AFX Zeolite Membrane Dehydration via Pressure Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dehydration methods using zeolite membranes face challenges such as degradation of dehydration performance over time, particularly with A-type zeolite membranes dissolving in water and T-type zeolite membranes allowing non-permeable components to pass through due to their structure, and AFX membranes having strong anisotropy and surface roughness issues.
Innovation Solution
A dehydration method utilizing a zeolite membrane with an AFX structure, where a mixture is supplied to a supply side space and a pressure difference is created between the supply and permeation side spaces to selectively separate water, employing a porous support with controlled pore size and surface roughness to maintain dehydration performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If A-type zeolite membrane is used for dehydration, then dehydration performance is achieved, but the membrane partially dissolves in water over long period causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the crystal structure parameter from A-type or T-type zeolite to AFX-type zeolite, which has different structural characteristics that provide resistance to water dissolution while maintaining dehydration performance. This parameter change in the membrane material's crystal structure resolves the contradiction between achieving dehydration performance and maintaining long-term stability.
2Reliability
If T-type zeolite membrane is used for dehydration, then acid resistance is improved, but pores are larger than required allowing non-permeable components to pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the zeolite crystal structure from T-type to AFX-type, which has different pore dimensions that provide both acid resistance and appropriate pore size for selective water permeation. The AFX structure's specific pore geometry allows it to maintain both the chemical stability and the precise size control needed to prevent non-permeable components from passing through.
3Reliability
If AFX membrane is used for dehydration, then dehydration performance is achieved, but strong anisotropy of crystal growth causes difficulty in suppressing orientation and reduces surface roughness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the specific crystal growth characteristics of AFX-type zeolite and controls the formation conditions to achieve a membrane with suppressed crystal orientation. By optimizing the synthesis parameters and support structure interaction, the patent achieves both high dehydration performance and improved surface roughness control compared to other zeolite types.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively suppresses degradation of dehydration performance by using a durable AFX membrane with controlled crystal orientation and surface roughness, ensuring long-term water separation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
making a pressure difference between the supply side space and a permeation side space of the zeolite membrane having an AFX structure
Implementation Method 2
selectively separating water from a mixture that contains water, using a zeolite membrane having an AFX structure
Data Source
AI summary
A dehydration method is a dehydration method for selectively separating water from a mixture that contains water, using a zeolite membrane having an AFX structure, and the method includes a step of supplying the mixture to a supply side space of the zeolite membrane having an AFX structure, and a step of making a pressure difference between the supply side space and a permeation side space of the zeolite membrane having an AFX structure.