effector elements. According to the embodiment disclosed herein, each effector element comprises a heat exchange membrane (422), a leachate spacer mesh (424), a vapor permeation membrane (426), and a feed spacer mesh layer (428). Figure 4B The example also includes a thermal element (410a) and shows a liquid gap (430). Figure 4B Arrows (432) show the direction of heat flux (and vapor flow) during operation of an apparatus according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0051] According to embodiments disclosed herein, the membrane surface is heated via a heated feed liquid, a photothermal element, or an electric heating element. The heat causes the feed liquid in the first effector to evaporate. The vapor is transported through the membrane and, through the thermally conductive membrane, exchanges heat with the cooler feed liquid in the second effector. As a result, the vapor condenses into a distillate. The heat absorbed by the feed liquid in the second effector drives evaporation in the second effector. According to embodiments disclosed herein, this process continues, transferring heat all the way to the last effector closest to the central tube.

[0052] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, reference Figure 4AThe radius (r) of the housing controls the size of the assembly. A larger housing increases the number of evaporator effectors that can be fitted into the housing, but a larger housing also increases the feed liquid residence time. More effectors can result in a higher gain-to-output ratio (GOR). The GOR is the ratio of the amount of energy used for evaporation to the amount of energy input to the system. Although the GOR increases with the number of effectors, there is an optimal number of effectors beyond which additional effectors no longer contribute significantly to the GOR. Therefore, the number of effectors can be balanced with the desired GOR and material cost, which is partly due to the number of membranes required to construct those effectors.

[0053] For example, for solar thermal embodiments, a larger housing can result in a smaller solar concentration ratio, which can result in a lower membrane surface temperature and, therefore, a lower vapor pressure gradient and a lower average flux. The vapor pressure gradient across the effector can be the primary driving force for distillation. In this case, the solar concentration ratio is a measure of the solar radiation that can be concentrated onto the device. For example, for embodiments utilizing parabolic troughs, the solar concentration ratio is the ratio between the area of ​​the parabolic trough exposed to solar radiation and the area of ​​the device (i.e., the module housing). According to the embodiments disclosed herein, the average flux refers to the amount of water (typically in kilograms) that flows from the feed chamber to the central tube.

[0054] Other factors that may contribute to the performance of the embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, the thickness and length of the housing, the thickness of the layers in each effector, the radius of the central tube, the flow rates of the fluids involved, and the residence time of the feed fluid in the fluid gap.

[0055] For example, the thickness of the module housing can determine the mechanical stability of the device. For example, in a solar thermal embodiment where the housing is glass, thicker glass may be mechanically stable but transmit less light, resulting in less efficient solar heating of the membrane surface. Housing thickness can also affect the volume of the gap, and therefore the residence time in the feed chamber and the feed flow rate.

[0056] Similarly, the length of the housing also affects the volume of the feed chamber and, therefore, the residence time and feed flow rate in the feed chamber. A longer housing can increase the residence time in the feed chamber, but may require an increase in the feed flow rate to avoid boiling the feed liquid and pressurizing the feed chamber.

[0057] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, the thickness of each layer in each effector contributes to the mechanical stability of the embodiment, as well as the number of effectors that can be used in a given housing. The thickness of each layer may also affect the GOR or performance of the embodiment. For example, a thicker vapor permeable membrane may increase the distance that vapor must travel in the membrane pores, which may reduce efficiency. A thicker heat exchange membrane may have a higher thermal resistance and therefore provide less condensation.

[0058] According to embodiments disclosed herein, the thickness of the feed spacer mesh layer determines the volume of the internal feed or coolant channels. A thicker feed spacer mesh can result in less hydraulic resistance in the internal feed channels. Similarly, according to embodiments disclosed herein, the thickness of the leachate spacer mesh controls the volume of the leachate channels. A thicker leachate spacer mesh can also result in less hydraulic resistance in the leachate channels.

[0059] According to embodiments disclosed herein, the radius of the central tube is large enough to provide sufficient surface area to constrain the effector and transport the leachate without significant head loss.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the flow velocity of the fluid involved will contribute to the performance of the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, a lower flow velocity in the gap may result in higher distillate output because heat is directly delivered to the membrane surface (where evaporation occurs). On the contrary, a higher flow velocity in the gap may allow heat convection to leave the membrane surface. The flow velocity in the gap is engineered to ensure that heat remains on the surface of the membrane without boiling the feed liquid and pressurizing the feed chamber.

[0061] As reference Figure 1B As mentioned above, one or more embodiments disclosed herein may include two separate flow channels for the feed liquid. In such embodiments, the flow rate of the feed liquid channel within the spiral-wound unit is engineered to provide sufficient heat capacity for permeate condensation. However, when the energy required to pump the fluid is taken into account, the overall efficiency of the device may be reduced by increasing this flow rate. According to embodiments disclosed herein, the flow rate of the feed liquid channel within the spiral-wound unit may be significantly affected by the energy input or, in the case of solar thermal embodiments, by the average solar radiation.

[0062] The examples and numerical values ​​presented below are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. The specific values ​​presented here are intended to help illustrate the relationship between the different variables according to the above. For example, the shell may have a radius of about 40 mm, a length of about 1 m and a thickness of about 4 mm. The central tube may have a radius of about 8.55 mm. The feed spacer mesh layer, the vapor permeation membrane, the permeate spacer mesh and the heat exchange membrane may have thicknesses of about 0.6 mm, about 0.2032 mm, about 0.6 mm and about 0.1 mm, respectively. The dimensions presented in this example provide 12 effectors and a GOR of 4. This can provide 9.88 kg / m 2 -hr with an average flux of 5.25 L / hr of feed liquid flow rate (in the gap) and a feed liquid residence time of about 210 min.

[0063] Figure 57 provide examples of apparatuses having multiple spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules in a single housing according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0064] In by Figure 5 In the described embodiment, a plurality of spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules (506-1, 506-2, ... 506-n) can be connected in series in a single housing (502). Figure 5 In the flow distribution device (508-1...508-n and 509-1...509-n) similar to Figure 1A The flow distribution device presented. Each of the plurality of spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules (506-1, 506-2...506-n) comprises a heat element (510-1...510-n) for providing the necessary heat to the spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules (506-1, 506-2...506-n). As disclosed in the previous embodiment, Figure 5 The described embodiments may feed concentrate from concentrate outlet (b) back to the inlet (f). These embodiments may optionally include additional concentrate outlets (540-1...540-n) along the body of the housing (502) that feed concentrate back to the inlet (f). The number and location of the additional concentrate outlets are not particularly limited. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the additional concentrate outlet is arranged in the space between the flow distribution devices (508-1...508-n and 509-1...509-n) of each spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module (506-1, 506-2...506-n).

[0065] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A further embodiment is shown having multiple spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules in a single housing according to the embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 6A In the embodiment, a plurality of spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules (606a-1, 606a-2, ... 606a-n) are connected in series in a single housing (602). Figure 6A In the described embodiment, the flow distribution devices (608-1 and 609-n) closest to the end of the shell allow fluid flow, while the remaining flow distribution devices (608-2...608-n and 609-1...609-(n-1)) contain seals (615-1...615-n) that prevent fluid from flowing into (or out of) the gap between the spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules (606-1 and 606-n) and the shell (602).

[0066] Figure 6AThe embodiment further includes additional concentrate outlets (640-1...640-n) and additional liquid inlets (642-1...642-n). The additional concentrate outlets (640-1...640-n) and the additional liquid inlets (642-1...642-n) are arranged along the housing (602) to supply feed liquid to the gap between the spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules (606-1 and 606-n) and the continuous seals (615-1...615-n) in the housing (602). As in other embodiments, concentrate from the concentrate outlet (b) can be fed back to the liquid inlet (f). According to these embodiments, the concentrate from the concentrate outlet (b) can also be fed back to one or all of the additional liquid inlets (642-1...642-n).

[0067] Similar to Figure 6A , Figure 6B The described embodiment includes a plurality of spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules (606b-1, 606b-2, ..., 606b-n) connected in series in a single housing (602). However, all flow distribution devices (608-1 ..., 608-n and 609-1 ..., 609-n) include seals (615-1 ..., 615-n) to prevent fluid from flowing into (or out of) the gap between the spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules (606b-1 and 606b-n) and the housing (602). Additional concentrate outlets (640-1, 604-2 ..., 640-n) and additional liquid inlets (642-1 ..., 642-n) are arranged along the housing (602) to supply feed liquid to the plurality of spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules (606b-1 and 606b-n). As Figure 6A , the concentrate from the concentrate outlet (b) may be fed back to the inlet (f) and / or one or more of the additional inlets ( 642 - 1 . . . 642 - n ).

[0068] exist Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the illustrated embodiment, each of the spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules (606-1 and 606-n) is shown as having a heat element (610-1...610-n); however, the embodiments disclosed herein are not so limited. For example, the first spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module (606-1) may include a heat element (610-1), and the excess heat in the concentrate from the first spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module (606-1) may be used as a heat source for one or more of the subsequent spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules (606-2...606-n). Therefore, one or more subsequent spiral-wound units may not include a heat element. In such an embodiment, one or more downstream spiral-wound units may include a heat element (610) to supply the necessary heat to generate the desired flux of the multi-unit device.

[0069] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A further embodiment is shown having multiple spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules in a single housing according to the embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 1B The disclosed embodiment is Figure 7A and Figure 7B The described embodiment includes a heater (712) that heats a portion of the feed liquid. Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, heater (712) supplies a heated portion of the feed liquid to additional inlet (f').

[0070] exist Figure 7A , the flow distribution devices (708-1...708-n and 709-1 and 709-2) include seals (715-1...715-n), but the flow distribution device (709-n) closest to the distillate outlet (c) and the concentrate outlet (b) does not include a seal. Figure 6B ,Depend on Figure 7A The depicted embodiment includes additional concentrate outlets ( 740 - 1 . . . 740 - n ) and additional inlets ( 742 - 1 . . . 742 - n ) to supply feed liquid to the plurality of spiral-wound multiple-effect membrane distillation modules ( 706 - 1 and 706 - n ).

[0071] exist Figure 7B In the embodiment, all flow distribution devices (708-1...708-n and 709-1...709-n) include seals (715-1...715-n). Similar to the previous embodiment, the concentrate from the concentrate outlet (b) can be fed back to the inlet (f) and / or one or more of the additional inlets (742-1...742-n).

[0072] exist Figure 7A and Figure 7B In the illustrated embodiment, heater (712) provides heated feed liquid to additional inlet (f'); however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that heated feed liquid may also be supplied to one or more additional inlets (742).

[0073] The embodiments disclosed herein can provide low-cost desalination systems and, therefore, can be used in individual homes or commercial properties (e.g., hotels, resorts, apartment complexes). In addition to water and wastewater treatment, the embodiments can also be applied to industries that generate saline wastewater or other concentrated waste streams, such as the oil and gas, mining, and food processing industries. The embodiments disclosed herein can benefit municipalities that use concentrate water sources (such as brackish water and seawater) as their water supply, or farms that have saline irrigation drainage or need to use concentrate as a water supply source.

[0074] Although the present invention has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art having benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A distillation apparatus comprising: Cylindrical housing; A spirally wound multi-effect membrane distillation component, comprising: a perforated center tube concentric with the cylindrical outer shell; A plurality of effect members spirally wound around the central tube, wherein each effect member comprises: vapor permeable membranes; a feed spacer mesh, disposed on the steam permeable membrane; Leachate spacers; and a heat exchange membrane, the vapor permeable membrane being sealed on three edges to the heat exchange membrane, the unsealed edges being attached to a perforated central tube; wherein the leachate spacer net is disposed between the vapor permeable membrane and the heat exchange membrane, and the leachate spacer net coincides with the perforations of the central tube; wherein the feed fluid is distilled through the plurality of effectors to deposit condensed fluid into the central tube.

2. The distillation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Two flow distribution devices are provided at each end of the spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation module; a first end cap located on one end of the cylindrical housing, the first end cap including a liquid inlet; and A second end cap is located on the other end of the cylindrical shell, the second end cap including a distillate outlet and a concentrate outlet attached to the central tube.

3. The distillation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the diameter of the flow distribution device is equal to the inner diameter of the housing.

4. The distillation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the diameter of the flow distribution device is equal to the diameter of the spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module, and the distillation apparatus further comprises: Two seals are disposed between the flow distribution device and the inner diameter of the housing.

5. The distillation apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: An additional liquid inlet is located on the main body of the housing in a radial direction, wherein the heater heats the feed liquid supplied to the additional liquid inlet; and An additional concentrate outlet is located radially on the main body of the housing. The additional liquid inlet and the additional concentrate outlet are arranged between the sealing members.

6. The distillation apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: A fluid path is provided from the additional concentrate outlet to the heater to feed concentrate from the concentrate outlet to the additional liquid inlet.

7. The distillation apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: A fluid path is provided from the concentrate outlet to the heater to feed the concentrate from the concentrate outlet to the additional liquid inlet.

8. The distillation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module further comprises: A thermal element for supplying heat is disposed on the vapor permeable membrane.

9. The distillation apparatus of claim 8, wherein the heating element is electrically heated.

10. The distillation apparatus of claim 8, wherein the thermal element is photothermal.

11. The distillation apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: A parabolic concentrator concentrates solar radiation onto the distillation apparatus.

12. A distillation apparatus comprising: Cylindrical housing; A plurality of spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules connected in series, each spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation module comprising: a perforated center tube concentric with the cylindrical outer shell; A plurality of effect members spirally wound around the central tube, wherein each effect member comprises: Feed spacer mesh; arranged on the steam permeable membrane; vapor permeable membranes; Leachate spacers; and a heat exchange membrane, the vapor permeable membrane being sealed on three edges to the heat exchange membrane, the unsealed edges being attached to a perforated central tube; wherein the leachate spacer is arranged between the vapor permeable membrane and the heat exchange membrane, the leachate spacer coincides with the perforations of the central tube, and The feed fluid is distilled through the multiple effectors of each spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module to deposit the condensed fluid into the central tube of the corresponding spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module.

13. The distillation apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: Two flow distribution devices are provided on each end of the plurality of spirally wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules; a first end cap located on one end of the cylindrical housing, the first end cap including a liquid inlet; and A second end cap is located on the other end of the cylindrical shell, wherein the second end cap includes a distillate outlet and a concentrate outlet attached to the central tube of the spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module.

14. The distillation apparatus of claim 13, wherein the diameter of at least one of the flow distribution devices is equal to the inner diameter of the housing.

15. The distillation apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a diameter of at least one of the flow distribution devices is equal to a diameter of the spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module on which the flow distribution device is disposed, the distillation apparatus further comprising: The inner diameter of the sealing member disposed between the flow distribution device and the inner diameter of the cylindrical shell is the same as the diameter of the spirally wound multi-effect membrane distillation assembly.

16. The distillation apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: One or more additional concentrate outlets are located on the main body of the housing and arranged radially.

17. The distillation apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: one or more additional liquid inlets, located on the main body of the housing and arranged radially; and One or more additional concentrate outlets are located on the main body of the housing and arranged radially. 18 . The distillation apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the heater heats the feed liquid supplied to at least one of the additional liquid inlets.

19. The distillation apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising: One or more fluid paths are provided from the additional concentrate outlet to the heater to feed concentrate from the additional concentrate outlet to the at least one additional liquid inlet.

20. The distillation apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising: A fluid path is provided from the concentrate outlet to the heater to feed the concentrate from the concentrate outlet to the at least one additional inlet.

21. The distillation apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising: a fluid path from one of the one or more additional concentrate outlets to one of the one or more additional liquid inlets, wherein one of the one or more additional concentrate outlets is arranged at a position of the housing adjacent to a first spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module of one of the plurality of spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules, and One of the one or more additional liquid inlets is arranged at a position of the housing adjacent to a second spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module of one of the plurality of spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules.

22. The distillation apparatus according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the plurality of spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation modules comprises: A thermal element for supplying heat is disposed on the vapor permeable membrane.

23. The distillation apparatus of claim 22, wherein the heating element is electrically heated.

24. The distillation apparatus of claim 22, wherein the thermal element is photothermal.

25. The distillation apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising: A parabolic concentrator concentrates solar radiation onto the distillation apparatus.

26. The distillation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the feed liquid through the liquid inlet is wastewater from an industrial process.

27. The distillation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the feed liquid through the liquid inlet is seawater.

28. A method for manufacturing the distillation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising: sealing a rectangular vapor permeable membrane film to a rectangular heat exchange membrane on three edges; providing a leachate spacer net between the vapor permeable diaphragm film and the heat exchange membrane; Arranging a feed spacer mesh on the steam permeable diaphragm film; attaching the unsealed edge to a perforated central pipe, wherein the leachate spacer mesh coincides with the perforations of the central pipe; The central tube is rotated to form a spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation module.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the rectangular vapor permeable membrane film is sealed to the rectangular heat exchange membrane on three edges using an adhesive.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the rectangular vapor permeable membrane film is heat sealed to the rectangular heat exchange membrane on three edges by applying a heat bar to each of the three edges.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein the unsealed edge is attached to the center tube using an adhesive.

32. The method of claim 28, further comprising: Two flow distribution devices are provided on each end of the spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation module; placing the spiral wound multi-effect membrane distillation module into a cylindrical shell, wherein the central tube is concentric with the cylindrical shell; providing a first end cap on an end of the cylindrical housing, wherein the first end cap includes a liquid inlet; and The center tube is attached to the distillate outlet on the second end cap of the housing, wherein the second end cap includes a concentrate outlet.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein at least one of the flow distribution devices has a diameter equal to the inner diameter of the housing.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein a diameter of at least one of the flow distribution devices is equal to a diameter of the spiral-wound multi-effect membrane distillation module, the method further comprising: A seal is provided between at least one of the flow distribution devices and an inner diameter of the housing.

Images