Bypass Control Sleeve Asymmetric Protrusions Spiral Wound Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spiral wound membrane elements face challenges in maintaining sanitary conditions and optimizing bypass flow, which affects filtration efficiency and membrane element replacement due to brine seals causing difficulty in sliding membrane elements in and out of pressure housings.
Innovation Solution
A bypass control sleeve with asymmetric protrusions and steep or concave forward faces is introduced to create turbulence in the annular space, reducing bypass flow and enhancing cleaning, while being pre-molded and adaptable for easy installation, made from materials suitable for food contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bypass flow is increased to improve flushing of the annular space, then sanitary conditions are improved, but permeate production is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass control sleeve introduces localized protrusions at specific positions along the annular space to create targeted turbulence zones. This local modification enhances flushing action where needed while preserving smooth flow in other regions, thereby maintaining permeate production without compromising sanitary conditions throughout the entire annular space.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than increasing bypass flow throughout the entire annular space, the invention applies partial action by positioning protrusions only at critical locations where turbulence is most needed for sanitary flushing. This selective approach provides sufficient cleaning action locally while minimizing the overall impact on permeate production volume.
2Productivity
If brine seal is used to prevent bypass flow and improve permeate production, then permeate production is improved, but membrane element replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass control sleeve is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently installed and removed. This segmentation allows the sleeve to remain in place during membrane element replacement operations, providing structural guidance and flow control, while the membrane elements themselves can be freely exchanged without being constrained by the brine seal mechanism.
3Productivity
If bypass control sleeve with protrusions is introduced to reduce bypass flow, then product recovery is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass control sleeve is constructed as a thin-walled cylindrical shell that can be manufactured using conventional forming processes. The protrusions are integrated into the sleeve wall as simple geometric features rather than separate components, maintaining the flexibility and simplicity of the overall structure while achieving the desired flow control function through the protrusion geometry alone.
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 bypass control sleeve significantly reduces bypass flow, increases product recovery, prevents solid buildup and bacteria growth, and simplifies membrane element replacement by reducing the force required for installation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
The outer surface of the by-pass control sleeve may have one or more of asymmetric protrusions, protrusions separated by constant diameter segments, and protrusions with a steep or concave forward face. In at least some examples, the by-pass control sleeve provides a sufficient turbulence to provide sanitary conditions in the annular space around the by-pass control sleeve with low by-pass flow.
Data Source
AI summary
A by-pass control sleeve has circumferential protrusions along its outer surface. The protrusions of the by-pass control sleeve may be distributed along the length of the sleeve with constant diameter sections of the sleeve therebetween. The protrusions may be asymmetrical and/or may have a steep and/or concave curved forward face. A method of making a by-pass control sleeve comprises molding the protrusions on an outer surface of the sleeve. A method of installing the by-pass control sleeve comprises sliding the sleeve onto an end of a spiral wound membrane element. A combination of the by-pass control sleeve fixed to the spiral wound membrane element may be installed in a pressure housing.