Ceramic membrane online characterization device

Abstract

The utility model provides a ceramic membrane online characterization device which comprises ceramic membrane equipment, a flushing part, a drying part, an impregnating compound part and a penetrating agent part, and a sight glass is arranged at the top of the ceramic membrane equipment; the washing part comprises a washing liquid tank and a washing pump; the washing liquid tank is communicated with a washing connecting pipe of the ceramic membrane equipment through the washing pump; the drying part comprises a gas storage tank, an exhaust port of the gas storage tank is communicated with the flushing connecting pipe, and first stop valves are mounted on first branch pipes respectively; the impregnating compound part comprises an impregnating compound tank and a feeding pump, and the impregnating compound tank is communicated with a mother liquor connecting pipe of the ceramic membrane equipment through the feeding pump; the penetrant part comprises a penetrant tank, an outlet of the penetrant tank is communicated with the penetrating fluid connecting pipe through a second branch pipe, and a second stop valve is mounted on the second branch pipe; according to the method, the ceramic membrane of the ceramic membrane tube nest can be represented in an on-line mode, detachment is not needed, and the method has the advantages of being simple in operation process, small in human intervention amount, small in representation workload and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an online characterization device for ceramic membranes, belonging to the field of chemical and environmental equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Ceramic membranes, due to their resistance to chemical corrosion, acids and alkalis, high temperatures, and high separation precision, are widely used in the separation of intermediate materials and wastewater treatment in industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, papermaking, printing and dyeing, and food, resulting in excellent technical and economic benefits.

[0003] Currently, ceramic membranes used in industrial production are mostly ultrafiltration and microfiltration grade, with pore sizes generally ranging from 0.004 to 15 micrometers. During operation, ceramic membranes can be damaged or leaks can occur due to factors such as impacts from hard impurities entrained in the material, abnormal increases in operating pressure, and aging of the sealing rings. This can lead to failure to achieve the desired filtration effect. If not detected in time, this can result in substandard products requiring rework. For sensitive materials in fields such as pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, it can even lead to material scrapping, resulting in significant time and economic losses. To avoid these situations, the integrity of the ceramic membrane is periodically characterized during the operation of ceramic membrane equipment.

[0004] During characterization, the ceramic membrane tube needs to be removed from the membrane equipment and characterized using specialized instruments. This characterization method not only affects production efficiency, but also carries the risk of damage to the ceramic membrane tube during disassembly and reinstallation, and cannot guarantee the integrity of the ceramic membrane tube after reinstallation.

[0005] Therefore, given the problems existing in the characterization process of ceramic membranes, it is still necessary to innovate the characterization of ceramic membranes in order to reduce or eliminate the impact on production efficiency and the possibility of ceramic membrane tube breakage. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the problem in existing technologies that require disassembling the ceramic membrane tube during the characterization of online ceramic membrane filtration equipment, leading to reduced production efficiency and potential damage to the ceramic membrane tube, this application proposes an online ceramic membrane characterization device, which includes a ceramic membrane device, a rinsing section, a drying section, a wetting agent section, and a permeate section. A sight glass for observing the internal cavity of the ceramic membrane device is installed on the top of the ceramic membrane device, and a mother liquor inlet, a permeate inlet, a concentrate inlet, and a rinsing inlet are provided on the outer shell of the ceramic membrane device.

[0007] The rinsing unit includes a washing liquid tank and a washing pump. The inlet of the washing pump is connected to the outlet of the washing liquid tank, and the outlet of the washing pump is connected to the rinsing pipe. A washing valve is installed at the outlet of the washing pump. The washing liquid tank is used to hold the cleaning liquid.

[0008] The drying section includes a gas storage tank, the exhaust port of which is connected to a flushing pipe via a first branch pipe, and a first shut-off valve is installed on the first branch pipe; the gas storage tank is used to hold drying gas.

[0009] The impregnating agent section includes an impregnating agent tank and a feeding pump. The inlet of the feeding pump is connected to the outlet of the impregnating agent tank, and the outlet of the feeding pump is connected to the mother liquor pipe via an impregnating agent pipe. An impregnating agent valve is installed on the impregnating agent pipe. A drain pipe is also installed on the mother liquor pipe, and a drain valve is installed on the drain pipe. The impregnating agent tank is used to hold the impregnating agent.

[0010] The penetrant section includes a penetrant tank, the outlet of which is connected to the permeate pipe via a second branch pipe, and a second shut-off valve is installed on the second branch pipe; the penetrant tank is used to hold gaseous penetrant.

[0011] Since the ceramic membrane device in this application is an online device, when characterization is required, the filtration function connected to the ceramic membrane device must first be turned off, and any remaining unfiltered liquid in the ceramic membrane device must be drained before online characterization can proceed. The online characterization process is as follows:

[0012] (1) Washing and drying: First, the sight glass is cleaned using the rinsing section, and then the sight glass is dried using the drying section to facilitate observation of the internal condition of the ceramic membrane filter. After washing, the waste liquid produced during washing is discharged.

[0013] (2) Wetting the ceramic membrane tubes: Use a feed pump to send the wetting agent in the wetting agent tank into the ceramic membrane equipment, so that the wetting agent completely submerges the ceramic membrane tubes, and keep it wet for 10 to 30 minutes.

[0014] (3) Permeation of the ceramic membrane tubes: The permeate from the permeate tank is introduced into the ceramic membrane equipment through the permeate inlet. Bubbles will form on the surface of the permeate. The shape of the bubbles is observed through a sight glass. When the bubbles are small, uniform, and consistent in size across all ceramic membrane tubes without any observable differences, the ceramic membranes in each tube are considered to be in good condition. Otherwise, the abnormal ceramic membrane tubes need to be replaced. Pure water can be used as the permeate. Air can also be used. After characterization, the permeate in the ceramic membrane equipment is discharged into the wastewater treatment system.

[0015] This application enables online cleaning and characterization of the ceramic membranes in ceramic membrane arrays within ceramic membrane equipment, eliminating the need for disassembly of the ceramic membrane arrays. This method is characterized by its simplicity, minimal human intervention, and low workload. Furthermore, by eliminating the need for disassembly, the potential for damage to the ceramic membrane arrays during disassembly and reinstallation is avoided, as are the risks associated with incomplete sealing during reinstallation.

[0016] Furthermore, to reduce equipment requirements and costs, the gas storage tank also serves as a permeate tank, with both the first and second branch pipes connected to the tank's exhaust port. This design necessitates the use of the same gas source for both the drying gas and the permeate.

[0017] Specifically, to better adapt to online characterization, the ceramic membrane device includes a vertically extending outer shell. Inside the outer shell, an upper tube sheet and a lower tube sheet are installed at intervals along the vertical direction, with the upper tube sheet located above the lower tube sheet. Both the upper and lower tube sheets are sealed and mounted on the inner wall of the outer shell. The two ends of the vertically extending ceramic membrane tubes are respectively installed on the upper and lower tube sheets. A feed chamber is formed between the lower tube sheet and the bottom of the outer shell, and a concentrate chamber is formed between the upper tube sheet and the top of the outer shell. The outer space of the ceramic membrane tubes between the upper and lower tube sheets forms a clean liquid chamber. A mother liquor inlet is connected to the feed chamber, a permeate inlet is connected to the clean liquid chamber, and a concentrate inlet and a flushing inlet are both connected to the concentrate chamber.

[0018] Specifically, to facilitate observation of the characterization state inside the ceramic membrane device, the sight glass is located at the top of the housing, and the concentrate inlet is located below the rinsing inlet.

[0019] Furthermore, to facilitate clear observation of the characterization state inside the ceramic membrane device, a liquid level magnifying glass is installed below the sight glass, and the sight glass and the liquid level magnifying glass are sealed together.

[0020] Furthermore, to facilitate rinsing the liquid surface magnifying glass, the rinsing tube extends into the housing and is tilted upwards, so that the cleaning fluid and drying gas sprayed from the rinsing tube can cover the entire liquid surface magnifying glass.

[0021] Furthermore, to facilitate the observation of the characterization state inside the ceramic membrane device, an explosion-proof lighting lamp is installed inside the concentrated liquid chamber, and an explosion-proof plexiglass cover is fixed to the outer shell, with the explosion-proof lighting lamp housed inside the explosion-proof plexiglass cover. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following describes the specific structure of the online ceramic membrane characterization device. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1The online ceramic membrane characterization device includes a ceramic membrane device 10, a rinsing section, a drying section, a wetting agent section, and a permeate section.

[0024] The ceramic membrane device 10 includes a vertically extending housing 100 with a conical bottom at its lower end. A top cover 14 is sealed and detachably mounted on the top of the housing. An observation hole is located at the center of the top cover, allowing observation of the upper and lower end faces of the top cover vertically. The lower edge of the observation hole protrudes radially inward to form an inner flange 141. A liquid level magnifying glass 142 and a sight glass 143 are installed within the observation hole, with the sight glass 143 positioned above the liquid level magnifying glass 142. A pressure cap 144 is bolted to the upper end face of the top cover, holding the liquid level magnifying glass and the sight glass within the observation hole. To prevent damage to the liquid level magnifying glass, rubber gaskets are placed on both the upper and lower edges of the liquid level magnifying glass. The sight glass is sealed against the outer edge of the liquid level magnifying glass via a sealing ring, ensuring a sealed connection between the sight glass and the liquid level magnifying glass. The installation of the sight glass utilizes existing mature technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0025] An upper tube sheet 101 and a lower tube sheet 102 are installed vertically at intervals inside the outer casing. The upper tube sheet is located above the lower tube sheet. Both the upper and lower tube sheets are sealed and installed on the inner wall of the outer casing. The two ends of the ceramic membrane tubes 17 extending vertically are respectively installed on the upper and lower tube sheets. A feed chamber 103 is formed between the lower tube sheet and the bottom of the outer casing, and a concentrate chamber 104 is formed between the upper tube sheet and the top of the outer casing. The outer space of the ceramic membrane tubes between the upper and lower tube sheets forms a clean liquid chamber 105. A mother liquor inlet 11 is provided at the lower end of the conical bottom, and the mother liquor inlet 11 is connected to the feed chamber. A permeate inlet 13, a concentrate inlet 12, and a flushing inlet 19 are also installed on the outer casing. The permeate inlet 13 is connected to the clean liquid chamber 105, and both the concentrate inlet 12 and the flushing inlet 19 are connected to the concentrate chamber. The flushing inlet 19 is located above the concentrate inlet 12. Furthermore, in the height direction, the liquid surface magnifying glass 142 is located above the rinsing tube. To facilitate cleaning of the liquid surface magnifying glass, the rinsing tube extends into the housing and is tilted upwards, so that the cleaning fluid and drying gas sprayed from the rinsing tube can cover the entire liquid surface magnifying glass.

[0026] To facilitate clear observation of the cleaning status of the ceramic membrane equipment 10, an explosion-proof lighting lamp 15 is installed in the concentrated liquid chamber, and an explosion-proof plexiglass cover 16 is fixed on the outer shell, with the explosion-proof lighting lamp housed inside the explosion-proof plexiglass cover.

[0027] The rinsing unit includes a washing liquid tank 70 and a washing pump 73. The inlet of the washing pump 73 is connected to the first outlet 72 of the washing liquid tank, and the outlet of the washing pump is connected to the rinsing pipe 19 via a washing pipe 74. A washing valve 75 is installed at the outlet of the washing pump, and a first pressure gauge 76 is installed on the washing pipe. The connection point between the first pressure gauge and the washing pipe is located between the washing valve 75 and the rinsing pipe 19. The first pressure gauge is used to monitor the delivery pressure of the cleaning liquid. A first inlet 71 is provided at the top of the washing liquid tank, through which the cleaning liquid is injected into the washing liquid tank. The washing liquid tank contains pure water as the cleaning liquid.

[0028] The drying unit includes a gas storage tank 60 with an air inlet 61 at the bottom and an air inlet valve 66 installed thereon. An exhaust port 62 is located at the top of the tank, from which a main exhaust pipe 64 extends. Two branch pipes, designated as a first branch pipe 651 and a second branch pipe 652, extend from the main exhaust pipe 64. A pressure regulating valve 63 and a second pressure gauge 69 are installed on the main exhaust pipe 64, with the regulating valve 63 positioned between the second pressure gauge and the exhaust port 62. The first branch pipe connects to a flushing pipe 19 for injecting drying gas into the ceramic membrane device to dry the liquid level magnifying glass. A first shut-off valve 67 is installed on the first branch pipe. The second branch pipe connects to a permeate pipe 13 and is equipped with a second shut-off valve 68. The gas storage tank contains high-pressure gas serving as both drying gas and permeate; specifically, in this embodiment, the high-pressure gas is compressed air.

[0029] In this embodiment, the gas used to dry the liquid surface magnifying glass is the same as the gas used as the permeate; therefore, the gas storage tank 60 also serves as the permeate tank. It is understood that in another embodiment, the permeate tank can be provided separately, and the second branch pipe can be connected only to the permeate tank.

[0030] The wetting agent section includes a wetting agent tank 50 and a feed pump 53. The inlet of the feed pump is connected to the second outlet 51 of the wetting agent tank, and the outlet of the feed pump is connected to the mother liquor inlet pipe 11 via a wetting agent pipe 54. A wetting agent valve 55 is installed on the wetting agent pipe. A drain pipe 112 is also installed on the mother liquor inlet pipe, and a drain valve 113 is installed on the drain pipe. The wetting agent tank contains pure water as the wetting agent.

[0031] Since this application is an online characterization device, conventional production equipment is also connected to the ceramic membrane equipment, specifically including a raw material tank 20, a permeate tank 30, and a concentrate tank 40. Because there are many pipes connecting to the mother liquor inlet 11, a main liquid pipe 111 is connected to the mother liquor inlet 11 for easy connection. The wetting agent pipe 54 and the drain pipe are both connected to the main liquid pipe 111. To facilitate the continuous supply of a small flow rate of wetting agent to the ceramic membrane equipment and to avoid damage to the feed pump 53, a first return pipe 56 is led out from the main liquid pipe 111, and a first return valve 57 is installed on the first return pipe 56. The first return pipe is connected to the wetting agent inlet 52 at the top of the wetting agent tank 50, and an external wetting agent feed pipe 58 is simultaneously connected to the wetting agent inlet 52.

[0032] The raw material outlet 21 at the bottom of the raw material tank 20 is connected to the inlet of the raw material pump 23. The outlet of the raw material pump 23 is connected to the main liquid pipe 111 via a relay pump 27. A raw material valve 28 is installed at the outlet of the relay pump. The relay pump is a Roots pump. In order to facilitate the continuous supply of a small flow of raw material to the ceramic membrane equipment and to avoid damage to the raw material pump 23, a second return pipe 24 is led out from the main liquid pipe 111, and a second return valve 29 is installed on the second return pipe 24. The second return pipe is connected to the raw material inlet 22 at the top of the raw material tank 20, and an external raw material pipe 25 is also connected to the raw material inlet 22.

[0033] The first liquid inlet 31 at the top of the permeate tank 30 is connected to the permeate pipe 13 via the permeate pipe 32, and a first discharge valve 33 is installed on the permeate pipe 13. The first liquid outlet 34 at the bottom of the permeate tank 30 is connected to the permeate delivery pipe 35.

[0034] The second liquid inlet 41 at the top of the concentrate tank 40 is connected to the concentrate pipe 12 via the concentrate pipe 44, and a second discharge valve 45 is installed on the concentrate pipe 12. The second liquid outlet 42 at the bottom of the concentrate tank 40 is connected to the concentrate delivery pipe 43.

[0035] When online characterization of the ceramic membrane device in this embodiment is required, the filtration function of the ceramic membrane device is first turned off. Specifically, the operation of the raw material pump 23 is stopped, the raw material liquid valve 28, the second discharge valve 45, and the first discharge valve 33 are closed, and the second reflux valve 29 is opened to allow the material in the ceramic membrane device to be emptied into the raw material tank 20. Then, the second reflux valve 29 is closed. After the filtration function of the ceramic membrane device is completed, the explosion-proof lighting 15 is turned on to observe the cleaning status inside the ceramic membrane device.

[0036] The specific characterization process is as follows:

[0037] (1) Washing and drying: Open the washing valve 75 and use the washing pump 73 to pump the cleaning liquid in the washing liquid tank 70 into the concentrated liquid chamber 104 to rinse the liquid surface magnifying glass until it is clean. Then close the washing pump 73 and the washing valve 75. Open the first shut-off valve 67 to allow the high-pressure gas in the gas storage tank 60 to enter the concentrated liquid chamber 104 to dry the liquid surface magnifying glass until the liquid on the liquid surface magnifying glass has completely evaporated. Then open the drain valve 113 to discharge the cleaning liquid in the ceramic membrane equipment into the wastewater treatment system, and then close the drain valve.

[0038] (2) Wetting the ceramic membrane tubes: Open the wetting agent valve 55 and use the feed pump 53 to send the wetting agent in the wetting agent tank 50 into the ceramic membrane equipment. Observe the liquid level of the wetting agent in the ceramic membrane equipment through the sight glass and liquid level magnifying glass. When the liquid level of the wetting agent is at least 1 cm above the upper tube sheet 101 and below the concentrate inlet pipe 12, the input of the wetting agent is completed, so that the wetting agent completely submerges the ceramic membrane tubes. Close the feed pump 53 and the wetting agent valve 55, and keep the ceramic membrane tubes 17 wet for 10 to 30 minutes. Specifically, in this embodiment, the wettation time of the ceramic membrane tubes 17 is controlled at 20 to 25 minutes. When the wetting agent is delivered into the ceramic membrane equipment, if the delivery volume is too small, the opening of the first reflux valve 57 is adjusted to maintain the output of the feed pump 53, so as to avoid damage to the feed pump due to the insufficient output.

[0039] (3) Permeation of ceramic membrane tubes: Open the second shut-off valve 68 to allow the high-pressure gas in the gas storage tank 60 to enter the ceramic membrane equipment. The high-pressure gas, acting as a permeate, passes through the ceramic membrane tubes from the outside to the inside. The high-pressure gas entering the ceramic membrane equipment will form bubbles on the surface of the wetting agent. Observe the shape of the bubbles on the surface of the wetting agent through the sight glass and the liquid level magnifying glass. When the bubbles are small and uniform, and the size of the bubbles corresponding to each ceramic membrane tube is consistent, and no observable differences are observed, it is judged that the ceramic membranes of each ceramic membrane tube are in good condition. Otherwise, the abnormal ceramic membrane tubes need to be replaced.

[0040] After characterization is completed, the wetting agent inside the ceramic membrane device is discharged into the wastewater treatment system through the drain pipe 112.

[0041] In this embodiment, a liquid level magnifying glass is provided. It can be understood that in another embodiment, when the observation and judgment of the bubbling situation can be completed using only the sight glass, the liquid level magnifying glass can be omitted. When the liquid level magnifying glass is needed, in step (1), the sight glass is directly washed and dried.

Claims

1. An online characterization device for ceramic films, characterized in that, It includes a ceramic membrane device, a rinsing section, a drying section, a wetting agent section, and a permeate section. A sight glass for observing the inner cavity of the ceramic membrane device is installed on the top of the ceramic membrane device. A mother liquor inlet, a permeate inlet, a concentrate inlet, and a rinsing inlet are provided on the outer shell of the ceramic membrane device. The rinsing unit includes a washing liquid tank and a washing pump. The inlet of the washing pump is connected to the outlet of the washing liquid tank, and the outlet of the washing pump is connected to the rinsing pipe. A washing valve is installed at the outlet of the washing pump. The detergent tank is used to hold the cleaning solution; The drying section includes a gas storage tank, the exhaust port of which is connected to a flushing pipe via a first branch pipe, and a first shut-off valve is installed on the first branch pipe; the gas storage tank is used to hold drying gas. The impregnating agent section includes an impregnating agent tank and a feeding pump. The inlet of the feeding pump is connected to the outlet of the impregnating agent tank, and the outlet of the feeding pump is connected to the mother liquor pipe via an impregnating agent pipe. An impregnating agent valve is installed on the impregnating agent pipe. A drain pipe is also installed on the mother liquor pipe, and a drain valve is installed on the drain pipe. The impregnating agent tank is used to hold the impregnating agent. The penetrant section includes a penetrant tank, the outlet of which is connected to the permeate pipe via a second branch pipe, and a second shut-off valve is installed on the second branch pipe; the penetrant tank is used to hold gaseous penetrant.

2. The online ceramic membrane characterization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas storage tank also serves as a permeate tank, with both the first and second branch pipes connected to the gas storage tank's exhaust port.

3. The online ceramic membrane characterization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ceramic membrane device includes a housing extending vertically. Inside the housing, an upper tube sheet and a lower tube sheet are installed at intervals along the vertical direction. The upper tube sheet is located above the lower tube sheet. Both the upper and lower tube sheets are sealed and installed on the inner wall of the housing. The two ends of the ceramic membrane tubes extending vertically are respectively installed on the upper and lower tube sheets. A feed chamber is formed between the lower tube sheet and the bottom of the housing. A concentrate chamber is formed between the upper tube sheet and the top of the housing. The space outside the ceramic membrane tubes between the upper and lower tube sheets forms a clean liquid chamber. The mother liquor inlet is connected to the feed chamber, the permeate inlet is connected to the clean liquid chamber, and the concentrate inlet and the rinsing inlet are both connected to the concentrate chamber.

4. The online ceramic membrane characterization device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sight glass is located on the top of the housing, and the concentrate inlet is located below the flushing inlet.

5. The online ceramic membrane characterization device according to claim 4, characterized in that, A liquid level magnifying glass is installed below the sight glass, and the sight glass and the liquid level magnifying glass are sealed together.

6. The online ceramic membrane characterization device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flushing nozzle extends into the housing and tilts upwards, allowing the cleaning fluid and drying gas sprayed from the flushing nozzle to cover the entire surface of the magnifying glass.

7. The online ceramic membrane characterization device according to claim 3, characterized in that, An explosion-proof lighting lamp is installed inside the concentrated liquid chamber. An explosion-proof plexiglass cover is fixed to the outer shell, and the explosion-proof lighting lamp is housed inside the explosion-proof plexiglass cover.

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