Ceramic membrane filter for brine purification treatment

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of brine purification technology, specifically a ceramic membrane filter for brine purification. It includes a housing, with a detachable inlet cover at the top and a detachable drain cover at the bottom. An inlet pipe is located at the top of the inlet cover, and a drain pipe is located at the bottom of the drain cover. A mounting top frame is located at the top of the housing, and a mounting base frame is located at the bottom. A mounting top plate is detachably located at the top of the mounting top frame, and a mounting base plate is detachably located at the bottom of the mounting base frame. Both the mounting top plate and the mounting base plate have flow ports. Fixing sleeves are located on opposite sides of the flow ports. A ceramic membrane filter element is sealed and engaged between the two opposing fixing sleeves. An outlet pipe is located on the side wall of the housing. This utility model facilitates disassembly and maintenance and can improve the purification efficiency of brine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of brine purification technology, specifically to a ceramic membrane filter for brine purification. Background Technology

[0002] In the caustic soda production process, brine purification is a crucial step in ensuring the efficient operation of the electrolysis process. Traditional brine purification technologies typically employ methods such as sand filtration, activated carbon adsorption, or polymer membrane filtration. However, these technologies suffer from problems such as poor corrosion resistance, easy clogging, and frequent cleaning. Especially when processing high-concentration brine, their filtration efficiency and stability are insufficient to meet industrial requirements. Ceramic membrane filters, due to their excellent resistance to strong alkalis, high temperatures, and corrosion, are gradually becoming the mainstream solution for brine purification.

[0003] While existing ceramic membrane filters can effectively remove suspended solids, calcium and magnesium ions, and other impurities from brine, they still face the following technical bottlenecks: Low filter element cleaning efficiency: Traditional backwashing technology is difficult to completely remove stubborn scale inside the filter element, requiring frequent disassembly and manual cleaning, which increases downtime; Complex structure and disassembly: The entire equipment needs to be disassembled when the filter element is replaced or repaired, which is cumbersome and the sealing performance is easily damaged. Uneven fluid distribution: The spiral channels of existing filter elements are mostly arranged independently in parallel, which can easily form dead zones in the fluid, leading to the deposition of impurities and reducing filtration efficiency.

[0004] For example, while the spiral channel ceramic membrane proposed in the published patent (such as CN211913372U) extends the filtration path, its excessive channel curvature increases flow resistance and affects processing capacity. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a ceramic membrane filter that combines high-efficiency filtration, easy maintenance, and self-cleaning capabilities to improve the continuity and economy of brine purification. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a subject name in order to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a ceramic membrane filter for brine purification, comprising a housing, wherein a liquid inlet cover is detachably provided at the top of the housing, and a drain cover is detachably provided at the bottom; a liquid inlet pipe is provided at the top of the liquid inlet cover, and a drain pipe is provided at the bottom of the drain cover; a mounting top frame is provided at the top of the housing, and a mounting base frame is provided at the bottom; a mounting top plate is detachably provided at the top of the mounting top frame, and a mounting base plate is detachably provided at the bottom of the mounting base frame; both the mounting top plate and the mounting base plate have flow ports; fixing sleeves are provided on opposite sides of the flow ports; a ceramic membrane filter element is sealed and engaged between two opposite fixing sleeves; and a liquid outlet pipe is provided on the side wall of the housing.

[0007] This invention is further configured such that each of the ceramic membrane filter elements has a spiral purification filter channel inside, and the spiral purification filter channels are intertwined and arranged in an alternating manner. In the prior art, in order to reduce the volume and extend the purification flow path of brine, spiral channels are usually used. For example, a sanitary high-efficiency filter ceramic membrane disclosed in Chinese patent document CN211913372U has spiral channels that are independently arranged. In a limited space, this results in a large curvature of the spiral channels and poor smoothness of the flow channels, making it easy for dead corners of sediment to form in the brine during the filtration process. This invention uses multiple spiral channels that are intertwined and arranged in an alternating manner, which maintains the independence of the spiral purification filter channels while reducing the curvature of the flow channels, improving smoothness, reducing the occurrence of dead corners of sediment, and improving the purification treatment effect of brine in the caustic soda production process.

[0008] The present invention is further configured such that a backwash pipe is provided on the side wall of the housing, and a backwash medium is delivered into the housing through the backwash pipe to realize the automatic backwash cleaning of the ceramic membrane filter element located in the housing. The automatic cleaning of the ceramic membrane filter element by backwashing is the prior art, which has been disclosed in many Chinese patent documents such as CN204193797U, and will not be described in detail in the present invention.

[0009] The present invention is further configured such that an ultrasonic generator is installed on the outer side of the housing, and multiple sets of ultrasonic transducers are arrayed on the inner wall of the housing. The ultrasonic generator and the ultrasonic transducers are used in conjunction. In the present invention, when realizing the automatic cleaning of the ceramic membrane filter element, the ultrasonic generator can be activated, and the sound wave energy can be converted into vibration energy through the ultrasonic transducer. When used in conjunction with backwashing cleaning, the cleaning efficiency can be significantly improved, the filter element life can be extended, and the dependence on chemical agents can be reduced. In use, sound wave vibration (e.g., 30 seconds to 2 minutes) can be started first, and then backwashing (high pressure water flow / gas pulse) can be started, and repeated alternately to improve the automatic cleaning effect of the ceramic membrane filter element.

[0010] The present invention is further configured such that a fixing edge is provided at the top and bottom of the housing, and a connecting edge is provided on both the liquid inlet end cover and the sewage outlet end cover. Multiple sets of locking bolts are provided between the fixing edge and the connecting edge, and a first sealing gasket is provided between the fixing edge and the connecting edge. Through the cooperation of the fixing edge, the connecting edge and the locking bolts, the liquid inlet end cover and the sewage outlet end cover can be conveniently and detachably installed on the housing. In this way, when the automatic cleaning fails, only the liquid inlet end cover or the sewage outlet end cover needs to be disassembled to perform manual inspection and cleaning operations inside the ceramic membrane filter element.

[0011] This utility model is further configured such that locking posts are provided at the top end of the mounting top frame and the bottom end of the mounting base frame; locking grooves are provided on both the mounting top plate and the mounting base plate; the locking posts pass through the locking grooves and are threaded with locking nuts; and second sealing gaskets are provided between the mounting top frame and the mounting top plate, and between the mounting base frame and the mounting base plate. During installation, the ceramic membrane filter element can be snapped and fixed to the top or bottom fixing sleeve. Taking the fixing sleeve first installed on the mounting base plate as an example, after the ceramic membrane filter element is installed, it is inserted into the mounting top frame and the mounting base frame. The mounting base plate is positioned so that the locking groove passes through the corresponding locking post on the mounting bracket, and then the locking nut is used to lock and secure it. This achieves the initial installation of the ceramic membrane filter element inside the housing by the mounting base plate. Then, the fixing sleeve on the mounting top plate is sealed and fastened to the corresponding top of the ceramic membrane filter element, and the locking post on the mounting bracket passes through the locking groove on the mounting top plate and is locked and secured by the corresponding locking nut. This allows for convenient installation and removal of the ceramic membrane filter element inside the housing. During removal, only the mounting top plate or the mounting base plate needs to be removed to remove the ceramic membrane filter element.

[0012] The present invention is further provided that a sealing sleeve is provided between the end of the ceramic membrane filter element and the corresponding fixing sleeve. The sealing sleeve can enhance the sealing performance of the ceramic membrane filter element after it is installed inside the fixing sleeve. At the same time, the frictional locking performance between the ceramic membrane filter element and the sealing sleeve can improve the installation stability of the ceramic membrane filter element.

[0013] The present invention is further configured such that a flow valve and a flow meter are provided on the inlet pipe, and control valves are provided on the drain pipe and the backflushing pipe. The flow valve can accurately control the input flow of the inlet pipe, the flow meter is used to monitor the inlet flow of the inlet pipe, and the control valve is used to control the opening and closing of the drain pipe and the backflushing pipe respectively.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. This utility model enables rapid cleaning of the ceramic membrane filter element without disassembly through detachable inlet and outlet end covers. Simultaneously, the modular structure, consisting of a mounting top frame, mounting top plate, mounting base frame, mounting base plate, and fixing sleeve, facilitates rapid assembly and disassembly of the ceramic membrane filter element. The mounting top plate and base plate are fixed by locking pins and nuts, and a second sealing gasket ensures a tight seal; the filter element can be removed by disassembling only one end. The housing adopts a flange connection structure, with bolts tightened in conjunction with the first sealing gasket, allowing for end cover disassembly without specialized tools. This modular design significantly reduces maintenance difficulty, enabling rapid manual intervention in case of filter element blockage or ultrasonic cleaning failure, reducing downtime and improving the continuous operating efficiency of the brine purification system.

[0015] 2. This utility model innovatively combines ultrasonic and backwashing technologies, transmitting high-frequency vibrations to the inside of the filter element through a transducer array on the shell wall, effectively breaking down stubborn scale. Combined with the high-pressure fluid pulses from the backwash pipe, it forms a dual cleaning mechanism of "vibration loosening + hydraulic stripping". 3. At the same time, the spiral purification filter channel in this utility model adopts an interlaced winding layout, which optimizes the fluid path while maintaining a high surface area, reduces sedimentation dead zones, and increases the brine treatment capacity. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the ceramic membrane filter for brine purification of this utility model; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the installation structure of the ceramic membrane filter element inside the housing in this utility model; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connection structure between the ceramic membrane filter element and the fixing sleeve in this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the combined shape of multiple spiral purification filter channels in this utility model.

[0017] The components represented by each number in the attached diagram are listed below: 1. Housing; 2. Liquid inlet cover; 3. Sewage outlet cover; 4. Liquid inlet pipe; 5. Sewage outlet pipe; 6. Mounting top frame; 7. Mounting base frame; 8. Mounting top plate; 9. Mounting bottom plate; 10. Flow port; 11. Fixing sleeve; 12. Ceramic membrane filter element; 13. Liquid outlet pipe; 14. Spiral purification filter channel; 15. Backflush pipe; 16. Ultrasonic generator; 17. Ultrasonic transducer; 18. Fixing edge; 19. Connecting edge; 20. Locking bolt; 21. First sealing gasket; 22. Locking column; 23. Locking groove; 24. Locking nut; 25. Second sealing gasket; 26. Sealing sleeve; 27. Flow valve; 28. Flow meter; 29. ​​Control valve. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0019] This utility model provides a technical solution: Please refer to Figures 1-6A ceramic membrane filter for brine purification includes a housing 1. The top of the housing 1 is detachably equipped with an inlet end cover 2, and the bottom is detachably equipped with a drain end cover 3. The top of the inlet end cover 2 is equipped with an inlet pipe 4, and the bottom of the drain end cover 3 is equipped with a drain pipe 5. The top of the housing 1 is equipped with a mounting top frame 6, and the bottom is equipped with a mounting base frame 7. The top of the mounting top frame 6 is detachably equipped with a mounting top plate 8, and the bottom of the mounting base frame 7 is detachably equipped with a mounting base plate 9. Both the mounting top plate 8 and the mounting base plate 9 have flow ports 10. The opposite sides of the flow ports 10 are equipped with fixing sleeves 11. A ceramic membrane filter element 12 is sealed and engaged between the two opposite fixing sleeves 11. The side wall of the housing 1 is equipped with an outlet pipe 13.

[0020] In this invention, each ceramic membrane filter element 12 has a spiral purification filter channel 14 inside, and the spiral purification filter channels 14 are arranged to be intertwined with each other. In the prior art, in order to reduce volume and extend the purification flow path of brine, spiral channels are usually used. For example, a sanitary high-efficiency filter ceramic membrane disclosed in Chinese patent document CN211913372U has spiral channels that are independently spiraled. In a limited space, the curvature of each spiral channel is large, and the smoothness of the flow channel is reduced, making it easy for brine to form sediment dead corners during the filtration process. This invention employs a method of interlacing and winding multiple spiral channels to maintain the independence of the flow space between the spiral purification filter channels 14, while reducing the curvature of the flow channels, improving smoothness, reducing the occurrence of sedimentation dead zones, and improving the purification effect of brine in the caustic soda production process.

[0021] This utility model provides a backwash pipe 15 on the side wall of the housing 1, through which backwashing medium is delivered into the housing 1 to achieve automatic backwashing cleaning of the ceramic membrane filter element 12 located in the housing 1. The automatic cleaning of the ceramic membrane filter element 12 by backwashing is existing technology, which has been disclosed in many Chinese patent documents such as CN204193797U, and will not be described in detail here.

[0022] This invention features an ultrasonic generator 16 mounted on the outer side of the housing 1, and multiple sets of ultrasonic transducers 17 arrayed on the inner wall of the housing 1. The ultrasonic generator 16 and ultrasonic transducers 17 work together to achieve automatic cleaning of the ceramic membrane filter element 12. The ultrasonic generator 16 can be activated, and the ultrasonic transducers 17 convert sound wave energy into vibration energy. When used in conjunction with backwashing, it can significantly improve cleaning efficiency, extend filter life, and reduce reliance on chemical agents. In use, sound wave vibration (e.g., 30 seconds to 2 minutes) can be performed first, followed by backwashing (high-pressure water flow / gas pulse), and this process can be repeated to improve the automatic cleaning effect of the ceramic membrane filter element 12. Regarding the selection of ultrasonic frequency, the commonly used industrial frequencies are 2.45GHz or 915MHz, which need to be matched with the absorption characteristics of the ceramic membrane filter element.

[0023] This utility model has a fixing edge 18 on the top and bottom of the housing 1, and a connecting edge 19 on the liquid inlet end cover 2 and the sewage outlet end cover 3. Multiple sets of locking bolts 20 are provided between the fixing edge 18 and the connecting edge 19, and a first sealing gasket 21 is provided between the fixing edge 18 and the connecting edge 19. Through the cooperation of the fixing edge 18, the connecting edge 19 and the locking bolts 20, the liquid inlet end cover 2 and the sewage outlet end cover 3 can be conveniently and detachably installed on the housing 1. In this way, when the automatic cleaning fails, only the liquid inlet end cover 2 or the sewage outlet end cover 3 needs to be disassembled to realize manual inspection and cleaning of the inside of the ceramic membrane filter element 12.

[0024] In this utility model, locking pins 22 are provided at the top of the mounting top frame 6 and the bottom of the mounting base 7. Locking grooves 23 are provided on the mounting top plate 8 and the mounting base 9. The locking pins 22 pass through the locking grooves 23 and are threaded with locking nuts 24. Second sealing gaskets 25 are provided between the mounting top frame 6 and the mounting top plate 8 and between the mounting base 7 and the mounting base 9. During installation, the ceramic membrane filter element 12 can be snapped and fixed to the top or bottom fixing sleeve 11. Taking the fixing sleeve 11 first installed on the mounting base plate 9 as an example, after the ceramic membrane filter element 12 is installed, the ceramic membrane filter element 12 is inserted between the mounting top frame 6 and the mounting base frame 7, and the locking groove 23 on the mounting base plate 9 passes through the corresponding locking post 22 on the mounting base frame 7. Then, the ceramic membrane filter element 12 is locked and fixed by locking nut 24, thus realizing the initial installation of the mounting base plate 9 carrying the ceramic membrane filter element 12 inside the housing 1; Then, the fixing sleeve 11 on the mounting top plate 8 is sealed and fastened to the corresponding top of the ceramic membrane filter element 12, and the locking pin 22 on the mounting top frame 6 passes through the locking groove 23 on the mounting top plate 8, and is locked and fixed by the corresponding locking nut 24. This allows for convenient disassembly and installation of the ceramic membrane filter element 12 within the housing 1. During disassembly, only the mounting top plate 8 or the mounting bottom plate 9 needs to be removed to disassemble the ceramic membrane filter element 12.

[0025] Please see Figures 1-6 As one embodiment of the ceramic membrane filter element 12: a sealing sleeve 26 is provided between the end of the ceramic membrane filter element 12 and the corresponding fixing sleeve 11. The sealing sleeve 26 can enhance the sealing performance of the ceramic membrane filter element 12 after it is installed inside the fixing sleeve 11. At the same time, the installation stability of the ceramic membrane filter element 12 can be improved by the frictional locking performance between the ceramic membrane filter element 12 and the sealing sleeve 26.

[0026] In this utility model, the inlet pipe 4 is equipped with a flow valve 27 and a flow meter 28, and the drain pipe 5 and backflush pipe 15 are equipped with control valves 29. The flow valve 27 can accurately control the input flow of the inlet pipe 4, the flow meter 28 is used to monitor the inlet flow of the inlet pipe 4, and the control valve 29 is used to control the opening and closing of the drain pipe 5 and the backflush pipe 15 respectively.

[0027] In summary, the working principle and specific workflow of this utility model are as follows: During installation, the ceramic membrane filter element 12 can be snapped into the top or bottom fixing sleeve 11. Taking the fixing sleeve 11 first installed on the mounting base plate 9 as an example; After the ceramic membrane filter element 12 is installed, it is inserted between the mounting top frame 6 and the mounting base frame 7, so that the locking groove 23 on the mounting base plate 9 passes through the corresponding locking post 22 on the mounting base frame 7. Then, it is locked and fixed by the locking nut 24, thus achieving the initial installation of the ceramic membrane filter element 12 carried by the mounting base plate 9 inside the housing 1. Then, the fixing sleeve 11 on the mounting top plate 8 is sealed and fastened to the corresponding top of the ceramic membrane filter element 12, so that the locking post 22 on the mounting top frame 6 passes through the locking groove 23 on the mounting top plate 8, and is locked and fixed by the corresponding locking nut 24. Thus, the ceramic membrane filter element 12 is conveniently, quickly and stably installed in the housing 1 by the cooperation and limiting of the upper and lower sets of fixing sleeves 11. Then, the liquid inlet end cover 2 and the sewage outlet end cover 3 are respectively installed and fixed to the top and bottom of the housing 1 by the cooperation of the fixing edge 18, the connecting edge 19 and the locking bolt 20; Using the above method, the liquid inlet end cover 2 and the sewage outlet end cover 3 can be conveniently and detachably installed on the housing 1. Thus, when the automatic cleaning fails, only the liquid inlet end cover 2 or the sewage outlet end cover 3 needs to be disassembled to perform manual inspection and cleaning operations inside the ceramic membrane filter element 12 without disassembling the ceramic membrane filter element 12. Meanwhile, this utility model enables convenient disassembly and installation of the ceramic membrane filter element 12 within the housing 1 through the cooperation of the mounting top frame 6, mounting top plate 8, mounting base frame 7, and mounting base plate 9. During disassembly, only one end of the mounting top plate 8 or mounting base plate 9 needs to be disassembled, and the ceramic membrane filter element 12 can be pulled out from the other end to achieve quick disassembly and replacement of the ceramic membrane filter element 12.

[0028] In use, this utility model controls the drain pipe 5 to be in a closed state and the backflush pipe 15 to be in a closed state. Open the inlet pipe 4 so that the brine to be purified enters the inlet end cover 2 through the inlet pipe 4 and enters the ceramic membrane filter element 12 through the flow port 10. It flows along the spiral purification filter channel 14 to efficiently remove suspended solids, calcium and magnesium ions and other impurities from the brine, ensuring the purity of the brine in the subsequent electrolytic cell process. The purified brine is discharged through the outlet pipe 13; When the ceramic membrane filter element 12 needs to be cleaned, the ultrasonic generator 16 is controlled to operate, and the sound wave energy is converted into vibration energy under the action of the ultrasonic transducer 17, which decomposes stubborn organic pollutants (such as biofilm, oil stains) or softens inorganic scale (such as salt crystals). Then, the backwash medium is transported to the housing 1 through the backwash pipe 15. The backwash medium can be purified brine, high-pressure clean gas, etc. The fluid shear force is used to physically peel off the microwave-loosened contaminants. The two work together to effectively remove the impurities intercepted in the ceramic membrane filter element 12, achieving high efficiency and speed of the ceramic membrane filter element 12. During this process, when backwashing, the drain pipe 5 is opened, allowing the impurities washed down to be discharged directly through the drain pipe 5. This process does not require stopping the operation, thus improving the purification effect and efficiency of the brine.

[0029] In this utility model, the first sealing gasket 21, the second sealing gasket 25, and the sealing sleeve 26 can all be made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0030] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0031] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A ceramic membrane filter for brine purification, comprising a housing (1), characterized in that: The top of the housing (1) is detachably provided with an inlet end cover (2), and the bottom is detachably provided with a drain end cover (3). The top of the inlet end cover (2) is provided with an inlet pipe (4), and the bottom of the drain end cover (3) is provided with a drain pipe (5). The top of the housing (1) is provided with an installation top frame (6), and the bottom is provided with an installation base frame (7). The top of the installation top frame (6) is detachably provided with an installation top plate (8), and the bottom of the installation base frame (7) is detachably provided with an installation base plate (9). Both the installation top plate (8) and the installation base plate (9) are provided with flow ports (10). The opposite sides of the flow ports (10) are provided with fixing sleeves (11). The two upper and lower opposite fixing sleeves (11) are sealed and engaged with a ceramic membrane filter element (12). The side wall of the housing (1) is provided with an outlet pipe (13).

2. The ceramic membrane filter for brine purification according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the ceramic membrane filter elements (12) has a spiral purification filter channel (14) inside, and the spiral purification filter channels (14) are intertwined with each other.

3. The ceramic membrane filter for brine purification according to claim 1, characterized in that: A backflush pipe (15) is provided on the side wall of the housing (1).

4. The ceramic membrane filter for brine purification according to claim 3, characterized in that: An ultrasonic generator (16) is installed on the outside of the housing (1), and multiple sets of ultrasonic transducers (17) are arrayed on the inner wall of the housing (1). The ultrasonic generator (16) and the ultrasonic transducers (17) are used in conjunction.

5. The ceramic membrane filter for brine purification according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top and bottom of the housing (1) are provided with a fixing edge (18), the liquid inlet end cover (2) and the sewage outlet end cover (3) are provided with a connecting edge (19), a plurality of locking bolts (20) are provided between the fixing edge (18) and the connecting edge (19), and a first sealing gasket (21) is provided between the fixing edge (18) and the connecting edge (19).

6. The ceramic membrane filter for brine purification according to claim 1, characterized in that: Locking pins (22) are provided at the top of the mounting top frame (6) and the bottom of the mounting base frame (7). Locking grooves (23) are provided on the mounting top plate (8) and the mounting base plate (9). The locking pins (22) pass through the locking grooves (23) and are threaded with locking nuts (24). Second sealing gaskets (25) are provided between the mounting top frame (6) and the mounting top plate (8) and between the mounting base frame (7) and the mounting base plate (9).

7. The ceramic membrane filter for brine purification according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing sleeve (26) is provided between the end of the ceramic membrane filter element (12) and the corresponding fixing sleeve (11).

8. The ceramic membrane filter for brine purification according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inlet pipe (4) is equipped with a flow valve (27) and a flow meter (28), and the drain pipe (5) and backflush pipe (15) are equipped with control valves (29).

Images